Breast pump

Abstract

A biomechanical breast pump mechanism () for expressing breastmilk comprising a biomimetic funnel (), at least two active actuation areas () on the funnel () and stationary areas (), the active actuation areas () being actuatable by a driving mechanism or mechanisms () and being configured to replicate the complex functions of the infant's tongue during suckling namely the physical stimulation of the areola ()/nipple (); nipple positioning; creating and maintaining low-level baseline vacuum to create air-seal on the breast; generating sub-atmospheric pressure inside the funnel (); creating and maintaining close-to-zero-air environment in the funnel (); and control of the vacuum oscillation within predefined ranges coordinated negative and positive actuation () of one or both actuation areas () independently or simultaneously.