Portable Breast Pump with Adaptive Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps are often cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require AC power or quickly drain battery power, making them inefficient and inconvenient for discreet use by nursing mothers, especially in public or away from home.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-powered breast pump system with a skin contact member, conduit, and driving mechanism that creates suction for milk extraction, using a motor and valve configuration to maintain suction and pressure levels, and a controller for adaptive control, allowing for efficient milk collection without exposing the breast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery-powered motorized pump is used, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but battery power is drained rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active pumping phases and rest phases. The controller activates the pump motor only during specific time windows when milk flow is detected, and deactivates it during rest phases, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective milk extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flow sensors to detect milk flow and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts pump operation, activating the motor only when milk flow is detected and deactivating it when flow stops, optimizing the balance between extraction efficiency and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If conventional breast pump is used, then milk extraction function is provided, but device is awkward and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is divided into separate functional modules: a breast shield assembly for milk collection, a portable pump unit for milk extraction, and a controller unit for operation. These modular components can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast shield serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the breast, a collection container for milk, and an interface for the pump mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Productivity
If visible breast pump is used, then milk extraction is effective, but breast is exposed and not discrete
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield is constructed from flexible, skin-toned materials that can conform to the breast shape while providing coverage. This flexible shell design allows the pump to be worn discreetly under clothing, preventing breast exposure while maintaining effective milk extraction through the shield's integrated pumping mechanism.
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
The system provides a discreet, efficient, and portable means of milk extraction, maintaining suction and pressure levels to effectively pump milk without the need for AC power, ensuring convenience and comfort for users.
Implementation Method 1
a driving mechanism configured to compress a region of the conduit... a suction created by compressing the conduit and allowing the conduit to rebound is a driving force for extracting milk from the breast
Implementation Method 2
the valve configured and dimensioned to alternatively seal and release a seal of the conduit... configured to maintain suction and pressure levels
Implementation Method 3
a one-way valve in fluid communication with a distal end portion of the conduit... the one-way valve preventing backflow of milk into the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.