Non-Lactating Breast Sensor for Milk Ejection Reflex Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps struggle to accurately and timely detect the milk ejection reflex (MER) due to delayed detection of milk flow and interference from mechanical movements or other fluids, leading to inefficient milk expression.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a physiological sensor unit that detects changes in fluid content in the non-lactating breast, using contact or remote photoplethysmographic sensors, laser speckle, thermal, or bioimpedance sensors to provide precise and immediate detection of MER, allowing for real-time adjustment of suckling patterns and vacuum control in breast pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is arranged in optical communication with the coupling end of the receiving unit to detect milk flow, then milk ejection can be detected, but detection is delayed due to distance between mammary gland and sensor and faulty measurements occur when other fluids are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the non-lactating breast as an intermediary medium to detect MER. Instead of placing the sensor directly in the milk flow path where it encounters delays and contamination, the sensor detects physiological changes (fluid content variations) in the opposite breast that occur simultaneously with MER. This intermediary approach eliminates detection delay and avoids interference from milk flow mechanics and other fluids.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is arranged in optical communication with the coupling end of the receiving unit, then milk flow detection is possible, but faulty measurements occur when other fluids are present such as sweat or water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the environment contaminated by milk flow, sweat, and water at the coupling end. By relocating the sensor to monitor the non-lactating breast, the system removes the harmful factor of fluid interference entirely, as the non-lactating breast does not have direct contact with milk flow or external fluids during pumping.
3Measurement precision
If physiological sensor unit detects changes in fluid content in the non-lactating breast, then MER detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a universal physiological sensor that can detect various fluid content changes in breast tissue. The same sensor type used for detecting MER in the non-lactating breast could potentially be applied to other physiological monitoring applications, reducing overall system complexity through component standardization and multi-functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables direct and precise detection of MER before milk flow, reducing delays and noise interference, resulting in more natural and effective milk expression with improved accuracy and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
contact or remote photoplethysmographic sensors
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a physiological sensor unit that detects changes in fluid content in the non-lactating breast
Implementation Method 3
laser speckle
Implementation Method 4
thermal
Implementation Method 5
bioimpedance sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, method and corresponding computer program for milk ejection reflex (MER) determination, the system comprising a breast shield arrangement (1) for a breast pump (2) configured to be attached on a first breast of a female, a physiological sensor unit (4) for receiving a physiological reception signal from the second breast, which is opposite to the first breast, wherein the physiological reception signal is indicative of fluid contents in the second breast, and wherein the system is configured to determine a milk ejection reflex based on a change in fluid contents in the second breast. It finds particular application during and in connection with breastfeeding and allows for direct detection of the beginning of the milk flow in the breast, i.e. the occurrence of the MER, without delay and with a high degree of precision.