Absorbent Garment Cup with Laminated Terry Cloth and Wicking Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maternity and nursing bras lack effective solutions for absorbing breast milk and other bodily fluids without compromising comfort or requiring complex fastening mechanisms, leading to wetness and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pair of breast cups with a moisture-wicking one-way transport material, an inner layer of absorbent terry cloth, and an outer layer of water-resistant material, fully laminated to prevent fluid leakage, along with optional features like open-cell stretch foam and hydrophobic finishes, ensuring efficient fluid absorption and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing maternity and nursing bras are used, then the garment structure is simple, but the fluid absorption effectiveness is insufficient leading to wetness and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The breast cup is constructed with multiple layers of different materials: an inner layer of absorbent material for fluid absorption, a middle layer of moisture-wicking fabric to transport moisture away from the skin, and an outer layer of water-resistant material to prevent leakage. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve reliable fluid absorption while maintaining a integrated single-piece garment design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the breast cup are designed with different material properties tailored to specific functional requirements. The inner layer uses highly absorbent material directly contact with the breast, the middle layer uses moisture-wicking fabric in the transport path, and the outer layer uses water-resistant material at the boundaries. This local differentiation optimizes fluid management effectiveness without requiring complex overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If complex fastening mechanisms are added to improve nursing access, then nursing access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The breast cup incorporates a dynamic opening mechanism that allows the cup to be easily opened for nursing access and then closed to resume absorption function. This dynamic design enables simple one-handed operation for nursing access without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, as the opening/closing action is integrated into the cup structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast cup design allows the user to independently open and close the cup for nursing access without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or assistance. The integrated opening mechanism serves the nursing function directly, eliminating the need for separate complex fastening systems while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If absorbent material is added to absorb breast milk, then fluid absorption is improved, but the weight of the garment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent inner layer utilizes porous material structure that provides high fluid absorption capability through capillary action and porosity. This porous structure absorbs breast milk effectively while maintaining relatively low weight compared to solid absorbent materials, as the absorption is achieved through the material's internal pore structure rather than bulk mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness and density parameters of the absorbent material to achieve the required absorption capability with minimal weight. By carefully controlling these parameters, the breast cup provides effective fluid absorption while keeping the overall garment weight acceptable for comfortable wear during extended periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a comfortable and effective means of absorbing breast milk and other fluids, maintaining dryness and preventing leaks, while allowing for easy nursing access without complex fastening, enhancing the nursing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of moisture-wicking one-way transport material configured to face a wearer's skin
Implementation Method 2
an inner layer of absorbent terry cloth
Implementation Method 3
an outer layer of water-resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent garment has a pair of breast cups, each having a layer of moisture-wicking one-way transport material, an inner layer of absorbent terry cloth, an inner layer of foam, and an outer layer of water-resistant material. An inner face of the absorbent terry cloth is fully laminated to an outer face of the one-way transport material. An outer face of the absorbent terry cloth is fully laminated to an inner face of the foam. An outer edge of the one-way transport material is coupled to an outer edge of the foam. An outer face of the foam is fully laminated to an inner face of the water-resistant material. The absorbent terry cloth has an outer edge that does not extend to the outer edges of the one-way transport material or the foam such that the absorbent terry cloth is fully enclosed between the one-way transport material and the foam.