Elastic Knitted Undergarment Zoning for Pouch Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Men's undergarments for the lower body, such as briefs, often compromise between comfort and aesthetics due to the design of the central pouch area, which can appear unaesthetic and uncomfortable, especially when thicker materials are used to enhance the visual appearance, and existing reinforcing elements can cause unsightly deformations.
Innovation Solution
A men's undergarment design featuring a pant with a rear and front side, including an upper belt and lower crotch part, with elongated elastic reinforcing elements in three zones: a support zone, a control zone, and a reinforcement zone, providing cradle-like and inverted cradle-like shapes to enhance support and maintain a tight, aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the upper belt is more elastic than the rest of the front side, and the central part is molded for an outward curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thicker textile material is used in the curved part to improve visual appearance, then the degree of opacity is increased, but the natural look is lost and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front side is divided into multiple zones (support zone, control zone, reinforcement zone) with different functional requirements. The curved central part is separated from the rest of the front side, allowing it to be molded for aesthetic appearance while the surrounding zones provide structural support and comfort. This segmentation enables the curved part to use thinner, more natural-looking material while maintaining visual appeal through molding rather than thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the front side are given different properties: the central curved part is molded for aesthetic appearance, while the support and reinforcement zones contain elastic reinforcing elements for structural support. This local differentiation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function - the curved part for visual appearance and the surrounding zones for comfort and support - without compromising either aspect.
2Strength
If elongated elastic reinforcing elements are provided on the front side to reinforce support, then support is improved, but unsightly deformations occur
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic reinforcing elements are strategically placed only in specific zones (support zone at the bottom, control zone at the top, and reinforcement zone on the sides) rather than uniformly across the entire front side. This localized reinforcement provides necessary support while minimizing visible deformations in the aesthetic central curved area.
Solution Approach 2:
The front side is segmented into functional zones with reinforcing elements concentrated in the support and reinforcement zones, while the central curved part remains relatively free of heavy reinforcement. This segmentation allows the central aesthetic area to maintain its visual appeal while the peripheral zones provide the necessary structural support.
3Ease of operation
If the upper belt part is made more elastic, then comfort is improved, but structural support may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper belt part is given different elastic properties than the rest of the front side, with increased elasticity in the belt area for comfort while the lower support zones maintain higher structural integrity. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the belt to be comfortable and flexible while the support zones remain structurally strong.
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 described design offers improved support and comfort while maintaining a natural look and preventing a protruding curve, ensuring the undergarment clings to the body effectively, addressing the issues of aesthetics and comfort in existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
elongated elastic reinforcing elements being provided on the front side and particularly over the central part to reinforce support of the genitals
Implementation Method 2
the front side includes a central part exhibiting a curve towards the exterior, advantageously obtained by molding, forming a pouch
Data Source
AI summary
This item of male underwear, in the form of boxer shorts or underpants, has, at the front, a moulded central portion (16) and elongate reinforcement elements (20, 20′, 21, 21′, 22, 22′) made, for example, from silicone, provided in three areas (A, B, C) of the front face (11), i.e. —A support area (A) located at the bottom of the central portion (16), the elongate elements (20, 20′) being shaped substantially like a cradle in this area, —A control area (B) located at the top of the central portion (16), the elongate elements (21, 21′) being shaped substantially like an inverted cradle in this area, —A reinforcement area (C) located to each side of the central portion, the elongate elements (22, 22′) having, in this area, an inclined direction linking the edges (19) of the central portion (16) to the top of the front face (11) in such a way as to pull the support area (A) upwards and towards the sides.