Thigh-Mounted Breast Pump Straps for Hygiene and Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps face challenges in hygiene and user comfort due to the need for manual operation, which requires placing the pump on the ground, leading to strenuous effort and potential hygiene issues, especially when used in non-ideal locations like bathrooms.
Innovation Solution
A thigh-powered breast pump system using straps with hook and loop fasteners that secure the pump to the user's thighs, allowing for hands-free operation and incorporating padding for comfort, which also doubles as a carrying and storage case for the pump and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the breast pump is placed on the ground for manual operation, then the pump can be operated, but hygiene issues arise and physical exertion becomes strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces straps as an intermediary device that connects the breast pump to the user's thighs, replacing direct ground contact. The straps serve as a mediator between the pump and the user's body, allowing the pump to be secured without touching the ground while enabling manual operation through thigh movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the pump from a ground-based horizontal placement to a body-mounted vertical position on the thighs. This dimensional change moves the pump from the contaminated ground dimension to the clean body dimension, resolving the hygiene issue while maintaining operability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the breast pump is placed on the ground, then it is stable for operation, but the user experiences strenuous physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The straps act as a mechanical intermediary that transfers the user's thigh movement force directly to the pump, eliminating the need for the pump to rest on the ground. This intermediary connection provides stability during operation while reducing the physical effort required compared to ground-based placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system serves multiple functions: it secures the pump to the thighs, provides stability during operation, and enables manual pumping through thigh movement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving stability without requiring ground contact or excessive physical effort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump is secured to thighs using straps, then hygiene is improved and physical exertion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is designed to serve multiple purposes: securing the pump to the thighs, providing hygiene protection, reducing physical exertion, and potentially serving as a carrying mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by resolving multiple contradictions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the strap securing mechanism with the pump assembly, integrating the hygiene and stability functions into a single unified system. This merging approach, while adding complexity, resolves the hygiene and exertion issues by combining multiple functions into one integrated solution.
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments disclosed relate to straps that attach to manual breast pumps to allow the user to pump breast milk with leg power rather than by hand. One of two straps is wrapped around each of a user's thighs. Both straps have fasteners to enable the straps to be securely wrapped around the thigh. The straps are then connected to a manual breast pump. The breast pump can be connected to the manual breast pump by adding fasteners to the breast pump, or by threading the breast pump hoses through the pump connector. After the breast pump has been connected to the pump connectors, the user places the breast cup on their breasts. The user then begins pumping the manual pump by repeatedly moving their legs in an outward and inward motion.