Portable Breast Pump Controller With Cyclic Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps are cumbersome, visible, and require AC power or quickly drain batteries, making them inconvenient for discreet use outside the home.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-powered breast pump system with a natural breast profile, integrated suction and pressure mechanisms, and a controller for adaptive control, allowing discreet and efficient milk extraction without mechanical motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motorized pump continuously operates to maintain suction during milk extraction, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but battery power is rapidly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system uses periodic compression and expansion of the conduit to create alternating suction and expulsion phases, replacing continuous motor operation with cyclic mechanical action that conserves battery power while maintaining effective milk extraction
2Volume of moving object
If the breast pump system is made small and portable for discreet use, then user comfort and discretion are improved, but the pumping mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump device and storage container are integrated into a single compact unit that fits within the user's bra, combining multiple functions (pumping, storage, and discreet wearing) into one device to reduce overall system size while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the pumping function into separate compression and expulsion phases using distinct mechanical actions on different portions of the conduit, allowing each component to be simplified while achieving complex pumping behavior through coordinated operation
3Productivity
If traditional breast pumps are used, then milk extraction function is achieved, but the device is visible and exposes the breast during use
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is designed to be worn within the user's bra, nesting the pump device and storage container inside the existing clothing structure, which conceals the device and maintains natural appearance during use
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 comfortable, discreet milk extraction using suction and pressure cycles, maintaining a natural appearance and conserving energy, suitable for extended use away from home.
Implementation Method 1
expansion of the conduit that was previously compressed to generate suction that drives expression of milk from a breast
Implementation Method 2
compressing a portion of the conduit and reducing compression where returning the conduit to an uncompressed state generates suction sufficient to extract milk from a breast
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. In one approach, the breast pump assembly includes a breast adapter and a receptacle configured to cup the breast adapter, and the breast adapter is removable from the receptacle.