Bra with High-Friction Polymeric Inserts for Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bras provide poor support to voluminous breasts, leading to unnatural appearance and compression, and fail to prevent breast movement during activities, especially in tight clothing and sports.
Innovation Solution
A bra design featuring elastic bands with high-friction polymeric inserts and underwire cups that distribute breast weight evenly, maintaining natural appearance and preventing downward sliding, while allowing skin transpiration and minimizing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional bras are used, then the breast is contained, but the support is poor and the breast tends to fall downwards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing high-friction polymeric inserts at specific locations within the cup (inner surface and/or peripheral edge) rather than making the entire cup rigid. This localized application provides targeted support and anti-slip functionality while maintaining the natural elasticity and comfort of the fabric in other areas, resolving the contradiction between support force and support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties: natural or synthetic fabric for comfort and elasticity, and high-friction polymeric material for enhanced grip and support. This composite approach allows the bra to provide reliable support to voluminous breasts while maintaining comfort and preventing downward movement.
2Shape
If push-up bras are used, then the breast is lifted, but the appearance becomes unnatural and seams are unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by applying the lifting and shaping effect only where needed through strategically placed polymeric inserts, rather than using a rigid structure that distorts the entire breast shape. This allows natural appearance to be maintained while still achieving the desired breast contouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cup material by incorporating high-friction polymeric inserts that provide structural support without the need for rigid frameworks or excessive seams. This allows the cup to maintain its natural drape and appearance while providing the necessary lifting effect.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inelastic base material is used, then breast movement is minimized, but skin transpiration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using inelastic polymeric inserts only in specific areas where movement control is needed (inner surface and/or peripheral edge), while the rest of the cup fabric remains elastic and breathable. This localized approach minimizes breast movement without compromising overall skin transpiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines elastic fabric material for breathability and comfort with inelastic polymeric material for movement control. This composite structure allows different regions of the cup to perform different functions, resolving the contradiction between stability and transpiration.
4Force
If polymeric inserts are added, then friction is increased, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the polymeric insert into discrete elements (strips, sequences of elements, or localized regions) rather than using a single continuous rigid structure. This segmented approach increases friction and support while maintaining flexibility and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin polymeric inserts that are integrated into the cup fabric, creating a flexible composite structure rather than a rigid framework. This maintains the flexibility and simplicity of the overall bra structure while providing the necessary friction and support enhancement.
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 effectively supports breasts naturally, preventing sliding and providing comfort and aesthetics, even in tight clothing, by using strategically placed polymeric inserts and underwire structures that enhance friction and stability without compressing the breast.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface of each cup includes at least one first insert made of a flexible polymeric material having a coefficient of friction with the skin higher than the one of the textile material in which the inner surface of each cup is made
Data Source
AI summary
A brassiere includes an elastic band, a pair of cups (and a pair of elongated flexible support elements configured to come at least partly into contact with the shoulders of the user. Each of the cups includes an outer surface and an inner surface made of a first textile material which includes a plurality of first inserts in a first flexible polymeric material having a coefficient of friction with the skin greater than the first textile material.