Rotating Diaphragm Manual Breast Pump Reduces Lever Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-hand operable breast pumps face challenges with the initial movement of the diaphragm member in the chamber, requiring significant force to overcome built-up pressure, leading to user discomfort and potential loss of grip on the lever, especially when the milk container contains liquid.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump design featuring a diaphragm member that rotates against a wall within the chamber, facilitated by a flexible body and a longer shaft, reducing the required lever actuation force by leveraging the moment arm and inherent elasticity, allowing easier milk expression with reduced pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the diaphragm member moves parallel to itself within a cylinder-like chamber, then the structure is simple, but the initial lever actuation force is high due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linear motion of the diaphragm member into rotational motion. The diaphragm member rotates about a pivot point instead of moving parallel to itself, which changes the mechanical advantage and reduces the initial force required to overcome pressure buildup in the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter of the diaphragm member from linear translation to rotation. This parameter change transforms the force application mechanism, allowing the lever to apply torque rather than direct linear force, thereby reducing the actuation force needed to initiate milk expression.
2Device complexity
If the diaphragm member moves parallel to itself, then the mechanical structure is straightforward, but user discomfort occurs due to excessive pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the motion from linear to rotational, the patent reduces the force required at the lever, which directly improves user comfort. The rotational mechanism allows the user to apply less force while achieving the same suction effect, preventing pain and discomfort during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot point acts as an intermediary that transforms the user's lever input into diaphragm motion. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage, reducing the force the user must apply while maintaining effective suction, thereby improving ease of operation and user comfort.
3Device complexity
If the diaphragm member moves parallel to itself, then the design is conventional, but grip loss occurs due to initial lever effort
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational motion design reduces the initial lever effort required to start suction. With less force needed to overcome pressure buildup, the user is less likely to lose grip on the lever during operation, improving reliability and preventing accidents such as the milk container falling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism pre-compensates for the grip loss issue by reducing the force requirement before the user even applies pressure. The design anticipates the grip loss problem and structurally prevents it by requiring less initial force, thereby maintaining reliable operation throughout the milk expression process.
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 design enhances user-friendliness by reducing the force needed for milk expression, minimizing discomfort and the risk of the milk container falling, while maintaining suction performance and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by a flexible body and a longer shaft, reducing the required lever actuation force by leveraging the moment arm and inherent elasticity
Data Source
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AI summary
A single-hand operable breast pump comprises a body (1) having a funnel-shaped portion (2) adapted to receive at least part of the breast of a user and connected to a conduit (5), the latter terminating at an end portion (6) of such body (1), which is designed to be coupled to a container, the end of the conduit (5A) at such end portion (6) being in functional cooperative relationship with a valve (11), said body (1) having suction means (15), which are functionally connected to such conduit and comprise a movable diaphragm member (18) in a chamber (14) formed in the body of the breast pump, under the action of lever actuator means (16) hinged to such body (1), said diaphragm member (18) being located at a suction channel (13) connected to such conduit (5). The diaphragm member (18) is adapted to rotate by an edge portion (44) thereof along a wall (45) of such chamber (14) upon actuation by the actuator means (16).