Two-Chamber Breast Prosthesis with Shear Thinning Putty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast prostheses fail to adequately conform to the surface irregularities and sensitive scar tissue created on the chest wall by a mastectomy, leading to discomfort and insecurity of fit.
Innovation Solution
A breast prosthesis design featuring a two-chambered bag with cross-linked silicone rubber in the outer chamber and a shear thinning silicone agglomerate putty in the inner chamber, allowing the putty to conform to the user's chest surface while maintaining shape until applied to a different surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a cross-linked silicone gel is used as the inner layer, then the breast prosthesis provides structural support and maintains shape, but it cannot adequately conform to surface irregularities on the chest wall
Solution Approach 1:
The breast prosthesis is divided into two separate chambers: an outer chamber containing cross-linked silicone gel for structural support and shape maintenance, and an inner chamber containing silicone putty for conforming to surface irregularities. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without the limitations of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two different silicone-based materials with complementary properties: cross-linked silicone gel (providing elasticity and shape memory) and silicone putty (providing moldability and surface conformability). The composite structure integrates the advantages of both materials while eliminating their individual disadvantages.
2Shape
If a self-shaping dispersion including silicone oil, microspheres, and thixotropic agents is used, then the inner layer can conform to surface irregularities, but the components separate over time requiring frequent massage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a silicone putty formulation that is designed to be stable and maintenance-free over the product lifecycle, eliminating the component separation issue that plagues self-shaping dispersions with microspheres and thixotropic agents. The putty maintains its homogeneity without requiring frequent user intervention.
3Shape
If custom molding is used to create a breast prosthesis that conforms to surface irregularities, then a comfortable and secure fit is achieved, but the method is not cost effective and may not be available to all wearers
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone putty in the inner chamber automatically conforms to the wearer's chest wall surface irregularities without requiring custom molding or professional fitting services. The material self-adapts when the prosthesis is placed against the skin, providing a customized fit through a simple, cost-effective process that any wearer can perform at home.
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 provides a more comfortable and secure fit by conforming to irregular surfaces without separating components, eliminating the need for frequent massage and offering a cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
The silicone agglomerate putty is disposed in the back chamber and is configured as a shear thinning fluid that conforms in shape to surface features of the chest of the user when placed against the chest of the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A breast prosthesis for wearing against a chest of a user includes a bag, a first silicone rubber and a silicone agglomerate putty. The bag includes at least three films that are sealed together around a periphery so as to define at least a front chamber and a back chamber. The first silicone rubber is disposed in the front chamber and is cured in an outer shape of a breast. The silicone agglomerate putty is disposed in the back chamber and is configured as a shear thinning fluid that conforms in shape to surface features of the chest of the user when placed against the chest of the user.