Vacuum Deflation Structure for Breast Pump

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast pumps using solenoid valves for vacuum deflation generate heat and consume excessive battery power, reducing their duration and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum deflation structure utilizing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the operating cavity or pump shaft of a vacuum pump to provide motive force for deflation, replacing solenoid valves with a mechanical transmission assembly that eliminates the need for electronic control and external connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If solenoid valve is used for vacuum deflation, then deflation function is achieved, but heat generation and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generationVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the solenoid valve (electromagnetic system) with a mechanical deflation transmission assembly that uses the vacuum pump's own operating cavity pressure difference to drive deflation. The mechanical structure includes a deflation transmission assembly with a driving component that utilizes pressure differential to open/close the deflation passage without electromagnetic coils, thereby eliminating heat generation and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operating cavity pressure difference to drive the deflation process. The vacuum pump's operating cavity creates a pressure differential that automatically drives the deflation transmission assembly to open the deflation passage when needed, without requiring external power sources or additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If solenoid valve with electromagnetic coil is used, then deflation control is achieved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflation controlVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the deflation control function into the vacuum pump structure itself. The deflation transmission assembly is integrated with the vacuum pump's operating cavity and drive mechanism, combining multiple functions (vacuum generation and deflation control) into a single compact unit, thereby reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pump's operating cavity serves dual purposes: generating vacuum and driving the deflation transmission assembly. The same pressure differential that enables vacuum pumping is also utilized to control deflation, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If solenoid valve is used for deflation, then vacuum pumping function is achieved, but user comfort decreases due to heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pumping functionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid valve with a mechanically-driven deflation transmission assembly that utilizes the vacuum pump's operating cavity pressure difference. This mechanical substitution eliminates the electromagnetic coils that generate heat, thereby removing the harmful thermal effect while preserving the vacuum pumping and deflation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This design reduces heat generation, decreases battery power consumption, increases the breast pump's duration, and minimizes the device's volume by integrating the vacuum deflation structure within the pump, enhancing user experience and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the operating cavity or pump shaft of a vacuum pump to provide motive force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20240399034A1Vacuum deflation structure, vacuum pump assembly and breast pump

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 SHENZHEN TPH TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a vacuum deflation structure, a vacuum pump assembly and a breast pump. The vacuum deflation structure includes an operating cavity having a deflating opening, a scaling baffle occluding said deflating opening, and a deflation transmission assembly pushing said scaling baffle to move away from said deflating opening, wherein said deflation transmission assembly is forced by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of said operating cavity or by the pump shaft of a vacuum pump. The breast pump has a milk collecting casing, a diaphragm and a vacuum pump assembly. The vacuum pump is used to vacuum the scaled chamber formed by the diaphragm to deform it, the deflating opening leads to the sealed chamber where the diaphragm is located, and the sealed chamber gradually returns to its original shape when the deflating opening is opened.