Multi-Layer Bra Pulley Adjustment for Support Without Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports bras compress or restrict the wearer's torso, shoulders, and underarms, causing discomfort and fatigue, and are difficult to adjust during physical activity or for individuals with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable multi-layer bra with an inner and outer layer, featuring an adjustment string that lifts and secures bra cups to desired positions, a cross-chest strap for compression, and a cinching mechanism to adjust tension, allowing easy adjustment without restricting the torso or shoulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression is applied to securely position and support breasts, then breast support and positioning is improved, but torso and shoulder restriction increases causing discomfort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The bra is divided into multiple independent layers (outer bra layer with shoulder straps, inner bra layer with adjustment string, and optional middle layer) that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows the compression and support forces to be distributed and tuned independently at different locations, providing reliable breast support while minimizing unnecessary restriction of the torso and shoulders.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows different parts of the bra to have different levels of compression and support. The inner bra layer can be adjusted to provide localized support exactly where needed on the breasts, while the outer layer and shoulder straps can be configured to provide minimal restriction on the shoulders and torso, achieving local optimization of both support and comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are positioned at the back or shoulders for support, then breast positioning capability is improved, but ease of adjustment deteriorates during physical activity or for individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment string acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the adjustment action from an accessible location (front of the bra) to the bra cups. By threading the adjustment string through the bra structure and attaching it to the cups, the wearer can easily adjust breast positioning from the front without needing to reach behind the back or shoulders, making the bra accessible to individuals with disabilities and convenient during physical activity.
3Reliability
If shoulder and neck support is used to bear breast weight, then breast support is improved, but neck and shoulder pain increases due to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment string mechanism extracts the support function from the shoulder straps and transfers it to the bra cups themselves. By allowing independent adjustment of each cup's position and compression, the system provides breast support directly through the cups rather than relying on the shoulder straps to bear the weight, thereby eliminating the source of neck and shoulder pain while maintaining reliable breast support.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable multi-layer bra includes an inner bra layer and an outer bra layer. The bra includes a pulley system provided on the front of the bra for lifting the inner bra layer relative to the outer bra layer.