Three-Dimensional Bra Underwire with Varying Twist Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bra underwires fail to match the hemispherical cup shape effectively, resulting in inadequate support and discomfort due to poor fit and potential skin irritation from wire impressions.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional bra underwire design featuring an inclined middle section with a transition section that gradually changes from the flat ends, providing a better fit with the body curves and reducing stress concentrations for enhanced comfort and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a planar underwire is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the supporting effect is poor and it does not match the hemispherical cup shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidsupporting effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The underwire is transformed from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structure by introducing a twist angle that varies along its length. This dimensional change allows the underwire to conform to the hemispherical cup shape, improving the supporting effect while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integral formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The underwire is designed with a curved three-dimensional shape that matches the hemispherical cup contour. The varying twist angle creates a torsional curvature that follows the natural curve of the breast, enhancing support and comfort compared to a straight planar wire

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a planar underwire is used, then the structure is simple, but it leaves traces on the body and causes discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By transforming the underwire into a three-dimensional structure with varying twist angle, the contact surface with the body is distributed more evenly. This prevents concentration of pressure on single points, eliminating trace formation and improving comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The underwire features locally varying twist angles that adapt to different body contours. The twist angle changes from 0° at the ends to a maximum value at the middle section, creating optimal local contact quality across the entire underwire length to prevent skin irritation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the underwire has a fixed twist angle, then the manufacturing is easier, but it creates stress concentration and increases fracture risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemanufacturingVSAvoidfracture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The twist angle is designed to vary continuously along the underwire length rather than remaining fixed. This parameter change creates a smooth transition of stress distribution, eliminating stress concentration points and reducing fracture risk while maintaining integral manufacturing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The underwire is pre-formed with a varying twist angle profile during manufacturing that anticipates the stress distribution patterns. This preliminary shaping of the twist angle profile prevents stress concentration before the bra is even worn, enhancing durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8684788B2Three-dimensional bra underwire
Publication Date: 2014.04.01 KAIPING U LIKE UNDERGARMENT ACCESSORIES CO LTD
  • US8684788B2 patent drawing
  • US8684788B2 patent drawing
  • US8684788B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The utility model relates to the field of women's underwear. The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a three-dimensional bra underwire which is matched with the cup shape, has good supporting effects and is comfortable to use. The three-dimensional bra underwire comprises the middle part and two ends of the underwire, wherein the underwire is a inclined-type underwire with a certain inclination angle, at least one end of the underwire is a flat section, while the other parts are inclined section, and the inclined section is connected with the flat section by a transition section. In the utility model, the traditional flat underwire is changed into a three-dimensional underwire with a certain torsional stress so as to ensure that the underwire is matched with the cup shape well and has good supporting effects, bringing the shaping functions of the underwire into full play as well. Meanwhile, due to the better fit between the underwire and the human body, traces of the underwire can not be left on the body of the users, so that the three-dimensional bra underwire can improve the wearing comfort.