WO2022186799A2 - Wearable peristaltic breast pump - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a wearable peristaltic breast pump developed to be used for the needs associated with health, child care, daily use, mother-infant field, milking, and breast pumps.

Description

WEARABLE PERISTALTIC BREAST PUMP

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a wearable peristaltic breast pump developed to be used for the needs associated with health, child care, daily use, mother-infant field, milking, and breast pumps.

STATE OF THE ART In the state of the art, the devices for milking are used.

Related pumps mainly consist of the following components:

• Central Unit · Breast Shield

• Silicone Tubing

• Power Supply

• Baby Bottle Relevant products are defined shortly as the conventional breast pump.

Conventional breast pumps require, in terms of their operating logic, the milking process to be performed in a special room or area due to the need for the mother to open her breast and keep the breast shield constant with her hand. This also prevents the mother from performing any other work while milking.

On the other hand, as a result of the advancing technology and the desire of mothers who recently gave birth to participate more in life, companies have developed wearable breast pumps by incorporating the components of conventional pumps (milk container, vacuum unit, power supply, etc.) in a single body. Just like in conventional breast pumps, wearable breast pumps provide the transfer of milk to the container by creating a vacuum on and around the nipple so that the milk can be discharged from the breast. According to their use case, wearable breast pumps enable the device incorporating all components within a single body is placed under the nursing bra and as a result thereof, eliminate the necessity of milking breast open and keeping the mother's hand on her breast during the milking process as in conventional breast pumps and allow the mother to continue her daily life while milking with the device placed under her bra. Within this perspective, it is observed that the invention is likely to be preferred by mothers in the near future.

On the other hand, both conventional breast pumps and wearable breast pumps need powerful actuation elements for the vacuum generating method they adopt. This brings therewith an annoying sound level during use. While an average conventional breast pump rises to a sound pressure level of >65 db (A) at 1 meter at its maximum operation power, commercially available wearable breast pumps generate a sound pressure of up to >45 db (A) at 1 meter. Both sound pressure levels are disturbing to the human ear and the environmental and psychological discomfort due to the sound prevents mothers from using breast pumps.

This situation causes the milk of the mother who cannot perform regular milking to decrease over time and as a result thereof, the formula, supplementary foods, etc. are used earlier than ideal (at least after the first 6 months) because breast milk is stopped earlier than it should be.

A baby's consuming, less than the required time and amount, this miraculous fluid, i.e. , the breast milk which is produced by the mother's body during the period when the baby needs the most, and contains the components which prepare the baby for life and promote the immune system thereof will negatively affect the baby's growth process and lead to the inability to develop resistance against various diseases and trigger many disorders in later ages. In the state of the art, the invention edition no. US2016206794 and titled "Breast Pump System and Methods" is summarized as follows: "Said breast pump is portable, hands-free, self-powered and energy-efficient. It is used to collect the milk of the nursing mother. In this embodiment, there is suction tubing. The suction tubing can be compressed by the synchronized operation of two compression elements. With this compression movement, a suction force is created on one end of the tubing and a pressing force is created on the other end thereof. Thus, the suction is performed." Compression element type movement and sound properties are quite different.

In the state of the art, another invention edition no. W02020016261 and titled "Electrical Breast Pump" is summarized as follows: "The invention consists of at least one funnel for at least partially receiving the breast, at least one suction element provided downstream of the said funnel and at least one container provided thereafter. In the preferred embodiment, the suction element is a peristaltic pump. Said peristaltic pump provides a suction force by applying pressure to the tubing between the container and the funnel." The related invention is disclosed based on the centers of gravity. In the state of the art, another invention edition no. US2014330200 and titled "Breast Pump" is summarized as follows: "The invention relates to a breast pump for collecting breast milk, which comprises a funnel intended to receive the breast, a housing, and a device for generating a negative pressure. The funnel consists of a flexible material and extends into the housing. The negative pressure generation device comprises at least one body that is movable over a portion of the length of the funnel while compressing the funnel." This document also does not claim to improve the sound.

Consequently, due to the disadvantages described above and the inefficacy of current use, it is necessary to adopt a new approach in the relevant technical field. Therefore, there is a need for an invention to overcome these problems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wearable peristaltic breast pump developed to be used for the needs associated with health, child care, daily use, mother-infant field, milking, and breast pumps to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring novel advantages to the relevant technical field.

The invention relates to a breast pump to be used by mothers for milking. The breast pump of the invention has a wide area of use thanks to its small and useful structure. The breast pump has a container wherein the milk is collected, an electronic group that controls the operating system, and a flange group that enables milking. To ensure the milk suction, there is a special peristaltic pump in the flange group that can generate the necessary vacuum power to discharge the milk from the breast within the limited space. The peristaltic pump performs milking as a result of the rolling effect produced by radial movement applied by the special bobbins developed on the silicone tubing. This tubing is configured to be removed and washed after milking. The fact that the flange group and the electronic group are separable from each other ensures that the breast pump can be completely cleaned. To prevent the sound problem in the breast pump, a continuous rolling effect is produced by increasing stroke per minute of the component that generates power, and therefore, a decrease in the total sound pressure level generated on the engine of the device is obtained. On the other hand, the second source of the total sound generated is friction in the drive train. The part holding together the bobbin group in the developed peristaltic unit has been developed as a self-bearing only for this product, thereby, it is ensured that the sound pressure level due to friction in the drive train is reduced. In addition, to improve the suction properties, a valve managed via an electronic card and a level sensor that reads the milk level in the milk container analogously measures the vacuum around the nipple, and there is also a second sensor that makes the decision on the operation and pressure relief of the device. Therefore, it is ensured that the suction force on the nipple due to the rolling effect is at a predetermined level.

An intended characteristic for the patented product is the production of a wearable breast pump operating at 30db(A) sound level. To realize this silent operation principle, a different vacuum forming system has been developed. This system has a Peristaltic movement structure and is actuated by a motor with a high RPM and creates a vacuum within the area connected to the end of the tubing by clamping a small diameter silicone tubing while keeping friction surfaces at a minimum through a bearing. The milk expressed is transferred to the container connected to the other end of the tubing by passing through this tubing through the vacuum created in this area. In summary, the main subjects of the invention are that the motor which actuates the system operates at high speed and creates a stable and low noise, and as the vacuum value increases, the sound due to the strain observed in the motor remains at low levels through the operation principle and the friction surfaces are kept at a minimum through the bearing.

In addition to this system, since each part of the wearable breast pumps that contacts with the milk can be cleaned, the silicone tubing in the Peristaltic group and the motor that actuates the Peristaltic movement group is designed to be easily separated therefrom, which allows each part that contacts with the milk to be cleaned.

Wearable breast pumps can be used in public areas. However, the high operation sound levels of similar existing products cause them to be noticed from the outside during use. Moreover, loud noise negatively affects the comfort of use. The sound level of the product is kept at 35db(A) at 1 meter at maximum operation power through the developed peristaltic pump system used in the design. This will ensure that it is not noticed from the outside during use and will provide ease of use.

Extending battery life, adding a wireless charging feature, reducing external dimensions, increasing the volume of the milk container, including a milk container that can be put directly in the refrigerator are alternative aspects intended to be improved with the invention.

The wearable peristaltic breast pump of the invention can be manufactured larger and smaller using different sizes and dimensions. Drawings

The applications of the present invention that is briefly summarized above and addressed in detail below can be understood by referring to the sample applications depicted in the attached drawings of the invention. However, it must be stated that the attached drawings show only the typical applications of this invention and that since the invention allows other equally effective applications, its scope cannot be assumed to be limited.

Figure-1: A perspective and general view of the invention.

Figure-2: A perspective and general view of the invention.

Figure-3: A perspective and general view of the invention.

Figure-4: A separated view of the milk container, electronic group and pump group.

Figure-5: A view of the pump group.

Figure-6: A view of the peristaltic pump system.

Figure-7: A sectional view of the pump group.

Figure-8: An internal view of the electronic group.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers are used to indicate identical elements in the figures, where possible. The shapes are not drawn to scale and can be simplified for clarity. It is believed that the elements and features of an application can be usefully incorporated into other applications without further explanation.

Explanation of Details in the Drawings

Explanations of reference numbers shown in the drawings are given below.

1. Washable pump group

1.1. Peristaltic Pump System 1.1.1. Peristaltic pump bobbins

1.1.2. Outer frame

1.1.3. Vacuum and milk transfer tubing

1.1.4. Connection adaptor

1.1.5. Filling adaptor

1.1.6. Pump bearing

1.1.7. Holder cover

1.2. Breast shield

1.3. Pressure equalization window

2. Electronic group

2.1. Electric motor

2.2. Battery

2.3. Solenoid air valve

2.4. Vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing

2.5. Sealed adaptor

2.6. Milk filling adaptor inlet part

2.7. Sealing element

2.8. Electronic card

3. Milk container

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred alternatives in this detailed description of the embodiment of the present wearable peristaltic breast pump invention are only intended for providing a better understanding of the subject matter and should not be construed in any restrictive sense.

As can be seen in Figure 1-7, the invention is a wearable peristaltic breast pump, wherein the breast pump consists of a washable pump group (1), an electronic group (2), and a milk container (3).

As can be seen in Figure 5, the invention includes a peristaltic pump system (1.1), a breast shield (1.2), and a pressure equalization window (1.3) inside of the washable pump group (1). As can be seen in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the invention includes peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1), an outer frame (1.1.2), a vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3), a connection adaptor (1.1.4), a filling adaptor (1.1.5), a pump bearing (1.1.6) and a holder cover (1.1.7) inside of the peristaltic pump system (1.1).

As can be seen in Figure 4 and Figure 8, the invention includes an electric motor (2.1), a battery (2.2), a solenoid air valve (2.3), a vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4), a sealed adaptor (2.5), a milk filling adaptor, an inlet part (2.6), a sealing element (2.7) and electronic card (2.8) inside of the electronic group (2).

The washable pump group (1) is the main group that includes the peristaltic pump system (1.1), the breast shield (1.2) also referred to as breast vacuum cup and the vacuum cup pressure equalization window (1.3) of the wearable breast pump. The breast shield (1.2), vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) in contact with the milk are washable.

The peristaltic pump system (1.1) is the part that creates the pressure difference, wherein a peristaltic movement is generated by rolling-around of the silicone vacuum tubing with the bobbins. The peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) are pump elements that can rotate freely on their axis and roll the silicone tubing circumferentially throughout the pump outer frame (1.1.2). There are at least two, preferably three and if needed, four peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) in the pump. The outer frame (1.1.2) is the outer wall of the peristaltic pump system (1.1) that pinches the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) between bobbins. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, these walls are designed to expand outwardly in three parts to remove and wash the vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3). It is preferred that the relevant parts are opened automatically in a sliding, spring-loaded or similar way when the flange is opened. The vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) is a silicone tubing that creates a pressure difference by being rolled in the peristaltic pump. It provides milking by vacuuming the breast shield (1.2) with the pressure difference created. It is used to transfer the milk expressed to the milk container (3). It is completely washable. The connection adaptor (1.1.4) is used to connect the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) to the breast shield (1.2). The filling adaptor (1.1.5) opens the valve system of the milk container (3) and ensures that the milk transferred via the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) is filled in the milk container (3). The pump bearing (1.1.6) is at least one bearing that reduces frictions in the rotation of the peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) performing the peristaltic movement. The holder cover (1.1.7) eliminates the upward degree of freedom of peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) that perform a rolling function and prevents the bobbins (1.1.1) from separating from the pump body. The breast shield (1.2) is an ergonomic part with a conical structure, wherein the breast to be milked is inserted and the milking is performed and it is also referred to as the nipple vacuum cup. The pressure equalization window (1.3) reduces the vacuum value by briefly opening to the atmosphere the breast shield (1.2) corresponding to the vacuum during the pressure cycle. Furthermore, the actual vacuum value within the breast shield (1.2) is measured on this window.

The electronic group (2) is the main group that contains the entire electronic group of the system therein and ensures sealing. The electric motor (2.1) is a DC motor that creates the circumferential movement necessary for the peristaltic movement and actuates the rolling peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1). The battery (2.2) is a rechargeable internal energy source that provides the necessary electrical energy for the system. The solenoid air valve (2.3) is an electromagnetic valve that creates the vacuum cycle by briefly opening the cup to the atmosphere and releasing the vacuum therein. The vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4) is a pressure control tubing that is connected to the breast shield (1.2) via the connection adaptor (1.1.4) on one end and to the vacuum sensor and solenoid air valve (2.3) on the other end. The sealed adaptor (2.5) connects the vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4) to the breast shield (1.2). The milk filling adaptor inlet part (2.6) allows the filling adaptor (1.1.5) to pass through the electronic group (2) and reaches the milk container (3) and provide sealing. The sealing element (2.7) acts as a seal for the electronic group (2) against liquids. The electronic card (2.8) monitors and controls the electronic activities of the system. On this card, there are the milk fill sensor, breast shield vacuum measurement sensor, Bluetooth module for smart connection, control buttons, notification lights. DC electric motor (2.1) and solenoid air valve (2.3) are controlled by the processor on this card.

Milk container (3) is used to collect the milk expressed.

The invention is designed for nursing mothers to express milk using the wearable breast pump without taking extra time to wait by the pump. The breast pump is used by placing it between the bra and breast. The nipple is placed inside of the conical breast shield (1.2) that is ergonomically designed and suitable for the breast structure. Once the device is turned on, it is controlled using the buttons thereon or via a smartphone connected thereto, and the milking process is initiated by choosing the desired milking scenario.

The milking process is performed when a DC electric motor (2.1) actuates the peristaltic pump system (1.1). Since the peristaltic pump is bedded using the pump bearing (1.1.6), a quieter and more vibration-free operation is provided. Inside the pump, a pressure difference occurs between the ends of the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) that is rolled between the peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) and extendible outer frames (1.1.2). One vacuum forming end of the tubing is connected to the breast shield (1.2) using a connection adaptor

(1.1.4) and the other end to the milk container (3) using a different filling adaptor

(1.1.5). Therefore, a vacuum is created inside the breast shield (1.2) and the milk is sucked from the breast through the vacuum. The sucked milk is filled in the milk container (3) using the same silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3).

It is not enough to create a continuous vacuum for milking, it is also necessary to create a cycle by increasing or decreasing the vacuum. The vacuum inside of the breast shield (1.2) is measured in real-time via the vacuum sensor on the electronic card (2.8). According to the chosen scenario, once the vacuum value reaches the limit value, the solenoid air valve (2.3) briefly exposes the breast shield (1.2) to the atmosphere, thereby reducing the vacuum value. Subsequently, the peristaltic pump system (1.1) is re-activated and the cabin is re-vacuumed such that a milking cycle is generated.

When the milk container (3) is filled up to the volume determined in the design, the fullness is measured via the sensor on the electronic card (2.8), and the cycle is stopped automatically. Once the milking process is finished, the milk container (3) is removed from the system by the user. The milk in the milk container (3) can be transferred to another container specified by the user (such as a baby bottle, milk freezer bag, etc.) and the milk container (3) is emptied. The empty milk container (3) can be washed and cleaned.

The electronic group (2) and the washable pump group (1) can be detached from each other. The electronic group (2) can be charged as assembled and disassembled using the charging cable. When the washable pump group (1) is disassembled, the peristaltic pump outer frames (1.1.2) will automatically be opened in an outward direction through the springs contained therein. Therefore, the vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) can easily be detached from the system and cleaned. Moreover, in this way, the breast shield (1.2) can also be ready to be cleaned.

The device is assembled and becomes ready for use again. Thanks to its silent operation system, the device is suitable for daily use in public areas. Since there are not any bright warning lights on the device, it provides the comfort of use in dark environments. The device can be controlled without touch via smart devices.

Claims

1- This invention relates to a wearable peristaltic breast pump developed to be used for the needs associated with health, child care, daily use, mother-infant field, milking, and breast pumps, and it is characterized in that it comprises of:

- a washable pump group (1) consisting of the main structure that includes the peristaltic pump system (1.1), breast shield (1.2), and pressure equalization window (1.3) therein,

- an electronic group (2) that consists of the electric motor (2.1), battery (2.2), solenoid air valve (2.3), vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4), sealed adaptor (2.5), milk filling adaptor inlet part (2.6), sealing element (2.7) and electronic card (2.8), and holds together all electronic parts of the system, and provides sealing and

- a milk container (3), wherein the milk expressed is collected.

2- A washable pump group (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises of:

- a peristaltic pump system (1.1) that creates a pressure difference as a result of a peristaltic movement due to rolling of the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) by the peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1),

- a breast shield (1.2); wherein the breast shield (1.2) is an ergonomic part with a conical structure and takes the breast to be expressed therein,

- a pressure equalization window (1.3), wherein the pressure equalization window (1.3) briefly exposes to the atmosphere the breast shield (1.2) corresponding to the vacuum, thereby reducing the vacuum value during the pressure cycle.

3- An electronic group (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises of:

- a DC electric motor (2.1) which actuates the rolling peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) that create the circumferential movement required for the peristaltic movement, - at least one battery (2.2) which provides electrical energy for the system and is a rechargeable internal energy source,

- an electromagnetic solenoid air valve (2.3) which creates a vacuum cycle by briefly opening to the atmosphere the breast shield (1.2) cup and releasing the vacuum therein,

- a vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4) which is connected to the breast shield (1.2) with the connection adaptor (1.1.4) at one end and to the vacuum sensor and solenoid air valve (2.3) at the other end,

- a sealed adaptor (2.5) which connects the vacuum measurement and pressure equalization tubing (2.4) to the breast shield (1.2),

- a milk filling adaptor inlet part (2.6) which allows the filling adaptor (1.1.5) to pass through the electronic group (2) and reach the milk container (3),

- a sealing element (2.7) which is a seal that provides liquid sealing for the electronic group (2),

- an electronic card (2.8) that monitors and controls the electronic activities of the system.

4- A peristaltic pump system (1.1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises of:

- at least one, preferably three peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) which are pump elements that can rotate freely on their axis and roll the silicone tubing circumferentially throughout the pump outer frame (1.1.2),

- preferably three outer frames (1.1.2) which are the outer walls of the peristaltic pump system (1.1), and can be detached with the springs therein, wherein the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) is pinched between the frames and peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1),

- a silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) which creates a pressure difference in the peristaltic pump by rolling, and is used to transfer the milk expressed to the milk container (3),

- a connection adaptor (1.1.4) which connects the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3) to the breast shield (1.2), - a filling adaptor (1.1.5) which opens the valve system of milk container (3) and allows the filling to the milk container (3) of the milk transferred through the silicone vacuum and milk transfer tubing (1.1.3),

- at least one pump bearing (1.1.6) which reduces frictions that occurred during the rotation of peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1),

- a holder cover (1.1.7) which eliminates the upward degree of freedom of peristaltic pump bobbins (1.1.1) that perform a rolling function and prevents the bobbins (1.1.1) from separating from the pump body.

5- An electronic card (2.8) according to Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that it comprises of:

- a vacuum sensor which measures in real-time the vacuum inside of the breast shield (1.2),

- a milk fill sensor which stops the cycle once the milk container (3) is full,

- a breast shield vacuum measurement sensor which measures the vacuum value,

- a Bluetooth module for smart connection,

- a processor which controls DC electric motor (2.1) and solenoid air valve (2.3),

- control buttons and notification lights.