Breathable Nipple Protector Using Fabric Cover and Silicone Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nipple protection devices made of silicone materials are not breathable, leading to wetness and potential germ formation, which can be uncomfortable and hinder the healing process of inflamed nipples.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped nipple protection device with a continuous opening made of elastic material, covered with a fabric layer that allows for unhindered airflow and prevents clothing contact, ensuring comfort and hygiene by using a fabric cover that can be adapted for absorbency and softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If silicone material is used for nipple protection devices, then good fit and comfort are achieved, but breathability is poor leading to wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines silicone material with fabric material to create a composite structure. The silicone base body provides the necessary elasticity and fit, while the fabric cover layer provides breathability and prevents wetting. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device have different material properties - the base body is made of elastic silicone for fit and comfort, while the cover is made of breathable fabric for ventilation. This local differentiation of material quality allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the nipple is covered with material, then protection from clothing contact is achieved, but ventilation is blocked causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric cover material is inherently porous and breathable, allowing air to pass through while still providing a protective barrier. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both protection and ventilation simultaneously through the selective permeability of the fabric material.
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 device effectively prevents wetting and irritation, promoting comfort and hygiene by allowing airflow and preventing clothing contact, while being adaptable to different anatomies and providing a clear identification for each breast to prevent cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the main body is made of an elastic material. This allows a certain adjustment or a certain clinging to the respective breast
Implementation Method 2
to use a particularly absorbent fabric material if the nipple or areola should already be weeping
Implementation Method 3
the nipple or areola are essentially not covered in the direction of the item of clothing, so that unhindered ventilation in the area of the nipple or the areola is achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a nipple protector (1), comprising an elastic, substantially annular base (2) having a continuous opening (3) for accommodating, in a use position of the nipple protector (1), a nipple (12) of a breast (11) and preferably an areola (13) surrounding the nipple (12), the nipple protector (1) further comprising a fabric cover (7) which covers the base (2) in order to prevent the nipple (12) and/or the areola (13) from leaking.