Smart Breast Pump Sensor Network for Milk Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps are cumbersome, require significant assembly and cleaning, and lack integration with smartphone technology for real-time milk supply monitoring and tracking, making them unsuitable for modern users who need discreet and efficient milk expression.
Innovation Solution
A smart breast pump system with sensors and a smartphone application that provides real-time data on milk flow rate, volume, and temperature, allowing for autonomous pump control and alerts for potential health issues, while being designed for discreet use under clothing and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional breast pumps are designed with multiple parts for pumping function, then the pumping capability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple breast pump components (flange, collection bottle, valve system, and sensor network) into an integrated assembly that functions as a unified device. The flange and collection system are designed to connect seamlessly, reducing the number of separate parts users must handle while maintaining effective milk expression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: milk expression, volume measurement, temperature monitoring, and data transmission to mobile devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal pumping system.
2Reliability
If conventional breast pumps have multiple components, then the pumping function is enhanced, but the ease of assembly and cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is divided into distinct modular segments (flange, collection bottle, valve assembly) that can be easily separated for cleaning and reassembled for use. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned while maintaining the overall pumping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system and sensor components are designed to be easily removable from the collection bottle, allowing users to extract and clean only the parts that require it while leaving other components in place. This reduces the time and effort required for maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If breast pump parts are stored in a disjointed system, then storage flexibility is improved, but milk spill prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump components are designed with nesting capability where the flange fits within the collection bottle and the valve system integrates into the bottle structure. This nested design allows compact storage while maintaining proper component alignment to prevent milk spills during transport.
4Ease of operation
If breast pumps are designed for discreet use under clothing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system incorporates flexible, thin-walled collection bottles and soft flange materials that can be comfortably worn under clothing without rigid structures. This flexibility allows the device to conform to the body shape while remaining discreet and comfortable for extended wear.
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 users to monitor their milk supply effectively, receive health alerts, and manage inventory efficiently, improving the convenience and effectiveness of breast pumping while providing valuable health insights and connectivity with lactation experts.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter disposed within a bodily fluid capture system and a detector disposed within the bodily fluid capture system
Implementation Method 2
detecting one or more drops of body fluid within the bodily fluid capture system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a breast pump sensor network. The breast pump sensor network includes an emitter disposed within a bodily fluid capture system and a detector disposed within the bodily fluid capture system. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the breast pump sensor network which includes emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation within a bodily fluid capture system, detecting one or more drops of body fluid within the bodily fluid capture system, determining a bodily fluid flow rate based at least on the detected one or more drops of bodily fluid, and providing the determined bodily fluid flow rate to at least one user.