Garment Side Portions with Stretching Module Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic garments, such as bras, provide inadequate support and movement management for breast tissue during activity while also restricting respiratory cycles, leading to discomfort and increased respiratory effort.
Innovation Solution
A garment with a support structure featuring engineered side portions with multiple stretching module zones, allowing for increased stretching levels in areas overlaying the rib cage, while maintaining support and movement management for breast tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform compression is applied to restrict breast tissue movement, then movement management is improved, but respiratory restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment applies different compression levels to different body regions: high compression zones are positioned over breast tissue to restrict movement, while low compression zones are positioned over the rib cage and side portions to allow respiratory expansion. This spatial differentiation of compression intensity resolves the contradiction by locally optimizing for movement management where needed while preserving respiratory function where expansion is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is divided into multiple functional zones with distinct compression characteristics: front portions for breast support, side portions for respiratory freedom, and back portions for structural support. Each segment is engineered with specific fabric properties and panel configurations to achieve its designated function, allowing the overall garment to simultaneously provide movement management and respiratory freedom through the combined effect of its segmented zones.
2Reliability
If stiffer fabrics and multiple components are used to lock down breast tissue, then support is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Stiffer, more supportive fabrics and structural components are strategically placed only in regions requiring breast tissue stabilization, such as the front cups and underband. The side portions and back yoke use softer, more flexible materials that conform to body contours without creating pressure points. This localized application of structural elements provides necessary support while minimizing discomfort in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment utilizes composite construction combining multiple fabric types with different mechanical properties: rigid structured fabrics for breast support, elastic stretch fabrics for comfort and fit, and breathable mesh panels for ventilation. These composite materials are layered and combined in specific configurations to achieve both support and comfort simultaneously, with each material contributing its optimal properties to the overall garment performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a garment with a support structure are disclosed. The garment includes a front portion, a back portion, and first and second side portions. The front portion covers a portion of a wearer's chest and includes a lower edge. an upper edge portion. and first and second sides. The back portion covers a portion of the wearer's back. and includes a lower edge. an upper edge portion. and first and second sides. The first and second side portions extend between the front and back portions. and include lower edges. The first and second side portions include two or more stretching module zones that have a low stretching module zone in proximity to the arm openings of the garment and a lower edge stretching module zone in proximity to the first and second lower edges.