Wearable Breast Pump with Bra-Nested Conduit and Periodic Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps are often cumbersome, noisy, and require an AC power source or quickly drain battery power, making them inconvenient for portable use, especially for working mothers who need to express milk discreetly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-powered breast pump system with a skin contact member, conduit, and driving mechanism that mimics the natural breast profile, allowing for comfortable and discreet use, featuring a controller that adjusts suction pressure and pumping modes, and includes a wireless connection to an external computer for monitoring and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional powered breast pumps are used, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, pump mechanism, and control electronics into a single integrated wearable unit that fits within a bra, eliminating the need for separate external components and power adapters. This merging of functions directly improves portability while maintaining pumping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional AC-powered mechanical pump systems with a battery-powered miniaturized motor system that can be worn on the body. This substitution enables portable operation while maintaining the mechanical pumping function through a compact electric motor design.
2Weight of moving object
If battery-powered breast pumps are used, then portability is improved, but battery life duration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pumping cycles with rest intervals, where the pump operates for a set duration then pauses. This periodic operation pattern reduces average power consumption and extends battery life while maintaining effective milk extraction through rhythmic suction and compression cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable pumping parameters including variable suction strength, pump cycle duration, and rest intervals that can be dynamically modified based on user needs and battery charge level. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between pumping efficiency and energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If visible breast pump devices are used, then pumping function is provided, but discretion and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pump device to nest within the structure of a standard bra, with the pumping mechanism contained inside the bra cups. This nesting arrangement allows the device to perform its function while being completely hidden by the bra exterior, providing full discretion and comfort during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible, skin-friendly materials for the breast contact interface and bra integration components. These flexible elements ensure comfort against the skin while maintaining the hidden design, allowing users to wear the pump discreetly during various activities.
4Weight of moving object
If manual hand pumps are used, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pumping with an automated electric motor-driven pump system. The motorized mechanism performs the compression and suction actions automatically based on programmed cycles, eliminating the need for manual hand cranking while maintaining portability through battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system includes automated control features that monitor pumping progress, adjust parameters dynamically, and notify users when pumping is complete. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden on the user while maintaining ease of use through intelligent automation.
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 efficient, quiet, and discreet milk expression, conserving battery life and allowing for comfortable, natural-looking use, while the external computer tracks milk production and offers customizable pumping settings and recommendations.
Implementation Method 1
a driving mechanism configured to compress a first region of the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a suction created by compressing the first region of the conduit and allowing the first region of the conduit to rebound is a driving force for extracting milk from the breast
Implementation Method 3
a skin contact member configured to form a seal with the breast
Implementation Method 4
a one-way valve attached to a proximal end of the conduit and configured to attach to the storage container to place the conduit in fluid communication with the storage container
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 under positive pressure.