Garment and method for measuring human milk production and breastfeeding parameters
Inventors
Gozen, Bulent Arda • MCGUIRE, Michelle Kay • GANNARAPU, Abhishek • LACKEY, Kimberly Ann • MEINE, Tyler Nelson • CHANG, Dallas Daaren
Assignees
Washington State University WSU
Publication Number
US-11523769-B2
Publication Date
2022-12-13
Expiration Date
2038-05-31
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Devices and methods for simultaneously measuring, in real time: 1) volumetric changes of a mammalian breast due to milk production and output, and 2) breast temperature, are provided. The devices are generally sensors which can be disposed within a wearable garment such as a bra.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a smart wearable electronic device capable of real-time, simultaneous measurement of volumetric changes of a mammalian breast due to milk production and output, as well as breast temperature. The device consists of sensors with intrinsic electrically conductive liquids embedded in a soft elastomeric material that conforms to the breast surface. As the underlying surface changes shape or temperature, these liquid conductors deform, resulting in detectable fluctuations in their electrical properties, which correlate with physical alterations of the breast.
Existing methods for measuring lactation parameters are either invasive, impractical for frequent use, or require sophisticated equipment unavailable for home application. Previous devices have not enabled the non-invasive, continuous, quantitative, and convenient measurement of both breast volume and temperature, nor can they track additional parameters such as suckling frequency or mechanics. This invention addresses these issues by providing a comfortable wearable garment, such as a bra, equipped with embedded sensors that detect changes via impedance measurement and output data suitable for personal or medical use.
The sensors operate by monitoring changes in impedance caused by deformations due to volume changes, suckling, or temperature variations, using either embedded thermistors or signal processing schemes that isolate the effects of different stimuli. Combined with calibration methods, these sensors provide accurate, real-time monitoring of breastfeeding parameters, enabling tracking and quantitative assessment of milk output and breast health within a wearable and user-friendly format.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims directed to the core inventive features: a biosensor for lactation parameters, a wearable garment integrating the sensor, and a method for measuring breast volume and temperature.
Closed band elastomeric sensor with conductive liquid channel
A sensor comprising: - A closed band of non-conductive elastomeric material having at least one sealed channel embedded within it. - The sealed channel filled with a non-volatile electrically conductive liquid. - At least two microelectrodes in electrical communication with this conductive liquid. - A connector operatively coupled to the microelectrodes and an external electronics system for transmitting and receiving electrical signals between the sensor and the external system.
Wearable garment with integrated breast volume and temperature sensor
A wearable garment for monitoring breast volume and temperature, comprising: - At least one cup with a contoured shape for engaging a woman's breast. - The cup comprising at least one sensor as described above, enabling monitoring of volume and temperature.
Method for measuring breast volume and temperature using sensor frequency response
A method of measuring breast volume and temperature comprising: 1. Positioning the sensor or garment on the breast(s). 2. Measuring the sensor impedance as a function of frequency to obtain a frequency response. 3. Determining circuit component values by fitting the frequency response with a circuit model that represents sensor behavior. 4. Calculating breast volume and temperature using the circuit component values and predetermined calibration functions correlating those values to physical breast parameters.
The inventive features encompass a closed band elastomeric sensor with conductive liquid channels for real-time breast parameter monitoring, its integration into a wearable garment, and a method for quantitative breast volume and temperature measurement through impedance analysis.
Stated Advantages
The device is non-invasive, accurate, and fully quantitative for measuring lactation parameters.
It does not require additional materials or complex material control systems.
The device can be used continuously during lactation and is convenient and user-friendly.
It enables simultaneous real-time monitoring of breast volume, milk output, temperature, and additional parameters such as suckling mechanics.
Sensor design provides high sensitivity, detecting small volume changes and physiological temperature variations.
Documented Applications
Monitoring breast volume and temperature in real time before, during, and after infant nursing sessions.
Tracking changes in breastfeeding parameters for personal information or transmitting data to healthcare providers and hospital monitoring systems.
Assessing breastfeeding status in women after childbirth, including in hospital facilities.
Indirectly monitoring infant behavior during nursing, including suckling activity, frequency, and strength.
Assisting healthcare professionals in making recommendations about infant nutrition or readiness for hospital discharge.
Early detection of breast tissue temperature changes, such as those occurring in infections like mastitis.
Interested in licensing this patent?