Convertible Garment Strap Redistribution Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bathing suit designs often create excessive load bearing and undesirable pressure on the neck, leading to issues like headaches, due to the configuration of straps, which can be exacerbated by thin straps or large loads.

Innovation Solution

A convertible garment system featuring detachable-strap-interfaces (DSIs) that removably connect upper and lower straps, allowing for a second configuration that reduces neck pressure by transferring the breast load to lateral straps, thereby alleviating acute pressure on the neck.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If upper straps connect directly behind the neck, then the garment structure is simple, but excessive load bearing and pressure on the neck occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarment structureVSAvoidneck pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The upper strap is divided into two separate straps that connect to the breast cups at different points, allowing the load to be distributed across different areas of the neck and shoulders rather than concentrated at a single connection point behind the neck

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap configuration transitions from a single-plane connection behind the neck to a three-dimensional arrangement where straps extend from the breast cups to connect at multiple points around the neck, distributing pressure across different spatial dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Weight of moving object

If thin straps are used, then the garment is lightweight and comfortable, but excessive pressure concentration on the neck occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarment weightVSAvoidneck pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The breast cups serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the straps, act as load distribution points, and can be configured in different arrangements to accommodate various neck sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for thicker straps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The breast cups act as intermediary elements between the upper straps and the neck, distributing the mechanical load across a larger surface area and reducing pressure concentration on the neck

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If large breast loads are supported, then adequate coverage and support is provided, but excessive load bearing on the neck occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreast coverageVSAvoidload bearing

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between the breast cups and the dual upper straps, allowing the breast cups to provide coverage while the distributed strap configuration handles the load bearing, reducing neck pressure even with large breast loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10681948B1Convertible garment systems and related devices and methods

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 TEDDER AMY L

AI summary

Convertible garment systems and related devices and methods are shown and described. In one example, a convertible garment system includes a bathing suit and a pair of detachable-strap-interfaces, each configured to removably connect to the bathing suit's lower straps, and removably connect to the bathing suit's upper straps, thereby creating a second configuration for the pair of upper straps. In another example, a device includes at least one detachable-strap-interface for converting a bathing suit.