Mastitis Prevention: A Wearable Solution

Introduction

• Working on a team to design and fabricate a human-centered solution to a worldly problem

• Responsible for research, design, planning, creation of detailed 3D models, and manufacturing 

• In Progress

Solution

To address all these breastfeeding challenges faced by many women, we are designing an overgarment wearable that supports proper lymph fluid flow, prevents clogged milk ducts, and reduces the risk of mastitis all while correcting posture.

Our solution, both preventative and a treatment device targets the root cause of mastitis by stimulating lymphatic fluid flow. 

The above renderings depict what our product would look like—a vest that we’ll make adjustable. The massage technology would be held in place by pockets between fabrics and covered by an outer layer. 

Our design is based on Research from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine that proves that lymph fluid can be moved within the breast through light, directional massage. While this type of massage is usually performed by physical therapists, new moms often struggle to find the time for such techniques, and access to therapy is extremely limited. Even in NYC, one of the most populated cities in the world, there are only two clinics trained in this method, one of which we are collaborating with on our solution.  

To automate this currently time-consuming and technical massaging process in a more practical and accessible manner, our product has its lymphatic massaging technology embedded within a piece of clothing that can be worn at home, at work, or wherever. 

Breastfeeding women will now have their severe pains relieved completely hands-free and without the need for special training. 

Our mechanical design automates the massage, applying light pressure in a continuous circular motion to stimulate flow from the center of the chest, outwards over and under the breast, and toward the underarm. The inspiration for the pushing mechanism come from the motion of a keyboard spacebar, which can be pressed anywhere along its surface and rise back up along the direction of the applied force, moving without cantilevering. 

This works because of a spring-loaded switch and a stabilizer beneath the key that restricts the motion to be along the direction of the applied force.

The entire key moves up and down and is pressed by an extruded bead on the gear. Only one actuator is needed for the driver gear and we still get both the clockwise and counter-clockwise simultaneous rotations moving outward and toward the underarms.

We designed our own spring system that operates similarly to keyboard switches and allows for greater stiffness and displacement flexibility. 

When pressed, our keys plunge into and compress the springs secured within the inner ring of the wearable. When the key is rolled over and released, the spring returns to its original length.