Smart Bra Monitoring Breast Milk Volume via Strain Gauge Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nursing bras lack a convenient and accurate method to monitor breast milk volume consumed by infants during feeding, as existing solutions are either cumbersome, require additional equipment, or are not easily integrated into a mother's daily routine.
Innovation Solution
An electronically augmented nursing bra with integrated sensing modules and a mobile computing device to measure breast weight changes, using strain gauges, tilt sensors, and accelerometers to determine milk volume without the need for bulky equipment, allowing for continuous and accurate tracking of feedings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If breast milk volume is monitored using weighing method before and after feeding, then milk volume can be estimated, but the process is time consuming and highly inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The bra continuously measures breast weight and stores the data before feeding occurs, so when feeding is detected (via clasp opening/closing or acceleration sensors), the pre-collected weight data is immediately available for calculation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual weighing before and after feeding
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs continuous weight measurement and monitoring of feeding events throughout the day, maintaining a running record of breast weight that automatically calculates milk volume when feeding occurs, transforming a discrete time-consuming process into a continuous automated monitoring system
2Measurement precision
If breast volume changes are measured using an inflatable cuff with pump, then real-time breast volume changes can be detected, but the bulkiness and power demands reduce practicality and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex inflatable cuff and pump mechanism from the measurement system and replaces it with a simple strain gauge sensor that directly measures breast weight, eliminating the bulky components while retaining the essential measurement function
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical inflatable cuff system is replaced with an electronic strain gauge sensing system that uses electrical signals rather than mechanical inflation to detect breast weight changes, significantly reducing device complexity and power requirements
3Measurement precision
If breast volume is measured using a cup placed over the breast, then volume changes can be measured, but the device must be with the mother at all times and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bra automatically detects feeding events through clasp opening/closing sensors or acceleration sensors that recognize feeding positions, and automatically calculates milk volume without requiring the mother to manually initiate measurements or operate the device
Solution Approach 2:
The bra integrates multiple functions including continuous weight measurement, feeding event detection through clasp sensors, activity monitoring via acceleration sensors, and automatic milk volume calculation, replacing the single-function cup device with a multi-functional smart garment
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
Enables portable, user-friendly monitoring of breast milk volume, providing a continuous record of feedings with high accuracy, minimizing intrusion into mother-infant bonding time and eliminating the need for cumbersome equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing mechanism comprises a strain gauge integrated into a shoulder strap of the bra
Implementation Method 2
The sensing mechanism comprises a tilt sensor integrated into a shoulder strap of the bra
Implementation Method 3
The sensing mechanism comprises an accelerometer integrated into a shoulder strap of the bra
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for monitoring breast milk volume comprising a sensing module attached to a bra. The sensing module can include a processing unit configured to receive, store, and process readings measured by the sensing components of the module. The processing unit can be connected to a wireless transmitter that can be configured to transmit recorded and stored readings from the sensing module to a mobile device. The mobile device can display the transmitted data and further process the data to enable visualization of trends in the collected data.