Self-Returning Corrugated Barrier for Vacuum Pump Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breastpumps face issues with contamination and energy efficiency due to non-self-returning membranes that require positive pressure to reset and suffer from leakage and hysteresis, leading to inefficient vacuum transfer and potential buckling.
Innovation Solution
A self-returning barrier with a corrugated geometry that uses pre-loaded residual force to efficiently transfer vacuum across the barrier, eliminating the need for positive pressure to return to its initial state and preventing contamination by isolating the pump mechanism from milk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-self-returning membrane is used to separate the breastshield from the pumping mechanism, then contamination is prevented, but the membrane requires positive pressure to return to its initial state and suffers from leakage and hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by designing a membrane that naturally returns to its initial state through negative pressure (suction) rather than requiring positive pressure. The membrane is configured with a specific geometry and material properties that enable it to self-return when subjected to vacuum, eliminating the need for additional positive pressure mechanisms and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to be self-returning through its inherent elastic properties and geometric configuration. When negative pressure is applied, the membrane automatically returns to its initial position without requiring external intervention or additional energy input, making the system self-servicing and more energy-efficient.
2Reliability
If a moveable membrane is used to separate the breastshield from the pumping mechanism, then contamination is prevented, but the membrane may not return to its initial state and may end up locking or buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a corrugated or curved membrane geometry that prevents buckling and locking during operation. The specific curvature and corrugation patterns are designed to distribute stress evenly and guide the membrane through a controlled return path, ensuring it consistently returns to its initial state without getting stuck or deforming permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical parameters such as thickness, material composition, and geometric configuration are optimized to achieve the desired stability and return characteristics. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane maintains its structural integrity while enabling reliable self-return motion without buckling or locking.
3Reliability
If a filter is used to prevent milk from entering the air hose and pump, then contamination is prevented, but the filter becomes saturated and must be cleaned and periodically replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contamination prevention function from a passive filter and integrates it into the active membrane barrier that separates the breastshield from the pumping mechanism. This membrane is designed to be self-returning and resistant to saturation, eliminating the need for periodic cleaning and replacement while maintaining reliable contamination prevention.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a self-returning barrier with corrugated geometry is used, then vacuum transfer efficiency is improved and energy expenditure is minimized, but the barrier structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated geometry of the membrane, while appearing complex, is actually a simplified solution that leverages natural elastic deformation and geometric stability. The corrugations are designed to follow simple mathematical patterns that facilitate self-return motion and efficient vacuum transfer without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional components.
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 self-returning barrier ensures efficient mechanical transfer of vacuum, minimizes energy expenditure, and prevents contamination by uniformly collapsing and returning to its initial state without assistance, enhancing the performance and reliability of breastpumps.
Implementation Method 1
A self-returning barrier with a corrugated geometry that uses pre-loaded residual force to efficiently transfer vacuum across the barrier
Implementation Method 2
uses pre-loaded residual force to efficiently transfer vacuum across the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.