Flexible Underwire Brassiere for Augmented Breast Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brassieres fail to provide adequate support and comfort for individuals with surgically augmented breasts due to their rigid design, shallow cups, and inability to adapt to the unique shape and projection of implant-based breasts, leading to discomfort and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A brassiere design featuring short, flexible underwires, deep molded cups with an integrated internal support system, and an adjustable band with embedded cushioning strips, which provides better contouring and support for augmented breasts while maintaining the breast implant position front and center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional brassiere cups are used, then the bra provides basic coverage, but the cups are too shallow and do not provide adequate depth for the forward projection from implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deeply molded, curved cup structures that follow the semi-spherical contour of augmented breasts. The cups are shaped with pronounced curvature to accommodate the forward projection of implants, creating a three-dimensional form that matches the breast anatomy rather than using flat or shallow configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional or shallow cup structures to deeply molded three-dimensional cups with significant depth. This dimensional enhancement allows the cups to envelop the entire implant volume while maintaining close contact with the breast tissue throughout.
2Strength
If conventional underwires are used, then the bra provides structural support, but the rigidity and length cause pain points on the sternum and axilla
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid, fixed-length underwires with flexible, contoured wires that can adapt to the wearer's body movements and breast position changes. The underwires are designed with varying flexibility along their length to provide support where needed while conforming to the natural contours of the augmented breasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The underwire construction incorporates varying properties along its length, with different sections having different degrees of flexibility and rigidity. The wires are also contoured to match the specific geometry of augmented breasts, providing localized support at the sternum and axilla regions without creating pressure points.
3Ease of operation
If conventional underwire channels are used, then the fabric casing houses the underwire, but the wide semi-circular shape does not effectively align with the root of breast
Solution Approach 1:
The underwire channels are constructed with non-uniform cross-sections that are narrower at the base where they contact the breast root and wider toward the rear. This varying width configuration allows the channels to hug the contoured surface of augmented breasts more closely, improving alignment with the breast root anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel cross-sections are designed with curved, anatomically-contoured shapes rather than wide semi-circular forms. The channels follow the natural curvature of the augmented breast base, creating a closer fit that aligns with the root of the breast tissue.
4Force
If added bulk of padding is placed at the bottom of brassiere, then lift is provided, but the implants are forced out of pocketed position causing excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses deeply molded, contoured cup structures that naturally cradle and support the implants through their curved geometry. The cup shape itself provides the lifting force through its form-fitting design, eliminating the need for additional padding that would disrupt implant positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the unnecessary element of added bulk padding from the bra construction. Instead, the lifting function is achieved through the inherent structure and shape of the deeply molded cups, which provide support without interfering with implant positioning or requiring additional materials.
5Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brassiere cups are used, then basic coverage is provided, but the cups do not flex and match the wearer's shape causing compression and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cups are constructed with deep, multi-directional curvatures that match the semi-spherical shape of augmented breasts. This anatomical contouring allows the cups to flex and adapt to the wearer's body shape and movements, distributing pressure evenly and preventing localized compression points.
Data Source
AI summary
A brassiere adapted for use by wearers with healed augmented breasts includes a pair of short, flexible underwires, each of which are encased within a narrow letter “U” shaped channel, and a pair of deep-profile cups with each cup being positioned above and contoured by a respective underwire of the pair of underwires. A pair of support frames is positioned on an inner side of either cup, each support frame of the pair of support frames being configured to have a rounded bottom that contours the bottom edge of the respective cup under a respective breast of a user and a vertical side edge that contours the upper outer side of the brassiere. A center gore is disposed between the pair of cups and extends between the cups. An adjustable band is configured to wrap around the back of a user and has a pair of embedded cushioning strips.