Optical Fluid Volume Sensing in Breast Milk Collection Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid accumulation apparatuses lack effective monitoring of fluid parameters during the accumulation process, particularly in breast milk collection systems, where precise measurement and quality assessment are crucial but not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a drain bottle with a reservoir and a suction pump system, combined with an optical sensing device using light sources and detectors to measure the fluid volume in the reservoir, allowing for accurate monitoring of fluid accumulation and flow, and a valve mechanism to control the outflow, ensuring efficient and energy-saving milk transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are coupled to an inside wall of the collection vessel for determining the volume of fluid, then the quantity measurement is enabled, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for monitoring fluid parameters during accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensors with optical sensors that use light transmission through the transparent collection vessel wall to detect fluid volume. This optical approach provides more precise measurements by detecting light absorption or refraction changes as fluid levels change, eliminating the need for direct contact sensors inside the vessel and improving measurement reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system that measures fluid parameters indirectly through the transparent vessel wall rather than requiring direct contact with the fluid. This intermediary approach allows for non-invasive, precise monitoring of fluid volume and potentially other parameters while maintaining device simplicity.
2Productivity
If a suction pump is used for extracting milk from the breast and accumulating it in the collection vessel, then the fluid accumulation function is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic suction cycles rather than continuous pumping, where the suction pump operates in intermittent bursts to extract milk and then pauses to allow passive flow or reservoir emptying. This periodic operation maintains effective milk extraction productivity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system with reservoirs positioned at specific heights and uses gravity-assisted flow to supplement pump action. By creating equipotential conditions where gravity can assist the suction process, the system reduces the energy burden on the suction pump while maintaining effective milk extraction and accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If the reservoir and drain bottle communicate via a valve in the outlet for controlled outflow, then the fluid transfer is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating valve mechanisms that automatically control fluid transfer between reservoirs and the drain bottle based on fluid level sensors or pressure differentials. The valve opens when the reservoir is full and closes when empty, providing automated fluid transfer control without requiring complex manual control systems or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect fluid levels in the reservoir and automatically trigger valve actuation to control outflow. This feedback-based control system provides precise fluid transfer management while keeping the valve mechanism relatively simple, as the control logic is handled by the sensor-actuator feedback loop rather than complex mechanical systems.
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
This solution enables precise monitoring of fluid parameters, ensuring accurate measurement and efficient milk accumulation, while the optical sensing device provides real-time volume measurement, and the valve system ensures controlled outflow, enhancing the overall efficiency and usability of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensing device (22) operably coupled to the reservoir (8) and adjusted to measure the volume of the fluid standing in the reservoir (8). The optical sensing device (22) comprises light sources (26) and detectors (28), wherein the light sources (26) are configured to emit light towards the reservoir (8) and the detectors (28) are configured to detect an intensity of the light emanating from the reservoir (8)
Implementation Method 2
A suction pump is connectable with a suction aperture of the apparatus for creating a vacuum in the reservoir. The reservoir (8) is adapted to communicate with the port (16) such that milk extracted at the breast interface (18) is guided into the reservoir (8) via a suction force of the suction pump
Implementation Method 3
the reservoir (8) and the drain bottle (4) communicating with each other via a valve (12) provided in the outlet (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (2) for accumulating a fluid, the apparatus (2) comprising a drain bottle (4) for containing the fluid, a reservoir (8) having an outlet (10) towards the drain bottle (4), the reservoir (8) and the drain bottle (4) communicating with each other via a valve (12) provided in the outlet (10), a suction aperture (14) connectable with a suction pump for creating a vacuum in the reservoir (8), an optical sensing device (22) operably coupled to the reservoir (8) and adjusted to measure the volume of the fluid standing in the reservoir (8), the optical sensing device (22) comprising a light source (26) and a detector (28), wherein the light source (26) is configured to emit light towards the reservoir (8) and the detector (28) is configured to detect an intensity of the light emanating from the reservoir (8), and at least one light directing means (30, 32) for directing the light on its path from the light source (26) to the detector (28).