Mastectomy Prosthesis with Dual-Density Gel and Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bras and prostheses for women who have undergone a mastectomy lack fashionability and comfort, failing to adequately address the psychological and physical needs of wearers.
Innovation Solution
A mastectomy bra prosthesis featuring a lower portion with a higher density hydrocarbon gel and an upper portion with a lower density polystyrene microbeads, designed to provide stability and adaptability, along with a bra cup structure that includes pre-formed foam and internal pouches for enhanced fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-density prosthesis material is used, then the prosthesis structure is simple, but the stability and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple density zones with distinct material regions: a higher density material (32-40 pcf) in the lower portion and a lower density material (15-25 pcf) in the upper portion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the lower dense zone provides stability and support, while the upper less dense zone provides comfort and natural feel, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the prosthesis are assigned different material densities tailored to local functional requirements. The lower portion uses higher density material (32-40 pcf) for stability and support, while the upper portion uses lower density material (15-25 pcf) for comfort and natural sensation. This local differentiation of material properties enables the prosthesis to simultaneously achieve stability and comfort without requiring complex overall structural modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-formed foam is used, then the cup maintains its shape, but the fit and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bra cup incorporates pre-formed foam that is pre-shaped to maintain the cup's structural form and aesthetic appearance. This preliminary shaping ensures the cup retains its intended shape while still allowing the prosthesis within to provide adaptability. The pre-formed foam acts as a structural framework that preserves shape while accommodating the customizable prosthesis elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bra cup construction combines multiple materials including fabric, pre-formed foam, and pocket structures to create a composite system. The pre-formed foam provides structural support and shape maintenance, while the fabric and pocket components allow for adaptability and customization with the prosthesis. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by assigning different functions to different materials within the same structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis.