Wearable Lactation Pump With Flexible Compression and Quiet Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast pumps cause discomfort due to hard, rigid flanges, are bulky and inconvenient, noisy, and have complex parts that are difficult to sanitize, leading to reduced milk output and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A wearable lactation aid with a flexible nipple cone, inflatable compression device, and gentle suction mechanism, designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring adjustable compression and near-silent operation, with components that can be easily sanitized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard, rigid flanges are used in breast pumps, then structural strength is improved, but user comfort deteriorates causing pain and irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard, rigid flanges with a flexible cup made of soft, flexible material that conforms to the breast shape. This flexible cup is attached to a rigid support structure, combining the comfort of flexibility with the structural integrity of rigidity. The flexible material allows the device to adapt to different breast shapes and sizes while maintaining sufficient structural strength for effective milk expression.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining rigid support (rigid flange or rigid support structure) with flexible material (soft flexible cup). This composite approach allows the rigid portion to provide structural strength while the flexible portion contacts the breast to ensure user comfort and prevent pain and irritation.
2Productivity
If traditional breast pump designs are used, then pumping function is achieved, but device portability deteriorates making them bulky and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump is divided into separate components: a reusable pump mechanism and disposable or washable breast shields/cups. This segmentation allows users to carry only the essential components, reducing overall device weight and bulk while maintaining full pumping functionality. The modular design enables easy cleaning and replacement of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable breast shields and cups that can be discarded or quickly replaced. This eliminates the need for users to carry heavy cleaning equipment or multiple complex components, significantly improving portability while maintaining effective pumping function through simple, lightweight design.
3Productivity
If traditional breast pump mechanisms are used, then milk expression is achieved, but noise level increases making them disruptive in shared spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical piston-based pumping mechanisms with alternative systems such as diaphragm pumps or electric motors with soft-start technology. These substitutions reduce mechanical noise while maintaining effective milk expression. The use of electrically-controlled pumping actions allows for quieter operation in shared or quiet spaces without compromising pumping efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small parts are used in breast pumps, then functional complexity is improved, but ease of sanitation deteriorates making them difficult to clean thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into integrated, seamless pieces where possible. For example, the breast shield is designed as a single-piece structure that can be completely disassembled and sterilized, eliminating crevices and joints where milk residue could accumulate. This merging of functions into cleanable components maintains versatility while dramatically improving ease of sanitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable breast shields and cups that can be discarded after use or quickly sanitized. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning procedures for users who prefer convenience, while still providing functional versatility through replacement rather than repair. The disposable nature ensures complete sanitation without requiring thorough cleaning of multiple small parts.
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 device provides a comfortable, efficient, and hygienic means of expressing breast milk, being discreet, portable, and easy to use, with reduced noise and improved milk output.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is connected to the inflatable bag. The pump repeatedly inflates and deflates the inflatable bag to apply and release compression on the user's breast.
Implementation Method 2
The pump is connected to the shield and is in fluid communication with a collection container. The expressed breast milk is collected with suction applied to a shield connected to the compression device.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable lactation aid apparatus and system with a controller that operates to express breast milk from a lactating user using compression pressure and draw the expressed breast milk from a reservoir into a collection container with suction. The apparatus includes a compression device positioned on a breast of the user. The compression device is configured to repeatedly apply and release compression on the breast. A nipple cone is positioned on the breast of the user and is connected to a shield. A pump connected to the shield and in fluid communication with a collection container positioned between the pump and the shield creates a vacuum in the collection container to draw in the expressed milk.