Breast Support Garment with Adjustable Fit for Pump Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast support garments do not easily accommodate wearable breast pumps, requiring adjustments that are not feasible with prior art bras, making it difficult for nursing women to use these devices discreetly and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A breast support garment with adjustable fasteners, such as nursing clips and extension clasps, allows for quick size adjustments between two fits, enabling the bra to accommodate an in-bra breast pump without altering the overall bra strap length, allowing for discreet and efficient pumping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bra strap length is adjusted to accommodate a breast pump, then the fit is improved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bra strap is divided into a fixed portion and an adjustable portion with multiple fastening positions. This segmentation allows the user to quickly adjust the strap length by selecting different fastening positions rather than redesigning the entire strap, thereby improving fit adaptability while keeping the adjustment process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bra strap incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the fit. The strap can be quickly adjusted between different lengths to accommodate either a breast pump or natural breast shape, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bra is designed with fixed fit, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate wearable breast pumps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of breast pumpVSAvoidbra structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bra is designed with universal adjustability features that allow it to serve multiple functions: accommodating both wearable breast pumps and natural breast shapes. The adjustable straps and cup design enable the same bra structure to adapt to different user needs without requiring multiple separate garments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bra incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable straps and reconfigurable fastening mechanisms. This allows the bra to transition between different fit configurations to accommodate either a breast pump or natural breasts, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the bra requires complete removal for pump insertion, then the fit can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and less discreet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment convenienceVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bra strap is segmented into adjustable portions with multiple fastening positions that can be accessed and modified while the bra remains mostly on. This allows users to quickly adjust the fit by repositioning straps without needing to completely remove the bra, thereby improving convenience and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bra is pre-configured with multiple fastening positions and adjustable straps that are ready for quick modification. This preliminary preparation allows users to rapidly adjust the fit when needed without having to disassemble the entire bra structure, saving time and maintaining discretion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11690411B2Breast support garment with adjustable fit
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 THE DAIRY FAIRY INC
  • US11690411B2 patent drawing
  • US11690411B2 patent drawing
  • US11690411B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A brassiere having a pair of breast cups, shoulder straps and a chest band, wherein each of the breast cups can be attached to the shoulder straps using one of a plurality of fasteners, most typically standard nursing clips, with each fastener providing for a different fit. A first fastener could be attached directly to the breast cup and used to provide a snug fit, while a second fastener could be attached to the breast cup via an extension which provides a much looser fit. Using the second extended fastener would, for example, allow the bra to be used with an in-bra breast pump. The first fastener could be used to fit the bra properly when the in-bra breast pump is not in place.