Athletic Bra Three-Ply Support and Breathability Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletic bras often fail to provide adequate comfort and support, leading to issues like chafing, undesired movement, and poor perspiration management, necessitating the use of multiple bras for adequate support and control during exercise.

Innovation Solution

A bra design featuring a three-ply construction with a mesh intermediate fabric ply between outer and inner knit fabric plies, providing enhanced support and breathability, along with a torso band and connector portions for reduced chafing and customizable fit, utilizing moisture-wicking treatments and materials for improved comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If compression is used to provide increased support to breasts, then support level is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to chaffing and perspiration management issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport levelVSAvoidchaffing and perspiration discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bra is divided into multiple functional segments: a moisture-wicking inner ply直接接触皮肤管理汗水,a supportive middle ply providing compression support, and an outer ply for durability and comfort. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The middle supportive ply acts as an intermediary layer between the skin-contact inner ply and the outer ply. It provides the necessary compression and support while preventing the inner ply from causing chaffing, thus mediating between support requirements and comfort needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a single bra is designed to provide maximum support, then support level is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot accommodate different activity levels or preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport levelVSAvoidfit customization
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bra incorporates adjustable straps and a range of closure settings that allow the support level to be dynamically adjusted based on the wearer's needs. This enables the same bra to adapt to different activity intensities and personal preferences, making the support system flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bra is designed to serve multiple functions across different scenarios: it can provide light support for low-impact activities or enhanced support for high-impact activities through adjustments. The multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized bras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If torso band is made secure to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to undesired movement up or down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorso band stabilityVSAvoidundesired vertical movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The torso band incorporates a closure system that provides tactile feedback to the wearer, allowing them to sense and adjust the fit. This feedback mechanism enables the wearer to achieve the optimal balance between stability and comfort, preventing both excessive movement and uncomfortable tightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The torso band's fastening system allows for parameter changes in tension and positioning. By adjusting these parameters, the wearer can optimize the band's stability to match their body shape and activity level, preventing vertical movement while maintaining comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 bra offers improved comfort and support by minimizing chafing, managing perspiration effectively, and providing customizable fit through adjustable shoulder straps, addressing the limitations of prior athletic bra designs.

Implementation Method 1

a ply of supportive fabric disposed between inner and outer plies forming the front portion of the bra. The supportive fabric ply includes at least one first portion positioned at the top of the front portion and a pair of second portions positioned to correspond with the lateral sides of the wearer's breasts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing moisture-wicking treatments and materials for improved comfort

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

managing perspiration effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3284356B1Athletic bra
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 HBI BRANDED APPAREL ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3284356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3284356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3284356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bra includes a front portion (100), a back portion (200), a torso band (300) and a pair of shoulder straps (400). Areas of the front portion are selectively provided with an inner ply (120), an outer ply (115), and an intermediate fabric ply (125). The intermediate fabric ply is formed of a relatively supportive material and is configured to be positioned along the top and lateral sides of a wearer's breasts.