Pumping Apparatus for Enteral Feeding with Valve Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for delivering breast milk and fortifier to infants in clinical settings are inefficient, wasteful, and pose health risks due to manual mixing and handling, which can lead to contamination and require time-consuming measurements.

Innovation Solution

A pumping apparatus with a controller and pump set that allows for precise delivery of predetermined volumes of breast milk and fortifier, reducing the need for manual mixing and minimizing exposure to pathogens by integrating containers and using a valve mechanism for controlled fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If breast milk and fortifier are pre-mixed manually by a clinician, then the mixture is ready for immediate use, but breast milk is wasted because the desired ratio may change before the mixture is used up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness of mixtureVSAvoidwaste of breast milk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the feeding process into separate delivery phases - first delivering breast milk, then fortifier, or delivering them simultaneously in controlled proportions. This segmentation allows the mixture ratio to be adjusted between deliveries without wasting the breast milk, as it is not pre-mixed in fixed proportions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the delivery parameters including flow rates, volumes, and timing of breast milk and fortifier based on real-time clinical needs. The controller allows modification of delivery parameters before and during the feeding process, enabling adaptation to changing desired ratios without waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If breast milk and fortifier are pre-mixed manually, then the mixture is prepared in advance, but the measurement process is very time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation in advanceVSAvoidtime for measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic measurement and delivery of breast milk and fortifier volumes without requiring manual measurement by the clinician. The controller automatically tracks and delivers precise volumes based on programmed parameters, eliminating the time-consuming manual measurement process while maintaining preparation in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical measurement process is replaced with an automated electronic control system that calculates and delivers precise volumes automatically. The system uses electronic sensors and controllers to manage fluid delivery, substituting the manual measurement and mixing process with automated mechanical and electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If breast milk and fortifier are mixed by hand, then the process is simple, but the process is messy and has the potential to transmit disease to the clinician

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processVSAvoidcontamination and disease transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary automated mixing and delivery mechanism that prevents direct contact between the clinician and the breast milk. The pump system acts as an intermediary device that handles all aspects of mixing and delivery, eliminating the need for manual handling and thus preventing contamination and disease transmission to the clinician.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical mixing process is replaced with an automated pump system that performs all mixing and delivery operations. This substitution eliminates the need for clinician hands-on contact with breast milk, removing the pathway for disease transmission while maintaining process simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 streamlines the delivery process, reduces waste, and minimizes the risk of contamination by automating the mixing and delivery of breast milk and fortifier, ensuring accurate ratios and reducing the time and mess associated with manual handling.

Implementation Method 1

a pump set attached to the pumping apparatus to produce fluid flow through the pump set for delivery of the breast milk and fortifier to the infant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a valve mechanism connected to the first and second containers by the tubing and configured to selectively pass liquid from the first container and the second container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12005030B2Feed-fortify enteral feeding and related methods therefor

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

A pump set for use with a pumping apparatus to deliver nutrition to an infant includes a first container to receive breast milk; a second container to receive fortifier; tubing extending from the first container and from the second container; and a valve mechanism connected to the first and second containers by the tubing and configured to selectively pass liquid from the first container and the second container.