Graduated Elastomer Bra Design for Wire-Free Support and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bras, particularly those with wires, compromise comfort due to additional forces on the body, while wire-free bras like bralettes lack sufficient support as millennials age, necessitating a garment that provides support without sacrificing comfort.
Innovation Solution
A supporting garment article with a layer of elastomer varying in density across regions, combined with extruded elastomer portions and flocking, to enhance support and comfort by varying elasticity and maintaining shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bras with wires are used, then support is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to additional forces on the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional rigid wires from the bra structure and replaces them with an elastomeric underwire that integrates the support function into the fabric itself. This extraction of the separate wire component eliminates the harmful pressure points while maintaining support through the elastomeric material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by using elastomeric material with varying density and elasticity. The elastomeric underwire has different stiffness characteristics compared to traditional wires, providing support through material properties rather than rigid structural elements, thereby improving comfort while maintaining support function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wire-free bras like bralettes are used, then comfort is improved, but support deteriorates as wearers age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastomeric material with varying density and elasticity to different regions of the bra. The underwire portion has higher elastomer concentration for structural support, while other areas have varying densities to provide localized support where needed. This gradient approach maintains comfort through soft materials while providing adequate support in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by bonding elastomeric material to fabric layers. The combination of elastomer and fabric produces a material that exhibits both the comfort properties of soft textile and the support properties of elastic material, effectively combining benefits of both wire-free comfort and structured support.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastomer is provided in a graduating manner with varying area density, then fit performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the density and concentration of elastomeric material across different regions of the garment to create gradient properties. This parameter variation allows optimization of fit and support in different areas without requiring completely different structures, achieving high manufacturing precision through controlled material distribution rather than complex assembly.
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 graduated elastomer layer and extruded portions provide enhanced support and comfort, improving fit performance and maintaining the garment's form while minimizing stretch, thus addressing the need for supportive yet comfortable wear.
Implementation Method 1
the area density of the elastomer varies across a first region of the garment article... the elasticity the garment article also varies in a graduating manner
Implementation Method 2
curing the applied elastomer so that it is secured to the surface of the first region of the fabric substrate
Implementation Method 3
The elongate portion of elastomer may be configured to maintain the shape of the supporting garment article when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting garment article such as a brassiere comprises a layer of elastomer provided in a graduating manner such that the area density of the elastomer vanes across a first region of the garment article. Supporting garment articles of the present disclosure provide the support of a constructed bra while maintaining the comfort factor of an unconstructed bra such as a bralette. The present disclosure provides a superior medium support bra using graduated application of an elastomer such as silicone, bonding, extrusion and dry moulding techniques.