Bikini Strap Cushioning via EPDM Tubing and Intermediary Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bikini bathing suits often lack adequate cushioning and support in the neck area, leading to discomfort during wear.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising EPDM tubing and endcaps that attaches to the bikini strings, providing cushioning and support by sliding the strings through a reinforced center hole and endcaps, and using a fishing tool to secure them, allowing for a snug fit and easy knot-tying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If bikini bathing suits use simple string construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but comfort in the neck area deteriorates due to lack of cushioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: end caps with inlet holes, a main body with a reinforced center hole, and adhesive elements. These segmented parts are assembled together to form the complete cushioning device, allowing for easier manufacturing of individual components while achieving the overall comfort goal when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning device acts as an intermediary element between the bikini strings and the user's neck. It mediates the contact by providing a cushioned interface, transforming the direct string-to-skin contact into a softer, more comfortable interaction while maintaining the structural integrity of the bikini top.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If bikini strings are threaded directly through the top, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in tying knots securely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforced center hole in the main body serves as an intermediary structure that guides and secures the bikini strings. This intermediary element facilitates the knot-tying process by providing a stable anchor point and proper string alignment, making it easier for users to secure their bikini tops correctly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bikini top provides secure fit, then reliability is improved, but comfort in the neck area deteriorates due to pressure from strings

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides beforehand cushioning by placing a soft, cushioned barrier between the bikini strings and the user's neck before any pressure is applied. This pre-positioned cushioning layer protects the neck area from direct pressure while maintaining the secure fit provided by the string construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning device serves as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting needs of security and comfort. It allows the bikini top to maintain its secure fit through proper string tension while simultaneously protecting the neck area from uncomfortable pressure by distributing the force across a softer, larger surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10226084B2Bikini buddy

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 HORNER MICHAEL DEAN

AI summary

The device is an invention that attaches to the strings of the top to a bikini bathing suit. It provides cushion support to the neck area, and prevents the strings of the top to the bikini bathing suit from painful gouging into the skin due to the weight of the breasts.