Lightweight Bra Using Elastomeric Adhesive Strips for Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bras often compromise between support and comfort, with underwire designs being uncomfortable and sports bras restricting natural movement, while providing high support can result in an unnatural appearance and feeling clammy.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight bra constructed from free cut knit fabric with strategically placed bonded film strips of elastomeric adhesive, providing flexible support without underwires, and featuring removable foam pads for shaping and moisture control, along with a bottom band to prevent riding up.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bra constructions use underwire design to provide support, then support function is improved, but comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the underwire element from the bra construction entirely, extracting the harmful component while retaining support functionality through alternative means (elastomeric adhesive strips and fabric construction)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical underwire structure with a flexible elastomeric adhesive strip system that provides support through elastic tension and adhesion rather than rigid mechanical constraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If bras are made with high support construction, then support function is improved, but natural appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidnatural appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies support elements (elastomeric adhesive strips) only in specific strategic locations rather than throughout the entire bra, providing localized support that maintains natural breast shape while avoiding excessive restriction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin elastomeric adhesive strips that are flexible and conform to the natural breast shape, avoiding rigid structures that would impose artificial shapes or flatten the breasts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If bras use shaping pads to provide support, then support function is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to clammy feeling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional shaping pads from the construction, extracting the source of the clammy feeling while maintaining support through the elastomeric adhesive strip system that allows breathability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If lightweight fabric is used to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but support function deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidsupport function

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines lightweight knit fabric with elastomeric adhesive strips to create a composite structure that provides both comfort (through the soft, breathable fabric) and support (through the elastic adhesive strips)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the support elements by using elastomeric materials with specific elastic properties, allowing the strips to provide support through their elastic tension while remaining flexible and comfortable

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 comfortable, flexible support that is more natural in appearance and feel, maintaining breast shape without the discomfort of underwires and excessive restriction, while the adhesive strips and moisture management fabric enhance wearability.

Implementation Method 1

strategically positioned bonded film strips of elastomeric adhesive between two layers of fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Preferred fabrics have a high level of spandex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The cup pads can be formed from foam material, for enhanced shaping and coverage properties. The pads are preferably perforated for moisture control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10231492B1Supportive light weight bra

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 GELMART IND INC

AI summary

A breast supporting garment such as a shirt, bra or similar garment has a body section having a front bust section for supporting a woman's breasts. A band of elastic material is provided under the bust section for shape and support. Another band of elastic material is provided around the bottom of the garment and helps keep it from riding up. The bust section of the garment should be formed from two layers of fabric adhered with elastomeric adhesive. The fabric should be free cut knit fabric having a high level of spandex. The bra will be lightweight and free feeling, as if it is not there.