Embroidered Support Regions in Bra Cups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bras provide support through compression or underwires, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive, and fail to offer localized support effectively.

Innovation Solution

A bra design featuring an embroidered middle layer with a configurable thread pattern that distributes support differently across areas, visible through a semi-transparent external layer, allowing for customized support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If compression materials or fabrics are used to provide support, then support is provided, but discomfort and restricted movement occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesupportVSAvoidmovement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bra cup is divided into multiple layers (external-facing layer, internal-facing layer, and middle layer with embroidered support regions), with support functionality segmented into specific embroidered regions rather than uniform compression across the entire cup. This allows support where needed while maintaining freedom of movement in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The embroidered support regions provide localized support through configurable thread patterns concentrated in specific areas of the bra cup, rather than applying uniform compression across the entire cup. This enables differentiated support quality in different regions to match anatomical needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If underwires are used to provide support, then support is provided, but discomfort and potential penetration occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesupportVSAvoiddiscomfort and chaffing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The underwire component is completely removed from the bra cup design. Support functionality is extracted from the rigid underwire structure and redistributed through the embroidered thread patterns in the middle layer, eliminating the harmful effects of underwires while maintaining support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The embroidered thread patterns act as an intermediary structure between the internal-facing layer and external-facing layer, providing support through a soft, flexible medium rather than rigid underwires. The threads distribute support forces without creating pressure points or penetration risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If uniform support is provided across the entire bra cup, then support is provided, but localized support needs are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesupportVSAvoidlocalized support customization
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The middle layer incorporates embroidered support regions with configurable thread patterns that concentrate support in specific localized areas rather than distributing it uniformly. Different regions of the bra cup can have different thread densities and patterns to match varying anatomical support requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The configurable thread patterns in the embroidered support regions allow the bra to adapt to different support needs. The embroidery design can be adjusted or selected to provide varying degrees and distributions of support, making the bra adaptable to different breast shapes, sizes, and support requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8915764B2Bra with embroidered support regions
Publication Date: 2014.12.23 NIKE INC
  • US8915764B2 patent drawing
  • US8915764B2 patent drawing
  • US8915764B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bra with embroidered support regions that provide support without compression is provided. The embroidered support regions are constructed by stitching a configurable thread pattern on a middle layer of a bra cup. The configurable thread pattern includes a plurality of top threads and a plurality of bobbin threads that are arranged to provide support in needed areas.