Front-Closure Bra With Finger Pockets for Limited Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bras require significant dexterity for closure and adjustment, posing challenges for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity due to injuries, surgeries, or conditions like stroke paralysis, nerve damage, or arthritis.
Innovation Solution
A bra with a front closure system featuring first and second clasp members and finger engaging members, allowing securement using minimal digit involvement, and adjustable shoulder straps with sliders and fasteners for easy length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bras with rear closure are used, then breast support function is provided, but finger dexterity and arm mobility are required for closure and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into separate clasp members positioned at different locations (front center and side), allowing independent operation of each clasp. The finger loops are also segmented and positioned at specific locations to enable targeted manipulation. This segmentation allows users with limited dexterity to close the bra in stages rather than requiring complex coordinated movements.
Solution Approach 2:
Finger loops are introduced as intermediary elements that mediate between the user's limited dexterity and the closure mechanism. These loops provide enlarged grip points that can be easily manipulated even with reduced finger mobility, serving as intermediaries that simplify the interaction between the user and the clasp members.
2Reliability
If conventional bras require precise clasp alignment and manipulation, then secure closure is achieved, but users with limited dexterity cannot easily secure the bra
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp members are pre-positioned and oriented such that their engagement surfaces are already aligned when the bra panels are brought together. The finger loops are pre-positioned to guide the closing motion, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during closure. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable closure while minimizing the dexterity required from the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shoulder straps require adjustment, then fit can be customized, but complex adjustment mechanisms increase difficulty for users with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder strap adjustment system is segmented into discrete adjustment zones along the strap length, each with its own slider mechanism. This allows users to make small, incremental adjustments at different locations rather than requiring complex multi-step adjustment procedures. The segmentation provides multiple simple adjustment points that are easier to manipulate with limited mobility.
4Ease of operation
If front closure system is used, then accessibility is improved, but finger dexterity is still required for clasp manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed to be self-aligning and self-guiding through the positioning of finger loops and clasp members. The structural arrangement of components allows them to naturally guide themselves into engagement position, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation. The system serves itself by using its own structure to facilitate closure rather than requiring precise external control.
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
Facilitates easy and painless bra securement and adjustment for users with reduced dexterity, eliminating the need for complex finger dexterity and cumbersome movements.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second fastener halves can include a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro).
Data Source
AI summary
A garment, such as a bra, can include a closure system that facilitates operation by a user with limited dexterity. The closure system can include a first clasp member, a second clasp member, a first finger pocket dimensioned to receive a first finger, and a second finger pocket dimensioned to receive a second finger. In use, the wearer can insert first and second fingers into the respective finger pockets and pinch or otherwise move their fingers toward each other to move the first and second clasp members together. The first and second clasp members can be selectively coupled or decoupled to secure or remove the garment from the wearer.