Mechanical Teat Stimulation for Enhanced Milk Letdown
Modern milking systems face significant challenges in replicating the complex biomechanical processes of natural milk letdown. Measurements show that optimal milk extraction requires precise cyclic pressures between -15 and -50 kPa, while maintaining physiological teat tissue compression patterns that prevent congestion and maintain blood circulation during the 5-7 minute extraction period.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing mechanical systems that can accurately simulate the dynamic, multi-phase nature of natural suckling while adapting to individual anatomical variations and milk flow patterns.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including adaptive pressure profiling systems, sensor-driven vacuum adjustment mechanisms, peristaltic liner designs, and intelligent suction management approaches. These and other developments focus on optimizing milk extraction while maintaining teat health and comfort across different anatomical configurations and milk flow conditions.
1. Milk Expression System with Adaptive Pressure Profile and Real-Time Milk Ejection Detection
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV, 2024
A milk expression system that optimizes pumping parameters based on the timing and intensity of the milk ejection reflex. The system employs an adaptive pressure profile that maintains a non-zero baseline under-pressure during the milk ejection phase, rather than relying solely on the vacuum level. This profile is generated by detecting the milk ejection reflex and adapting the pressure settings to match the user's milk flow characteristics. The system incorporates features like smart classifier-based detection of milk ejection onset, dynamic pressure adjustment based on milk delivery, and real-time monitoring of milk flow and duct dimensions.
2. Mechanical Pneumatic Pulsator with Single Spindle Switching for Milking and Massage Modes
ILERI BARIS, 2024
Mechanical pneumatic pulsator that can switch between milking and massage with a single spindle movement by means of the mechanical structure thereof. The pulsator can perform milking when desired, and to massage by creating a bypass channel.
3. Milk Liner with Sequentially Collapsing Ribbed and Unribbed Portions for Peristaltic Action
MILKRITE | INTERPULS INC, 2024
Milk liner for milking apparatus that improves milk extraction and reduces teat discomfort by generating a massage effect. The liner has a ribbed portion and an unribbed portion that sequentially collapse inward when pressure differences are applied. Alternatively, the liner has a tapering portion that causes progressive inward collapse. This peristaltic massage action moves milk up the teat, reducing fluid accumulation and teat congestion compared to conventional liners. The liners are used in teat cups of milking apparatuses that apply suction and cyclic pressure variations to the liners.
4. Breast Pump with Integrated Targeted Massage Unit in Breast Support System
Kim Sun-mi, KIMSUN MI, 2019
A breast pump with a built-in massage system that enables mothers to enhance their breastfeeding experience through deliberate breast manipulation. The pump incorporates a specialized massage unit within its breast support system, allowing mothers to target specific areas of their breasts for improved milk flow and comfort. This innovative design enables mothers to develop a personalized massage routine that complements their breastfeeding technique, promoting effective milk production and comfort during feeding.
5. Breast Pump with Dynamic Compression Hydraulic Bladder and Funnel-Shaped Interface System
CARR LANE QUACKENBUSH, 2019
A breast pump that mimics the natural suckling action of an infant during breastfeeding, providing a more effective and comfortable milk collection experience. The pump features a unique interface system that combines a funnel-shaped breast shield with a hydraulic bladder system. The bladder system employs a dynamic compression mechanism that alternates between a more resilient and less resilient section, creating a controlled suction and compression action against the breast tissue. This patented interface system enables the pump to replicate the natural milk ejection reflex (MER) that occurs during breastfeeding, while also providing a more natural and comfortable milk collection experience compared to traditional vacuum-based breast pumps.
6. Breast Pump with Hydraulic Stimulation and Nipple Compression Interface System
QUACKENBUSH CARR LANE, 2018
A breast pump that more closely mimics the natural suckling action of an infant during breastfeeding, providing a more effective and natural milk collection experience. The pump features a unique interface system that combines a hydraulic stimulation mechanism with a nipple compression system, enabling the creation of a milk ejection reflex (MER) that is more physiological than traditional vacuum extraction methods. The interface system comprises a funnel-shaped breast shield, a nipple tunnel, and a hydraulic pump that operates through a valve switch. The system utilizes a combination of the funnel-shaped shield and the nipple tunnel to create the MER, while the hydraulic pump delivers controlled pressure to the nipple to compress it against the breast tissue. The valve switch allows for selective activation of either the hydraulic stimulation or nipple compression mechanism, enabling the user to choose the desired milk collection method.
7. Breast Pump with Curved Flexible Element Inducing Peristaltic Motion at Resonant Frequency Range
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV, 2018
A breast pump design that enhances milk expression by mimicking the natural sucking motion of an infant. The pump features a curved, flexible element that deforms in response to pressure, creating a peristaltic motion that stimulates the nipple and triggers the milk ejection reflex. This motion is achieved through a unique, resonant frequency range of 0.5-3 Hz, specifically tailored to the natural frequency of infant suckling. The design allows both stimulating and expression phases, with the flexible element adapting to the pumping action. The pump's curved shape and pressure source work together to create a natural, ergonomic feeding experience that reduces discomfort and pain during breastfeeding.
8. Teatcup Liner with Triangular Cross-Sectional Barrel for Complete Upper Barrel Collapse
DELAVAL HOLDING AB, 2017
A teatcup liner that provides enhanced teat massage and congestion relief during milking by ensuring complete collapse of the upper barrel section during the milking process. The liner features a specially designed barrel shape with a triangular cross-section that creates a seal when the liner is applied to the teat, preventing vacuum leaks during milking. The liner's unique design ensures that the upper barrel section collapses completely during milking, providing a more effective teat massage and relief of teat tissue congestion compared to conventional teatcup liners.
9. Teat Cup with Flexible Liner for Continuous Vacuum Application and Consistent Teat-End Pressure
GEA FARM TECHNOLOGIES GMBH, 2015
Mechanically milking lactating animals through continuous vacuum application to the teat end, enabling optimized milking characteristics. The method employs a teat cup with a flexible liner that is precisely positioned within the cup. The liner features a pressure chamber that maintains a constant milking vacuum pressure throughout the milking cycle, eliminating the discontinuous vacuum fluctuations characteristic of conventional milking. The teat cup's unique design ensures consistent teat-end pressure, while the liner's pressure management system prevents liner slippage and maintains optimal teat condition.
Get Full Report
Access our comprehensive collection of 9 documents related to this technology