Brassiere Side Panel Construction with Nested Elastic Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bra side panel constructions often cause discomfort due to elastic bands that increase friction and create unappealing bulges, while constructions without elastic bands suffer from reduced elasticity after repeated washing or stretching.
Innovation Solution
The bra features side panels made from folded fabric with integrated elastic bands along longitudinal edges, secured using minimal stitching and a pull-out stitch, allowing for flexibility and comfort while maintaining durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elastic band is added to the side panels to enhance elasticity and provide flexibility, then the sizing characteristics are improved, but the elastic band causes discomfort and creates localized friction on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band is inserted inside a fabric tunnel formed by folding and sewing fabric layers together. The fabric tunnel encapsulates the elastic band, allowing it to provide elasticity while being covered by smooth fabric that contacts the skin, thus eliminating direct friction between the elastic band and skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric layers act as an intermediary between the elastic band and the skin. The elastic band is sewn between multiple fabric layers, creating a tunnel structure where the fabric serves as a mediator that transmits the elastic force while protecting the skin from direct contact with the elastic band's frictional surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elastic band is sewn onto the external side of the fabric layer to enhance elasticity, then the flexibility is improved, but the construction creates a visually unappealing appearance and causes the side panel to dig into the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band is nested within a tunnel formed by folding and sewing fabric layers together. This internal placement conceals the elastic band from external view, eliminating the visually unappealing appearance while maintaining the flexibility and elastic properties of the side panel.
3Device complexity
If designated elastic bands are not added to the side panels and only natural elasticity of fabric layers is used, then the construction is simpler, but the elasticity deteriorates after repeated washing or prolonged stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel combines fabric layers with an elastic band to create a composite structure. The fabric provides structural integrity and coverage, while the elastic band contributes superior elastic properties that maintain their functionality after repeated washing and stretching, overcoming the limitations of fabric-only elasticity.
4Ease of operation
If elastic bands are inserted into folded fabric with minimal stitching using pull-out stitch, then the comfort and flexibility are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric is folded and sewn into a tunnel structure before the elastic band is inserted. This preliminary preparation of the fabric tunnel simplifies the subsequent elastic band insertion process and ensures proper positioning, making the overall manufacturing more systematic despite the additional folding step.
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 solution provides a comfortable and durable side panel construction that minimizes friction and maintains elasticity, ensuring the bra fits well and feels good on the wearer without compromising durability.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity of the side panels may deteriorate after repeated washing of the bra or repeated or prolonged stretching of the side panels
Data Source
AI summary
A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the bra comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band.