Adjustable Brassiere Cup Size and Fit via Multi-Zone Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bras do not allow for adjustable cup size to accommodate fluctuations in breast size during pregnancy and breastfeeding, leading to discomfort for many mothers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable brassiere design featuring interconnected cups, adjustable side and front fasteners, and detachable shoulder straps, allowing the wearer to alter the cup size and angle to accommodate breast size changes, with options for magnetic, hook-and-eye, or Velcro connections for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bras with fixed cup sizes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to breast size fluctuations during pregnancy and breastfeeding is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere is divided into multiple adjustable segments including front fasteners, side fasteners, and back fasteners. Each segment can be independently adjusted to modify cup size and fit, allowing the bra to adapt to changing breast dimensions during pregnancy and breastfeeding without requiring a completely different structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the wearer to modify the cup size and fit in real-time. The front fasteners can be repositioned to expand or reduce cup volume, while side and back fasteners adjust the band fit, enabling the bra to dynamically adapt to breast size fluctuations throughout the day and across different stages of pregnancy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable fasteners are added to allow cup size adjustment, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased adjustment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional zones: front fasteners for cup size adjustment, side fasteners for angle and width adjustment, and back fasteners for band fit. This segmentation allows the wearer to make targeted adjustments in specific areas without having to manipulate the entire bra structure, simplifying the operation despite multiple adjustment points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fastener system is optimized for its specific function with appropriate local characteristics. The front fasteners use hook-and-eye or magnetic mechanisms for easy cup expansion, the side fasteners use similar simple mechanisms for angle adjustment, and the back fasteners provide secure band adjustment. This local optimization ensures each adjustment is simple and intuitive despite the overall system having multiple adjustment capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable and adjustable components are incorporated, then adaptability and comfort are enhanced, but reliability of connection may worsen due to multiple attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
Each connection point is designed with appropriate local quality to ensure reliability for its specific function. The front fasteners use robust hook-and-eye or magnetic connections optimized for withstanding the forces on the cup. The side and back fasteners use similar reliable connection mechanisms designed for their specific load conditions. This localized optimization ensures each connection is as reliable as possible despite the presence of multiple detachable points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fastening mechanisms (hooks, eyes, magnetic fasteners) into a unified adjustment system where all components work together to provide both detachability and reliability. The integration of these different fastening types across front, side, and back connections creates a synergistic system that maintains overall connection reliability while enabling customizable fit and easy removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable brassiere (100) having two cups (102,104) joined to each other, a back band (106, 108) and shoulder straps (110,112). The back band has two parts: a first back band (108) having a first end connected to the first brassiere cup and having a second free end, and a second back band (106) having a first end connected to the second brassiere cup and having a second free end. The second free end of the first back band is detachably connected to the second free end of the second back band. The first shoulder strap (110) has a first end connected to the first brassiere cup and has a second end connected to the first back band, and the second shoulder strap (112) has a first end connected to the second brassiere cup and has a second end connected to the second back band. Adjustable side fasteners (114) connect the first and second brassiere cups to the first and second back bands, and these are able to alter an angle between the first and second brassiere cups and the first and second back bands. In two or more adjustable front fasteners (116) incorporated along each of the first and second brassiere cups connect the first and second brassiere cups and the first and second shoulder straps. The adjustable side fasteners allow the size of the brassieres cups to be increased in volume by one size and the adjustable front fasteners allow the cups to rotate to increase in capacity once side fasteners have been adjusted. The wearer can thus adjust the effective cup size of the brassiere to allow for size fluctuations during pregnancy and/or breast-feeding.