Wearable Peristaltic Breast Pump for Discreet Milk Expression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps are cumbersome, visible, require external power sources, and lack discretion, making them inconvenient for working mothers and others needing to express milk away from home.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-powered breast pump system with a peristaltic mechanism, contoured to fit within a bra, featuring a flange that mimics natural nursing, includes a non-contact pressure sensor, and a reusable milk collection container, providing discreet and comfortable milk expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional breast pumps are used, then milk extraction function is achieved, but the device is cumbersome and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple breast pump components (flange, tubing, pump mechanism, collection container) into a single integrated wearable unit that can be concealed within a bra, eliminating the need for separate parts and making the system portable and easy to transport
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump system is designed to be nested within a bra, with the pump housing and components fitting into the bra cup structure, allowing the device to be worn discreetly without requiring separate carrying containers
2Duration of action of stationary object
If AC powered breast pumps are used, then continuous suction is maintained, but external power source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system uses a rechargeable battery integrated into the pump housing that can be recharged from AC power when available, but operates independently using internal battery power when away from power sources, making the device self-sufficient and adaptable to various environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring continuous AC power to using a rechargeable battery with variable operation modes, allowing the pump to function in different power availability scenarios while maintaining effective milk extraction
3Ease of operation
If battery driven breast pumps are used, then portability is improved, but battery power is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump operates in periodic cycles with phases of compression and relaxation, creating vacuum intermittently rather than continuously, which reduces overall power consumption and extends battery life while maintaining effective milk flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable suction pressure and intermittent operation modes to optimize battery consumption, adjusting the vacuum strength and pumping frequency to match milk flow rates and extend operational duration on battery power
4Productivity
If visible breast pumps are used, then milk extraction is achieved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The entire breast pump system is nested within the bra structure, with the pump housing fitting into the bra cup and the flange positioned against the breast internally, making the device invisible to outside observers while maintaining full pumping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The bra cup material acts as a flexible shell that conceals the pump components while allowing the flange to create effective seal and vacuum against the breast, providing both discretion and functional performance
5Reliability
If peristaltic pump is used, then contamination is avoided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump mechanism extracts and compresses the tubing externally, with the compression rollers positioned outside the fluid path, ensuring that no mechanical components contact the milk while still providing effective pumping action through external tubing manipulation
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 offers discreet, comfortable, and efficient milk expression, mimicking natural nursing with reduced nipple motion, minimizing irritation, and allowing for real-time pressure control and data tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic driving mechanism configured to establish a vacuum profile within the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for determining the pressure at the breast
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container. In one aspect, the system includes a flange and a milk container connected by a tube that is configured to deliver a vacuum generated and controlled by a pump.