Nipple Shield with Domed Base and Flat End Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nipple shields cause discomfort due to inadequate configuration, leading to milk pooling and improper latching during breastfeeding, as they have rounded ends that don't fit snugly and cover too much of the breast, causing pinching and making feeding less natural for babies.
Innovation Solution
A nipple shield with a dome-shaped base and a nipple portion featuring a sidewall and flat end wall with multiple openings in a hexagonal pattern, allowing for direct baby nose contact and reducing milk pooling, fabricated from pliable materials like silicone or latex to fit various breast sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional nipple shields have rounded ends, then they are easier to manufacture, but they do not fit tight against the end of the nipple causing milk pooling and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from rounded ends to a domed shape with a flat end wall. The domed base portion follows the natural curvature of the breast, while the flat end wall provides a snug fit against the nipple tip, eliminating milk pooling while remaining manufacturable through molding processes.
2Device complexity
If conventional nipple shields have cylindrical shape, then they are simpler in design, but they cause milk pooling and additional discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cylindrical shape with a domed configuration where the base portion is curved to match the breast contour and the end wall is flat to prevent pooling. This geometric modification eliminates milk accumulation while maintaining design simplicity through a single-piece molded structure.
3Area of stationary object
If base portion covers too much of the breast, then it provides more coverage and protection, but it causes baby's nose to press against the shield inhibiting proper latching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the base portion domed rather than flat, concentrating coverage where needed on the breast while reducing the overall profile. The domed shape follows the breast contour, providing protection in the right areas while minimizing interference with the baby's nose and latching process.
4Ease of manufacture
If nipple portion does not fit snugly, then it is more comfortable to manufacture, but it results in pinching and rubbing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the domed configuration with a flat end wall to create a snug fit that eliminates pinching and rubbing. The curved domed base conforms to the breast and nipple shape, while the flat end wall provides a secure seal, preventing discomfort during feeding while remaining manufacturable through standard molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A nipple shield includes a base portion having a cutout for allowing a nose of the baby to contact the mother's breast during breastfeeding and a nipple portion that extends outward from the base portion. The nipple portion includes a sidewall and a generally flat end wall that has a plurality of openings therein. The nipple portion is configured for receiving the nipple therein and to be placed in the baby's mouth during breastfeeding.