Anchored Under Support for Augmented Breast Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brassieres with underwires often cause discomfort and inadequate support for women with augmented breasts, leading to pain and potential implant failure due to inconsistent stiffness and improper positioning of the underwire.
Innovation Solution
The improved brassiere features a three-dimensional under support made from a rigid plastic material with varying widths and radii, positioned between memory foam fillers to cradle and support the breast, providing upward and medial lift without excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional underwire is used in a brassiere, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the support is inadequate and causes discomfort for women with augmented breasts
Solution Approach 1:
The under support is divided into multiple segments including a curved underwire, memory foam filler, and anchoring elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the underwire provides structural framework, the memory foam provides cushioning and support, and the anchors secure the assembly - collectively achieving adequate support for augmented breasts while managing complexity through functional specialization
Solution Approach 2:
The under support assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a rigid or semi-rigid underwire material for structural integrity, soft memory foam for comfort and breast cradling, and anchoring materials for secure attachment. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that collectively provide both the needed support reliability and a manageable structural complexity
2Reliability
If the underwire stiffness is increased to provide better support, then support adequacy improves, but discomfort and pain increase due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The under support assembly exhibits local quality variations through its composite structure: the underwire provides localized rigid support where structural integrity is needed, while the memory foam provides localized soft cushioning where comfort is required. This spatial variation in material properties allows the system to provide adequate support in critical areas while minimizing pressure and discomfort in sensitive areas
Solution Approach 2:
The memory foam filler acts as an intermediary between the rigid underwire and the breast tissue. It transmits the supportive force of the underwire while distributing the pressure evenly, preventing concentrated stress points that would cause discomfort. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for rigid support and the need for comfort
3Reliability
If the underwire is positioned to provide upward lift, then breast support improves, but the underwire may shift or rotate causing improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The under support assembly is pre-configured with anchoring elements positioned to engage with the bra cup structure before the bra is worn. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the bra is put on, the underwire is already correctly oriented and secured, preventing shift or rotation during wear and maintaining proper breast support positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring elements provide positional feedback by engaging with specific features of the bra cup structure. This mechanical feedback system ensures the underwire maintains its correct orientation and position, automatically correcting or preventing misalignment and ensuring stable, proper positioning for effective breast support
4Reliability
If a rigid under support structure is used to prevent sagging, then support adequacy improves, but comfort decreases due to pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The under support assembly uses local quality differentiation where rigid materials are applied only where structural support is needed to prevent sagging, while soft memory foam materials are applied where they contact the breast tissue to eliminate pressure points. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between preventing sagging and avoiding discomfort
Data Source
AI summary
An under support for a breast support cup in a brassiere. The under support is rigid and has varying widths and differing radii to accommodate the bottom portion shape of a natural breast or a breast implant. The under support is configured to keep the proximal edge in proximity with bottom portion of the breast tissues or implant and the ribs. The under support has its largest width, thereby the largest contact surface with the implant or breast tissues, closest to the lateral end causing the breast tissues or implant to be supported upward and medially. The under support has openings or anchors extending therefrom with openings to allow a foam or other brassiere material to surround and go through the under support to secure it in place in the brassiere.