Crescent Plastic Insert for Lightweight Brassiere Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Brassieres made with lightweight textiles, such as gauze or lace, face challenges in maintaining a desirable shape due to the softness of these materials and the discomfort caused by rigid underwires, which are insufficient in providing adequate support and shape to the chest.
Innovation Solution
A brassiere design featuring cups with a non-planar, crescent-shaped rigid plastic insert disposed between laminated textile layers, secured by a marginal projection, which provides flexible support and follows the hemispherical shape of the cup, allowing for a comfortable and effective shaping of the chest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid underwire is used in lightweight textile brassieres, then structural support is improved, but wearer comfort deteriorates due to hardness difference and marks under the chest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from rigid metal to semi-rigid plastic with elastic flexibility, transforming the insert from completely rigid to having both structural integrity and give, thereby maintaining support while improving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with multiple textile layers (including foam padding) combined with a plastic insert, creating a multi-material system that balances support and comfort properties
2Shape
If rigid underwire is used to provide shape to the chest, then shaping capability is improved, but the underwire proves insufficient when used with lightweight textiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rigidity parameter of the support element by using semi-rigid plastic instead of rigid metal, allowing the insert to conform to and maintain the hemispherical shape of lightweight textile cups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic flexibility to the insert, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the breast shape while maintaining structural support, making it effective with lightweight textiles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lightweight textile materials are used for brassiere cups, then comfort and aesthetics are improved, but the ability to maintain desirable shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lightweight textile layers with a semi-rigid plastic insert and foam padding to create a composite cup structure that maintains the aesthetic and comfort benefits of lightweight textiles while adding shape-maintaining properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the rigidifying insert specifically in the lower portion of the cup where support is needed, while maintaining lightweight textile construction in other areas for comfort and aesthetics
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 solution enables the creation of a brassiere that maintains a light and refined appearance while providing adequate support and shaping of the breasts, overcoming the limitations of traditional underwires by using a flexible, elastically deformable insert that secures to the textile layers, ensuring comfort and effective cleavage formation.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is shaped by thermoforming
Implementation Method 2
achieved in a thin sheet of rigid plastic material in a coextensive and elastically flexible direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a brassiere (1) in which each substantially hemispherical cup (2) comprises, in the bottom portion thereof, a polycarbonate support (20) in the shape of a crescent that becomes wider toward the outside, which is thermoformed, and which is secured to the two layers of lace or gauze of the cup by means of a fabric shell adhered to the support and slightly projecting beyond same in order to enable sewing with the layers of lace or gauze along the bottom edge (4). The result is a light brassiere that provides the chest with an advantageous shape.