Bra Support Structure with Elastic Band Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwire bras often fail to conform to the individual anatomy of women, leading to discomfort due to poor fit and the wire causing pinching or jabbing, as they do not adequately accommodate the variability of the female figure.
Innovation Solution
A bra design featuring a band of stretchable material positioned beneath the cup portion, with a support structure, such as a wire, affixed to the band at an anchor point that remains stable while allowing the garment to adjust and adapt to the wearer's movement, providing both comfort and a consistent appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid underwire structure is used to provide support, then support capability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pinching and jabbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the traditional rigid underwire with a flexible support structure made of elastic material that conforms to the breast contour. The flexible support structure provides necessary support while adapting to the wearer's anatomy, eliminating pinching and jabbing discomfort caused by rigid wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure from rigid to elastic by using materials with appropriate stretch properties. The support structure is designed to stretch and recover, allowing it to maintain support functionality while adapting to body movements and anatomical variations, thus preventing discomfort.
2Productivity
If a standardized bra design is used for mass production, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but fit and comfort deteriorate due to inability to accommodate individual anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing a support structure with elastic properties that dynamically adapts to the wearer's body shape and movements. The structure stretches and recovers with body motion, providing a customized fit experience without requiring individualized manufacturing, thus maintaining mass production efficiency while improving anatomical accommodation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is firmly anchored to prevent movement, then support stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to restriction of natural movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the anchoring mechanism from rigid fixation to elastic attachment. The support structure is anchored to the cup and band using elastic connections that allow controlled movement and deformation. This provides stable support during rest while permitting natural movement during activity, eliminating the restriction caused by firm anchoring.
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 design ensures a comfortable and flattering fit without sacrificing support, allowing the garment to conform to the wearer's anatomy, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and enhancing confidence through consistent appearance and natural lift.
Implementation Method 1
The band is made of an elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a garment (100) having a cup portion with two cups (110), a body portion (120, 130, 150) integrated with the cup portion, and a band (160) are disposed on the garment such that is extends beneath the cup portions. The band (160) is either on the body portion or adjacent the body portion. The garment (100) also has support structures (170) with a configuration, each following proximately a contour of the lower part of its respective cup (110), wherein a portion of the support structure (170) is formed on and fixed to the band (160) and a portion of the support structure (170) extends on the body (120, 130, 150) of the garment and is attached thereto. As such the support structure (170) configuration is approximately arcuate. The garment also has additional control regions (190). The control is provided by fabric or materials that have less stretch than the body fabric from which the body of the garment is made.