Wearable Breast Pump Diaphragm Design for Compact Milk Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pump systems are bulky, require tethering to electrical sockets, are uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and inefficient in milk collection, with complex mechanisms that lead to recurring costs and inaccuracies in milk measurement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable breast pump system with a piezo air-pump and deformable diaphragm, housed in a compact design that fits inside a bra, featuring a self-sealing mechanism for easy assembly and cleaning, and a detachable milk container with integrated milk flow path and accurate liquid level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large suction generating device is used to extract milk, then the pumping capacity is sufficient, but the device becomes bulky and requires tethering to power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vacuum pump systems with an electrically powered diaphragm pump integrated into the wearable device. This substitution enables sufficient pumping capacity while dramatically reducing device size and eliminating the need for large external suction generating devices connected to mains power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the suction generating device, power supply, and milk container into a single integrated wearable unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bulky components and external power connections, achieving both adequate pumping capacity and portability
2Productivity
If a complex pumping arrangement with compression units is used, then milk can be extracted through collapsible bags, but the system becomes noisy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex compression units and sequenced pulsing arrangement from the system. Instead, it uses a simpler diaphragm pump mechanism that directly generates the necessary pressure cycle, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining milk extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a diaphragm pump that uses pneumatic pressure cycles to move milk through the system. This approach simplifies the pumping mechanism by using pressure differentials rather than mechanical compression units, reducing noise and complexity while maintaining productivity
3Volume of moving object
If collapsible bags are used as milk collection devices, then the device can be compact, but milk cannot be fully extracted and the bags are not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the use of disposable collapsible bags and replaces them with a reusable milk collection container. This change prevents milk waste by allowing complete extraction and eliminates the need for continuous replacement of collection devices, while maintaining device compactness through integrated design
4Device complexity
If an annular membrane with flow path through the centre is used, then the pump structure is defined, but the device becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional annular membrane design by using a diaphragm that moves perpendicular to the flow direction rather than having flow pass through the center. This inversion allows for a more compact pump structure while maintaining defined flow paths and adequate pumping capacity
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 system provides discreet, comfortable, and efficient milk extraction with reduced complexity, lower costs, and improved hygiene, while allowing easy cleaning and accurate milk measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo air-pump fitted in the housing and forming part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a breast pump device that is configured as a self-contained, in-bra wearable device, the breast pump device comprising: a housing that includes (a) a battery, and (b) a pump powered by the battery and configured to generate a negative air pressure; (ii) a breast shield; and (iii) a milk container that is removable from the housing.