(1) Syringe Luer Lock: Standardized luer locks connect the syringes to the pressure chamber.

(2) National Pipe Tapered Thread: NPT threading ensures a tight fit between the two parts to prevent major vacuum loss when vacuum is applied. (2 degree taper)

(3) Double Check Valve Design: 2 check valves ensure vacuum is maintained throughout the pulling and pushing action.

(4) Suction Cup Tubing: Having the suction cup built into the chamber strengthens the connection and prevents vacuum loss.

(5) Actuator Attachment Points

(6) Natural Lubricant and Beeswax Sealing: Coconut oil was used to help tighten the NPT threads and beeswax was used to seal around the lip to further reduce leakage.

Features a palm frame (1) that connects to the luer lock vacuum chamber (2). The user’s palm rests at the top of the frame 

The finger frame (3) allows the user to wrap their fingers around it in order to pull the syringe piston frame (4). The syringe piston frame houses the syringe handle in order to create a pressure difference in the chamber 

Also includes rods to attach rubber bands from it to the chamber

Umbrella Style Valve: Raised lip design to improve seal when 3D printed

Airflow in the desired direction (upward) deforms the flap 

Airflow (or backpressure) in the opposite direction creates a high pressure area that presses the valve against the surface to create a seal 

Semi-rigid mushroom shaped cup: Printed uses TPU 95A 

Creates a seal against the newborn’s skin so that vacuum pressure can be applied and held

Used to guide the head out rather than forcing 

Tubing/stem is directly attached and printed with the cup

Since the tubing is printed at the same time as the cup, the tubing acts more of a rigid stem 

Utilizing a 5 mL syringe with the same luer lock connection 

1 mm Thickness: 1 mm is the desired thickness for optimal compression and stiffness with minimal deformation.

Compresses with Vacuum: When there is vacuum, the spring will compress as the plunger travels down. 

The spring pushes the plunger back up when pressure is normalized.