Cable-Pulley Bra Support for Dynamic Breast Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bras provide fixed support and fail to accommodate changes in breast morphology due to exercise or movement, and do not account for differences in breast shape between breasts or among users.
Innovation Solution
A breast-supporting structure with a continuous cable system that includes an adjustment mechanism and pulley structures, allowing for adjustable and dynamic fit and support by sliding engagement with the mechanism and pulleys, enabling self-adjustment based on breast morphology and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static support systems like underwires are used, then a fixed level of support is provided, but the support cannot adapt to changes in breast morphology or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static underwires with a dynamic cable-pulley system that can move and adjust its configuration. The cables run through pulleys and can slide along the band, allowing the support structure to dynamically adapt to breast movement and morphology changes while maintaining continuous support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple cable segments distributed across the bra cup, with each segment independently adjustable through pulleys. This segmentation allows different regions to adapt to varying breast shapes and movements, providing localized adaptability while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bras with fixed fit are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the fit does not account for differences in breast shape between breasts or among users
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-pulley system serves multiple functions: it provides support, allows adjustment for different breast shapes, accommodates movement, and enables customization for individual users. The same basic mechanism handles various breast morphologies and activity levels, making the system universally adaptable rather than requiring multiple specialized bras.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic cable system allows the bra to transition from a fixed structure to an adaptable one, where cables can be repositioned through pulleys to match different breast shapes and sizes, providing universal fit across diverse users without requiring separate garments for each body type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to accommodate breast movement, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple pulleys distributed along the band, with each pulley handling a specific cable segment. This segmentation distributes the adjustment function across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable-pulley system is designed to self-adjust through the natural movement of cables sliding along the band and through pulleys. The system automatically adapts to breast movement and shape changes without requiring active manual adjustment, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a breast-supporting structure that provides adjustable fit and support to a wearer's breasts. The breast-supporting structure includes an adjustment mechanism that is slidably coupled to a shoulder strap of the bra. A first end and a second end of a continuous cable structure are fixedly secured to the adjustment mechanism. An intervening portion of the continuous cable structure repeatedly extends between the adjustment mechanism and a plurality of spaced-apart pulley structures located at a lower portion of the breast-supporting structure to form a plurality of spaced-apart cable segments. The cable segments slidably engage with both the adjustment mechanism and the pulley structures such that the cable segments are freely movable with respect to the adjustment mechanism and the pulley structures.