Absorbable Matrix Internal Bra for Breast Shape Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing breast sagging, such as breast implants and surgical techniques, often weaken the natural support structures of the breast, including the circum-mammary ligament, leading to ineffective long-term solutions for maintaining breast shape and position.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensionally shaped internal bra device made of long-term absorbable materials, comprising a circular tube with a purse string, a tarpaulin-like sheet, and a cup-like member, designed to mimic the breast's fascial system, is anchored to the circum-mammary ligament to provide sustained support and shape the breast, potentially eliminating the need for sub-muscular implant placement and enhancing soft tissue coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If breast implants are used to maintain breast shape and position, then breast projection and volume are improved, but the natural support structures including the circum-mammary ligament are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal bra device as an intermediary structure between the breast tissue and the chest wall. This device, made of long-term absorbable materials, provides mechanical support to the circum-mammary ligament and breast tissue without requiring permanent implants. The device acts as a temporary scaffold that maintains breast shape and position while allowing natural tissue healing and strengthening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific absorbable properties that change over time. The internal bra device is constructed from materials that maintain structural integrity initially to provide support, then gradually absorb over long-term periods (years) as natural tissue strengthens. This parameter change in material degradation allows the device to transition from providing external support to being fully absorbed, avoiding permanent foreign bodies while maintaining temporary structural support.
2Shape
If surgical techniques are used to prevent breast sagging, then breast position is improved, but the circum-mammary ligament is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The internal bra device is implanted before the natural tissue has fully healed from surgery. By providing immediate post-surgical support, the device prevents further stretching and weakening of the circum-mammary ligament during the critical healing period. The device maintains the corrected breast position established by surgery while the ligament regains strength, preventing recurrence of sagging.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as a protective cushion for the weakened circum-mammary ligament following surgery. It distributes the mechanical load away from the compromised ligament structures, preventing further damage while healing occurs. This beforehand cushioning effect protects the surgical results and allows the ligament to recover without bearing excessive stress.
3Stability of the object's composition
If long-term support is provided to prevent breast sagging, then breast shape stability is improved, but permanent materials must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the concept of temporary, absorbable materials instead of permanent implants. The internal bra device is constructed from long-term absorbable materials that provide support for a extended period (multiple years) then gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the body. This approach eliminates the need for permanent foreign materials while still providing sufficient long-term support during the critical period when natural tissue is recovering and adapting.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbable materials in the internal bra device are designed to be discarded by the body's natural metabolic processes after serving their supportive function. As the device gradually absorbs over time, the body recovers by forming natural scar tissue and strengthened ligament structures that take over the support function. This discarding and recovering process eliminates permanent foreign materials while maintaining long-term breast shape stability through natural tissue adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A long term absorbable matrix brassiere including a circular tube member adapted to be fixed to the chest of a woman, a membrane or tarpaulin fixed within the tube member; and a cup held within the tube member.