Bra Size Measuring Tape with Direct Read Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bra sizing methods are complex, prone to errors, and uncomfortable, often resulting in poorly fitting bras due to the need for multiple measurements and calculations, and can be socially awkward when taking measurements of the bare breast.

Innovation Solution

A flexible measuring tape with indicia on one side that allows direct determination of band and cup sizes without the need for additional measurements or calculations, enabling bra size to be read directly from the tape without requiring the user to take underbust or overbust measurements in units of length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional bra sizing methods are used (multiple measurements and calculations), then measurement precision may be maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebra size determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions (band size and cup size determination) into a single measuring tape with integrated markings. The tape includes both length measurements and direct bra size indicators, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices and calculation tools, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring tape is segmented into distinct functional zones: one side provides traditional length measurements in inches/centimeters, while the other side provides direct bra size indicators. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate measurement method without confusion, maintaining precision while simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If traditional bra sizing methods are used (multiple measurements and calculations), then measurement precision may be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebra size determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring tape pre-calculates and displays all necessary bra size information directly on the tape markings. Instead of requiring users to perform calculations after taking measurements, the tape provides ready-to-use band size and cup size indicators, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring tape is self-instructive with clear markings that guide users through the measurement process. The dual-sided design with different measurement systems allows the tool to serve itself by providing all necessary information without requiring external references or calculation tools, enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If direct breast measurement is used, then ease of operation improves, but object-affected harmful factors worsen (social awkwardness)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-measurement easeVSAvoidsocial awkwardness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring direct measurement of the breast (which causes social awkwardness), the patent inverts the approach by measuring the underbust area and using that measurement to determine both band size and cup size. This indirect measurement method eliminates the need to expose or directly measure breast tissue, reducing social awkwardness while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Device complexity

If conversion wheel device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates (errors in lining up measurements)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement device simplicityVSAvoidbra size determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measurement scale and the conversion table into a single integrated tape. The markings directly indicate both the measured dimension and the corresponding bra size, eliminating the need for a separate conversion wheel. This integration maintains device simplicity while eliminating the alignment errors that occur with separate conversion tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8832955B2Bra size measuring tape

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 CHICOS BRANDS INVESTMENTS INC

AI summary

A tape measuring device for determining bra sizes has band dimension and bra size markings on the outer surface of the tape. The band dimension markings divide a section of the surface by standard units and subunits of band size. The band size markings on the outer surface allow the user to determine the proper band size for a bra based on a single measurement, without the need for any additional calculations or correlations. The bra size markings on the outer surface allow the user to directly determine the proper cup and overall bra size based on the band size determination, again without the need for any additional calculations or correlations.