Voice Coil Vacuum Motor Assembly for Vibration-Assisted Milk Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast pumps are inefficient in extracting milk, as they rely solely on suction cycles without vibrations, leading to incomplete milk removal and longer pumping times, which can cause breast engorgement and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a vibratory waveform in breast pumps, generated through mechanisms like voice coil actuators or piezoelectric motors, applies vibrations during the suction cycle to enhance milk flow rates and reduce shear stress, allowing for more efficient milk extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional suction-only cycles are used in breast pumps, then the device structure remains simple, but milk extraction efficiency is insufficient leading to incomplete milk removal and longer pumping times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum motor and solenoid valve into an integrated assembly where the solenoid is positioned within the vacuum motor housing. This merging of components reduces overall device complexity while enabling both suction and vibration functions to improve milk extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solenoid that generates mechanical vibrations during the breast pumping cycle. These vibrations are transmitted through the breast shield to the breast tissue, enhancing milk flow rates and extraction efficiency without requiring separate vibration generation equipment
2Productivity
If suction cycles are extended to improve milk removal completeness, then milk extraction efficiency improves, but pumping time increases causing breast engorgement and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic vibration cycles synchronized with the suction cycles. The solenoid activates during specific phases of the breast pumping cycle to create rhythmic vibrations that enhance milk flow during suction periods, allowing for more complete milk removal in shorter time frames
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical vibrations generated by the solenoid disrupt milk duct resistance and enhance milk flow rates during extraction. This vibration-assisted extraction allows for more complete milk removal in shorter pumping sessions, preventing breast engorgement
3Productivity
If vibration amplitude is increased to enhance milk flow rates, then productivity improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid serves multiple functions: it generates vibrations to enhance milk flow and simultaneously acts as a valve control mechanism. This multi-functionality allows vibration enhancement of milk flow rates without requiring additional energy-intensive dedicated vibration motors
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid utilizes the existing electromagnetic field and mechanical structure of the vacuum motor assembly to generate vibrations. The solenoid's magnetic field interacts with the motor's magnetic components to produce vibratory motion, leveraging existing system energy rather than requiring separate power sources
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 vibratory waveform increases milk volume flow rates, reduces pumping time, and stimulates letdown, making the breast pump more efficient and comfortable for users.
Implementation Method 1
a voice coil actuator alone, or voice coil or other vacuum generator in combination with other components
Implementation Method 2
a voice coil actuator alone, or voice coil or other vacuum generator in combination with other components
Data Source
AI summary
An example vacuum motor device for facilitating milk extraction from a breast of a user can include: a first chamber; a second chamber coupled to the first chamber; and a voice coil motor configured to cause air to flow into the second chamber and out of the first chamber during a breast pumping cycle to create suction for extracting the milk.