Figure-Eight Bonded Bra Liner for Nursing Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nursing pads are bulky and visible under clothing, causing embarrassment and are prone to movement within the bra, leading to leakage and discomfort for lactating mothers.

Innovation Solution

A bra liner with a figure-eight design, featuring contoured cups connected by a flexible narrow center, made from bonded layers of absorbent, liquid-resistant, and smooth materials with antimicrobial properties, providing a thin, seamless, and stretchable solution that absorbs breastmilk without leaking through clothing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple layers of absorbent and waterproof fabrics are stacked and sewn together to make nursing pads, then absorption capability is improved, but the edges become thick and bulky making them visible under clothing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capabilityVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fabric layers (absorbent layer, waterproof layer, and additional absorbent layers) into a single integrated pad structure where the layers are bonded together to form a unified thin profile, eliminating the bulky appearance while maintaining absorption capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction with multiple functional layers (cotton absorbent layers, polyester waterproof layers, foam layers) bonded together to achieve both high absorption and thin profile, resolving the contradiction between absorption capability and thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional nursing pads are made with thick stacked layers, then absorption is improved, but the pads move within the bra causing leakage and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveabsorptionVSAvoidpad position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs contoured shaping with curved edges and a dome-shaped profile that conforms to the breast anatomy, allowing the pad to stay securely in position within the bra cup without moving, while maintaining adequate absorption through the contoured design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If nursing pads are made with thick edges to ensure absorption, then absorption capability is improved, but the pads become visible under bra and clothing causing embarrassment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capabilityVSAvoidvisibility under clothing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple thin functional layers into a single integrated pad with bonded edges that are thin and flush with the cup edge, preventing visibility under clothing while maintaining absorption through the distributed layer structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin film-like construction with bonded fabric layers that create a sleek, thin profile at the edges, ensuring the pad remains invisible under clothing while the internal layer structure provides adequate absorption capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 bra liner offers improved absorption, reduced visibility under clothing, enhanced comfort, and ease of washing, while preventing nipple infections and providing modest coverage for breastfeeding mothers.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the layers may be made from a different type of fabric and the fabrics may be melt-bonded together to form a bonded fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

at least one liquid resistant layer material adjacent to the at least one absorbent layer material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

an antimicrobial finish, at least one liquid resistant layer material adjacent to the at least one absorbent layer material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Data Source

PatentUS11484070B2One-piece washable bra liner for nursing mothers

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 DAVIN&ADLEY LLC

AI summary

A bra liner for nursing mothers to be placed inside the front cup area of a bra or top. In some embodiments, the pad is made from a bonded fabric, made up of 3 layers fused together with a melt-bond process. The bonded fabric combines absorbency, waterproofing, and leak protection into one material that is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. The shape of an example bra liner is a horizontal figure eight with contoured cups and a narrow center connection. The cups have a single dart from the lower outside edge to the apex with zig-zag topstitching. The outside edge is clean finished with a thin, woven bias-cut binding set onto the fabric with a single row of stitching to prevent the fabric edges from unraveling while lying flat against the body.