Magnetic Strap Breast Prosthesis Secure Bra Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals who have had a breast removed due to medical reasons face challenges in finding suitable breast prosthetics that provide a secure and comfortable fit without requiring special mastectomy bras.
Innovation Solution
A breast prosthesis system comprising a body with internal components and a set of straps, including magnets, that attach to a conventional bra without sewing, ensuring secure placement and minimal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a breast prosthesis uses straps that attach to a conventional bra without sewing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of attachment may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: removable straps with magnets that can be independently attached and detached from the bra and prosthesis body. This segmentation enables easy operation while maintaining secure attachment through magnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sewing attachments with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in the straps and prosthesis body create secure attachment without requiring needles, thread, or complex mechanical fasteners, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a breast prosthesis uses magnets for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment components are merged into the existing prosthesis structure. Magnets are embedded within the prosthesis body and straps, combining the attachment function with the structural elements rather than adding separate complex attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The magnets automatically attract and hold the prosthesis in place without requiring precise manual alignment or complex adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the user interaction despite the internal magnetic complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a breast prosthesis allows use of own bra instead of special mastectomy bra, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of fit may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis attachment system is designed to be universal and compatible with conventional bras rather than requiring specialized mastectomy bras. The magnetic straps can attach to various bra styles and configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining secure fit through the magnetic attachment mechanism.
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 solution allows users to wear their own bras while providing a secure and comfortable breast prosthesis, eliminating the need for special mastectomy bras and ensuring a natural appearance and feel.
Implementation Method 1
a second strap having a first portion that extends from an exterior of the cover, wherein the first portion of the second strap has a first magnet therein; and a third strap having a first portion that extends from the exterior of the cover of the prothesis, wherein the first portion of the third strap has a second magnet therein; and wherein the at least one internal component includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments comprise a breast prosthesis. The prosthesis includes a body and a set of straps. In some embodiments, the body is comprised of a cover, on which the straps are disposed, and internal components. The straps connect the body to the person's undergarment in such a way that doesn't need sewing to the undergarment itself. The straps also hold the prosthesis in place, such that it doesn't shift or move, or does so very minimally. A person can use their own bra or similar garment of their choosing, instead of having to purchase a special mastectomy bra.