Open-Top Nipple Shield System for Weaning and Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nipple shields can cause nipple damage, are difficult to fit properly due to varying nipple sizes, and lead to dependency issues when transitioning from shield to direct breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Innovation Solution
A system of nipple shields with varying protrusion heights and aperture diameters made of malleable materials, allowing for gradual transition from full coverage to minimal coverage, and featuring open apertures to prevent damage and facilitate skin-to-skin contact, enabling a one-size-fits-all solution that aids in weaning from the shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an enclosed nipple shield with small holes is used to protect the nipple, then nipple protection is improved, but the nipple may be pulled through the holes causing damage such as blisters and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the enclosed tip structure with small holes from the nipple shield design. Instead, the shield consists of a base portion that covers the nipple without an enclosed end, allowing milk ejection holes to be positioned on the sides or top surface rather than through a enclosed tip. This extraction of the problematic enclosed structure eliminates the risk of nipple suction through small holes while maintaining protection and milk flow functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an enclosed nipple shield is used to shield the nipple, then nipple protection is improved, but it prevents skin-to-skin contact between child and mother
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the enclosed tip that prevented skin contact. The open-ended design allows the child's mouth and skin to contact the mother's nipple and breast directly while the base portion of the shield remains in place for protection. This enables natural skin-to-skin bonding and sensory contact while maintaining the protective and functional benefits of the shield.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional nipple shields are used to accommodate various nipple sizes, then nipple coverage is improved, but it is difficult to determine the correct size due to varying nipple shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the nipple shield with a base portion that can universally accommodate various nipple sizes and shapes through flexible material construction and adaptable geometry. The shield's base is designed to conform to different nipple configurations without requiring multiple size variants, making a single design suitable for diverse users while maintaining proper fit and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible, malleable materials that can change shape and conform to different nipple parameters (size, shape, elevation). This material property allows the same shield design to adapt to various nipple configurations, eliminating the need for multiple sized shields and simplifying selection for users.
4Productivity
If a nipple shield with enclosed tip and small holes is used, then milk ejection is facilitated, but the holes can cause damage to the woman's nipple when the child suckles hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the enclosed tip structure with small milk holes that caused nipple damage. Instead, milk ejection holes are positioned on the sides or top surface of the base portion, allowing milk to be discharged safely without the risk of the nipple being suctioned through small enclosed holes. This maintains effective milk flow while eliminating the harmful suction effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of nipple shields are disclosed, with each nipple shield having a protrusion that terminates with an aperture encompassing the top circumference (i.e., open top) for allowing a nipple to exit. Each nipple shield may be used alone or in combination, as a system of nipple shields. A first nipple shield may have a first base and a first protrusion terminating in a first aperture. A second nipple shield may have a second base and a second protrusion with a second aperture that is greater than the first, and a third nipple shield may have a third base and a third protrusion with a third aperture greater than the second.