Flexible Bra Support via Dynamic Elastic Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional underwire bras suffer from rigidity issues causing discomfort and fit problems due to bending, warping, and pressure points, while wire-free bralettes often lack adequate support and cup definition, leading to inadequate shaping and support, especially for larger bust sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible support structure for soft bras that uses dynamic stretch-to-fit elastic application, where the band elastic is cut shorter than the intended band measurement to create tension and provide lift, and the curved sideseam elastic is applied within the seam to enhance cup projection and support, accommodating various band and cup sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid underwire is used to provide support structure, then support strength is improved, but comfort and fit are worsened due to bending, warping, and pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the support structure by using elastic materials with specific stretch percentages (5-15% for band elastic, 10-20% for sideseam elastic) instead of rigid underwire. This parameter change transforms the support mechanism from rigid structural resistance to flexible elastic tension, eliminating pressure points and discomfort while maintaining support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid underwire with flexible elastic bands that can conform to the wearer's body contours. The band elastic and curved sideseam elastic create a flexible support system that adapts to individual anatomy, preventing the bending and warping issues associated with rigid materials while providing continuous comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wire-free bralette design is used to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but support and cup definition are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into multiple segmented elastic components: band elastic for overall support, curved sideseam elastic for cup definition and projection, and potentially additional elastics for targeted support. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific support functions, achieving both comfort and adequate support simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved sideseam elastic that follows the natural contour of the breast and cup shape. This curvature provides targeted support and projection where needed while maintaining comfort, creating cup definition without requiring rigid structures. The curved placement optimizes the distribution of support forces.
3Measurement precision
If underwire is used to achieve precise fit for specific band and cup sizes, then fit precision is improved, but adaptability to different sizes and anatomy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-size underwire structure into a dynamic elastic system that can adapt to various band and cup sizes. The elastic materials stretch and tension according to the wearer's specific measurements, providing precise fit across different sizes without requiring multiple rigid wire configurations. The dynamic nature of elastic allows real-time adaptation to individual anatomy.
4Strength
If underwire structure is used to provide support, then support level is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex underwire structure entirely, replacing it with simpler elastic band components. This elimination of rigid wires and associated channels, seams, and attachments significantly reduces structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining support functionality through elastic tension principles.
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
This solution provides a comfortable, sturdy, and adjustable support system that effectively lifts and shapes breasts without the rigidity issues of underwire bras, ensuring proper fit and support across a range of sizes, including larger bust sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible support structure for a soft brassiere... comprising: A fabric 'wing,' (1) running from the side or back of the torso... A piece of elastic (5) applied within the seam where the fabric of the wing meets the fabric of cup (3)... at least one additional piece of elastic, attached to the bottom of the garment, known as the band elastic (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A soft brassiere garment with flexible support structure having a fabric wing on each side of the garment, another piece of fabric on each side of the garment at least partially comprised by a bra cup allowing for the projection of the breast, with one edge of each cup attached to a wing, and with a seam formed under each cup and extending along an edge. A piece of elastic applied within each seam where the fabric of each wing meets the fabric of each cup and at least one additional piece of elastic attached to the bottom of the garment, wherein the elastic pieces are attached in such a way that the stretch ratio between different points on the garment is modified to influence the amount of projection afforded by different pieces of the garment.