Reclining Breast Pump Shield with Adjustable Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast milk pumping equipment requires women to lean forward or sit upright to facilitate efficient milk flow, which can be uncomfortable and painful, especially for those recovering from surgery, and does not allow for reclining positions or hands-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A reclining breast pumping system with angled breast shields featuring an elliptical interface and ripples for comfortable contact and reduced soreness, allowing milk to flow downward despite a reclining position, and a hands-free support system using straps and trapeze structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional breast shield is used with downward tilt to facilitate milk flow, then milk flow efficiency is improved, but the nursing woman must lean forward or sit upright which causes discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the angle of the shield to be dynamically changed between a downward tilt (for efficient milk flow) and an upright or reclining position (for user comfort). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to switch between productivity-oriented and comfort-oriented configurations based on their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the breast shield to resolve the contradiction. By making the angle adjustable between approximately 30-60 degrees (downward tilt for milk flow) and 0-30 degrees (upright or reclining for comfort), the system can optimize for either milk flow efficiency or user comfort depending on the situation.
2Ease of operation
If the breast shield is angled to work in a reclining position, then user comfort is improved, but milk flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable angle mechanism allows the breast shield to be dynamically repositioned from a reclining-friendly angle to a milk-flow-optimized angle. This dynamic capability enables the user to prioritize comfort during reclining while maintaining the ability to switch to an efficient milk flow configuration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the angular parameter of the breast shield, the system can optimize for comfort during reclining (smaller angle) while maintaining the capability to switch to a larger angle for improved milk flow efficiency, thus resolving the trade-off between these two objectives.
3Device complexity
If a conventional tube design is used, then the structure is simple, but nipple stretching and pain occur during pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional sharp-edged circular tube with a curved, rounded interface that gradually transitions to the tube. This curved geometry eliminates the sharp boundary that causes nipple stretching and pain, while maintaining structural simplicity. The gradual curve allows the nipple to be gently guided into the tube without concentrated stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the interface. The outer surface maintains a simple circular shape for ease of manufacture, while the inner surface features a gradual curved transition that is specifically designed to protect the nipple from stretching and pain. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between simplicity and comfort.
4Reliability
If the breast shield material is firm to ensure good contact, then sealing is improved, but contact soreness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible material for the breast shield that can conform to the breast surface while maintaining adequate sealing. This flexibility allows the shield to adapt to individual breast shapes and movements, ensuring reliable contact and sealing without causing soreness from rigid, uncomfortable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the material properties (flexibility, softness) of the breast shield, the system can optimize for both sealing effectiveness and comfort. The material is designed to be sufficiently soft to prevent soreness while maintaining enough firmness to create an effective seal, thus resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 reduces nipple and areola soreness, alleviates milk duct constriction, and allows for comfortable, hands-free milk expression in a reclining position, enhancing lactation response and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the breast shield must be oriented without any upward tilt, and preferably with a significant downward tilt, to have gravity assist the flow of expressed milk away from the breast
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed reclining breast pumping system includes a breast shield that forms a passageway. Material of the breast shield adjacent to a first end of the passageway is shaped to fit over an area surrounding the areola and nipple of a woman's breast. Material of the breast shield that extends from a second end of the passageway is formed into a tube. When the breast shield is fitted onto a woman's breast, the part of the passageway closest to but not touching the nipple of the breast extends in a direction that is non-perpendicular to the areola. Variations and methods are also disclosed.