Smart Wearable Breast Pump Modular Design and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps lack versatility in providing different pumping methods and do not offer accurate information to users, nor do they include customized functions such as nipple correction and breast enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A smart wearable breast pumping machine with a modular design that includes a suction part, a connector, and a breast pumping part, which can be used separately or together, equipped with a controller for operation control and a communication module for data transmission, along with a backflow prevention mechanism and a battery housing, allowing for various breast pumping environments and providing user-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a breast pump provides only basic pumping function, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and versatility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump is designed to perform multiple functions including basic milk pumping, nipple correction, breast enhancement, and breast massage. The control unit enables the pump to switch between different pumping modes (single-side, double-side, alternate pumping) and provide additional therapeutic functions through the same hardware components, particularly using the suction and pressure generation capabilities for both milk extraction and breast care purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump system is divided into separable components: a wearable breast pump unit that can be detached from a collection bottle. The breast pump includes a pumping unit with motor and pump mechanism, a control unit with communication module, and a collection bottle with storage compartment. This modular design allows the pumping function to be separated from storage and processing functions, enabling versatility while managing device complexity through component specialization
2Measurement precision
If a breast pump does not provide information feedback, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and information accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump incorporates a control unit with communication capabilities that can provide real-time feedback to the user through a mobile device application. The system monitors pumping parameters, milk flow, and system status, then transmits this information to the user's smartphone or tablet. This feedback loop enables precise measurement and communication of breast pumping effectiveness, allowing users to track progress and adjust settings based on actual performance data
3Adaptability or versatility
If a breast pump lacks customized functions, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to user needs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system provides dynamic adaptability through software-controlled functionality. The control unit can be programmed to perform different sequences and patterns of suction and pressure application to achieve various objectives: gentle pumping for milk extraction, stronger sustained pressure for nipple correction, alternating pressure patterns for breast enhancement, and massaging patterns for breast care. This dynamic control allows a single device to adapt to multiple user needs without requiring separate hardware for each function
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 machine offers customizable breast pumping experiences, including nipple correction and breast enhancement, while providing accurate and useful information through a user terminal application, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction part for being attached to a user's breast; a breast pump for applying a breast pumping pressure to the suction part
Implementation Method 2
vacuum pumping means connected as a tube to a sucking and discharging hole formed on one side communicating with the internal space of the milking part in such a manner as to be separated to a given length and adapted to perform and release vacuum pumping for the air filled in the internal space of the milking part
Implementation Method 3
a backflow prevention elastic member inserted into the backflow prevention part
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a smart wearable breast pumping machine including: a suction part attached to a user's breast; a connector connected to the suction part to introduce breast milk pumped by means of a breast pumping pressure and coupled to a breast milk container; and a breast pumping part coupled to the suction part to accommodate the connector and having a breast pump adapted to apply the breast pumping pressure to the suction part and a controller adapted to control operations of the breast pump by means of control commands.