Abstract: A biomechanical breast pump mechanism (1) for expressing breastmilk comprising a biomimetic funnel (2), at least two active actuation areas (23,24) on the funnel (2) and stationary areas (25), the active actuation areas (23,24) being actuatable by a driving mechanism or mechanisms (3) and being configured to replicate the complex functions of the infant's tongue during suckling namely the physical stimulation of the areola (17)/nipple (16); nipple positioning; creating and maintaining low-level baseline vacuum to create air-seal on the breast; generating sub-atmospheric pressure inside the funnel (2); creating and maintaining close-to-zero-air environment in the funnel (2); and control of the vacuum oscillation within predefined ranges coordinated negative and positive actuation (41,42) of one or both actuation areas (23,24) independently or simultaneously.

Abstract: A biomechanical breast pump mechanism (1) for expressing breastmilk comprising a biomimetic funnel (2), at least two active actuation areas (23,24) on the funnel (2) and stationary areas (25), the active actuation areas (23,24) being actuatable by a driving mechanism or mechanisms (3) and being configured to replicate the complex functions of the infant's tongue during suckling namely the physical stimulation of the areola (17)/nipple (16); nipple positioning; creating and maintaining low-level baseline vacuum to create air-seal on the breast; generating sub-atmospheric pressure inside the funnel (2); creating and maintaining close-to-zero-air environment in the funnel (2); and control of the vacuum oscillation within predefined ranges coordinated negative and positive actuation (41,42) of one or both actuation areas (23,24) independently or simultaneously.