Bra Cup With Interlayer Plastic Ribs for Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern bras face challenges in providing both comfort and sufficient support for larger breasts, as sturdy wired bras can be uncomfortable and softer materials often lack the necessary support.

Innovation Solution

A bra support cup design featuring two layers of foam with plastic ribs positioned between them, where the foam layers are thickest in the middle and thinnest at the edges, providing additional support without the need for empty spaces or underwires, using polyurethane foam and strategically angled plastic strips for enhanced push-in and push-up support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If underwires are used to provide support for larger breasts, then support is improved, but comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoiddiscomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by transitioning from rigid underwires to flexible plastic ribs with varying thicknesses (3-15mm), allowing the support element to adapt its rigidity and conform to breast contours, thereby providing support while reducing discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple materials with different properties: plastic ribs for structural support, foam layers for cushioning and comfort, and fabric for coverage. This composite structure integrates the supportive function of rigid elements with the comfort-providing properties of soft materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If softer materials are used to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but support deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidsupport

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of foam layers (3-15mm) and plastic ribs throughout the bra cup, providing stronger support in areas requiring it while using thinner, softer materials in areas where comfort is prioritized, thus achieving both support and comfort simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If push-up pads and underwires are used to add volume and support, then breast shape and volume are improved, but comfort and simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreast shape and volumeVSAvoiddiscomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of separate components (push-up pads and underwires) into an integrated structure where plastic ribs and foam layers work together as a unified support system, eliminating the need for distinct rigid underwires and separate pads, thereby simplifying the design while maintaining shape-enhancing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1785044B1Bra support cup

Publication Date: 2009.04.15 VA BIEN INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED

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AI summary

A bra support cup is made using two layers of foam. The outer layer has grooves along its inner surface. These are used to hold plastic ribs. The inner layer is bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer to hold the plastic ribs in place.