Brassiere Strap Damping and Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brassieres often cause discomfort due to the chest band riding up and inadequate support that inhibits movement, while also failing to effectively control breast movement during dynamic activities, leading to 'breast bounce' and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic strap with a fabric sleeve for damping and strategically crossing straps over the back to distribute breast load, allowing for enhanced comfort and reduced movement while maintaining support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shoulder straps are tensioned to transfer load upward across the shoulder, then breast support is improved, but the chest band rides up the back causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the support system into separate functional elements: the chest band remains relatively loose while the shoulder straps provide the primary lifting force. This segmentation allows the chest band to stay in place without riding up, while still providing effective breast support through the strategically positioned shoulder straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a diagonal configuration for the shoulder straps, extending from the front cup area across the back to the opposite side. This diagonal arrangement in three-dimensional space creates more effective load distribution and leverage, allowing the straps to lift the breasts without requiring the chest band to clamp tightly or ride up.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the chest band is used to clamp around the chest to hold cups in place, then cup positioning is improved, but discomfort is caused by the band riding up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the primary support function from the chest band and relocates it to the shoulder straps. The chest band is reduced to a minimal structure that simply positions the cups, while the shoulder straps bear the main load. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of the chest band riding up while maintaining cup positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder straps are pre-configured in a diagonal arrangement that anticipates and counteracts the upward movement tendency of traditional chest bands. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents the chest band from riding up before the problem can occur during wear.
3Strength
If conventional strapping is used to control breast movement in all axes, then breast support is improved, but wearer movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs elastic materials for the shoulder straps and cup components, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to wearer movement and breast motion. The elastic properties enable the support system to provide consistent support while accommodating natural body movements, rather than rigidly constraining the wearer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the support system by using elastic materials with appropriate stretch characteristics. This allows the straps and cups to deform elastically during wearer movement, providing support without inhibition. The material parameters are selected to balance support strength with movement freedom.
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 improved comfort and reduced breast movement by distributing breast load across the upper torso, minimizing 'breast bounce' and ensuring adequate support without restricting movement.
Implementation Method 1
the inclusion of a fabric sleeve around an elastic strap of a brassiere introduces damping to the support strap which damps any oscillations of the breast
Implementation Method 2
a first strap attached to the first cup for passing over a first shoulder of the wearer wherein the first strap and/or first cup are formed of elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
Brassieres are provided which provide enhanced levels of comfort and support to the wearer. In one aspect, the invention provides a brassiere comprising an elastic material and damping arrangement, wherein the damping arrangement is arranged so as to dampen movements of a strap of cup caused by movement of a breast. In another aspect there is provided a brassiere having a strap and cup arrangement which is configured to distribute the breast load. Also provided is a brassiere for constraining movement of a wearer's breasts during wear, wherein said brassiere is configured such that movement of one breast caused by movement of the wearer is restrained by a remaining breast.