Portable Peristaltic Breast Pump for Battery-Saving Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps are cumbersome, visible, require AC power or quickly drain batteries, and fail to mimic natural nursing, leading to discomfort and inconvenience for nursing mothers.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-powered breast pump system with a peristaltic mechanism, contoured to fit within a bra, featuring a flange that mimics natural breast shape, a non-contact pressure sensor, and a controller for real-time pressure control, allowing discreet and comfortable milk expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a powered breast pump is used to maintain continuous suction, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but battery power is quickly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between pumping phase (motor runs) and pause phase (motor stops). This periodic operation maintains milk extraction effectiveness while significantly reducing average power consumption, allowing the battery to last through entire pumping sessions without continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor operation based on real-time pressure sensor feedback. The controller activates the motor only when pressure changes indicate milk flow is needed, and deactivates it during pause periods or when flow stops. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between extraction efficiency and energy conservation.
2Productivity
If a conventional breast pump is used, then milk extraction is effective, but the device is visible and exposes the breast during use
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump is nested within a bra cup, with the motor, pump mechanism, and collection container all housed inside the bra structure. This nesting allows the functional pump to remain hidden under clothing, providing discretion while maintaining full pumping capability. The bra cup acts as the outer housing that conceals all pump components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bra cup serves as an intermediary structure between the user's body and the pump mechanism. It provides both the housing for the pump components and the interface that contacts the breast, allowing the pump to function effectively while remaining concealed under the user's clothing.
3Loss of energy
If manual hand pump is used, then no power source is needed, but the pumping process is onerous and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a small battery and motor to automatically perform the pumping action, eliminating the need for manual hand operation. The automated motor-driven pump provides consistent suction without requiring the user to repeatedly compress and release the pump mechanism, making the process much more convenient while still being portable and self-contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pumping action is replaced with an automated motor-driven peristaltic pump mechanism. The motor provides the mechanical force needed for milk extraction, substituting the user's manual arm and hand movements with an automated electromechanical system that is much easier to operate.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If AC power source is used, then continuous operation is possible, but portability and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system extracts the power source from the AC mains and replaces it with a portable battery pack. This extraction of the power source from its traditional stationary AC connection enables the pump to be used anywhere, providing both continuous operation duration and portability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery-powered design provides universal operation capability, allowing the pump to function both as a portable device for use anywhere and as a continuous-operation device for extended pumping sessions. The battery serves multiple functions: providing portability, enabling operation without AC power, and sustaining operation for the required duration.
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 comfortable, discreet, and efficient milk expression experience, mimicking natural nursing with reduced nipple motion, minimizing irritation and leakage, and offering data tracking and battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
peristaltic pumping structure that delivers milk from a breast to the collection assembly
Implementation Method 2
A diaphragm can be provided to function to create a vacuum within a first chamber
Implementation Method 3
the volume equalization and diffusing chamber conditions the vacuum being applied within the nipple tunnel
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.