Layered Breast Support Garment With Prosthetic Pocket Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast support garments are unsuitable for wearers post-breast surgery, lacking adjustability, comfort, and natural appearance, and do not adequately accommodate prosthetic devices.
Innovation Solution
A breast support garment with adjustable straps and pocket cavities for prosthetic accommodation, featuring a layered structure with adjustable two-part fasteners and concealed pocket entrances for enhanced fit and aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If typical breast support garments uniformly compress breast tissue to provide support, then support function is improved, but comfort and natural appearance deteriorate, especially for post-surgery wearers
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner liner layer for comfort and skin contact, a middle layer with pocket cavities for prosthetic insertion and shaping, and an outer layer for aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the others, providing both support and comfort for post-surgery wearers
Solution Approach 2:
The garment provides differentiated compression and support in different regions through the layered structure. The inner liner offers gentle contact for comfort, the middle layer provides localized support where prosthetics are inserted, and the outer layer delivers aesthetic shaping. This local quality approach allows the garment to address specific needs in different areas rather than uniform compression
2Adaptability or versatility
If garments are made adjustable by changing shoulder strap length or torso opening size, then fit and support are improved, but complexity of adjustment and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including an adjustable torso opening that can be modified by the wearer, and removable/insertable prosthetics that allow real-time customization of fit and support. These dynamic features enable the garment to adapt to changing needs without complex adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is designed to be easily adjusted and modified by the wearer themselves without requiring professional assistance. The adjustable torso opening, removable prosthetics, and simple fastening systems allow the wearer to independently customize the fit and support level according to their needs
3Shape
If garments include pockets for holding prosthetics, then natural appearance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The garment employs a nested layered structure where the inner liner, middle layer with integrated pocket cavities, and outer layer are constructed in sequence. The pocket cavities are formed within the middle layer by folding and securing the fabric, creating nested compartments that hold prosthetics while maintaining a streamlined external shape. This nesting approach integrates multiple functions without requiring separate components
4Strength
If garments provide uniform compression for support, then support function is improved, but adaptability to individual needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment provides differentiated compression and support in different regions through the layered structure. The inner liner offers gentle contact for comfort, the middle layer provides localized support where prosthetics are inserted, and the outer layer delivers aesthetic shaping. This local quality approach allows the garment to address specific needs in different areas rather than uniform compression
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including an adjustable torso opening that can be modified by the wearer, and removable/insertable prosthetics that allow real-time customization of fit and support. These dynamic features enable the garment to adapt to changing needs without complex adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a breast support garment having a front portion connected to a back portion and a pair of straps extending therebetween. The front portion includes an inner liner, a middle layer connected to the inner liner along a bottom edge, a portion of first and second side edges, and a portion of an upper edge, at least one pocket cavity between the inner liner and the middle layer, with a pocket entrance opening along an unattached edge of the middle layer, an outer layer with first and second wrapping wings, each with proximal ends connected to sides of the garment and distal ends, and an adjustable fastener having a first part couple to the distal ends of each of the wrapping wings, and a second part coupled to the front portion. Positions of each wrapping wing are adjusted by adjusting a fastening position of the fastener.