Sensing Reservoir for Automated Breast Milk Volume Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual record-keeping of breast milk production is cumbersome and prone to inaccuracies, and existing breast pumps lack automatic milk production quantification and inventory tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensing reservoir with a fluid sensing unit that generates measurement data for fluid volume, integrated with a processing unit and sensors to automate milk production tracking, adaptable for various breast pumps and capable of communicating with mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual record-keeping is used for breast milk production, then mothers can track their pumping sessions, but the process is cumbersome and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical record-keeping with an automated sensing system. A fluid sensing unit with capacitive sensors automatically detects and measures milk volume in the reservoir, eliminating the need for manual writing or digital entry. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical recording with an automated electrostatic sensing mechanism that continuously monitors and records production data.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing reservoir performs self-measurement and self-recording functions. The capacitive sensors automatically detect fluid levels and the processing unit autonomously calculates and stores production data without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically tracking both production and consumption volumes, freeing the user from record-keeping tasks.
2Extent of automation
If automated sensing units are integrated into breast pumps, then milk production quantification is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing reservoir is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to various breast pump systems. The capacitive sensing technology and processing unit serve multiple functions: measuring production volume, tracking consumption, monitoring fluid levels, and providing data for inventory management. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive automated tracking capabilities in a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modular sensing reservoir that acts as an intermediary between the breast pump and the user's digital device. The processing unit within the reservoir serves as a mediator that collects sensor data, performs calculations, and communicates results to external devices via wireless communication. This intermediary architecture distributes complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it in the pump itself.
3Measurement precision
If fluid sensing units are embedded in the reservoir wall, then accurate volume measurement is achieved, but the sensing unit requires protection from physical damage and electrical isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is nested within a protective housing that is integrated into the reservoir structure. The capacitive sensors are embedded in the reservoir wall and surrounded by protective layers including the reservoir material itself and additional housing structures. This nested arrangement protects the delicate sensing elements from physical damage while maintaining their measurement capability through the reservoir wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir wall itself serves as an intermediary layer between the capacitive sensors and the fluid being measured. The wall material provides both structural protection for the sensors and an appropriate dielectric barrier for accurate capacitive measurement. This intermediary structure protects the sensing unit from direct contact with the fluid while enabling precise volume detection through the wall material.
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
Provides accurate, automated tracking of breast milk production and consumption, reducing human error and enhancing user convenience through digital record-keeping.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid sensor is a capacitive sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance affected by a dielectric permittivity of the breast milk
Implementation Method 2
the fluid sensor is a capacitive sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance affected by a dielectric permittivity of the breast milk
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for containing and measuring a fluid in a reservoir. A sensing reservoir comprises a reservoir comprising an opening and a wall, the opening configured to allow passage of the fluid in and out of the reservoir, and the wall defining a chamber configured to contain the fluid. The sensing reservoir further comprises a fluid sensing unit coupled to the sensing reservoir, the fluid sensing unit configured to generate measurement data indicative of a volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir.