Modular Surgical Bra with Elastic Support Band
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical drapes expose sensitive areas during shoulder surgeries, compromising patient modesty, and traditional brassieres are not suitable for post-surgical wear as they restrict access to the shoulder area.
Innovation Solution
A modular brassiere with an elastic support band, hook-and-loop panels for secure fitting, and a strap assembly that transfers load to the non-surgical shoulder, allowing full accessibility and comfort during and after procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical drapes are used to cover the patient during shoulder surgery, then patient modesty is protected, but the shoulder area becomes inaccessible for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical garment is divided into separate modular components: a base garment with chest coverage and detachable shoulder openings. This segmentation allows the chest area to remain covered for modesty while the shoulder portions can be opened or removed to provide surgical access, resolving the contradiction between modesty protection and surgical accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates dynamic elements such as detachable straps, adjustable closures, and flexible openings that can be configured in different states. During surgery, the shoulder area can be dynamically opened or straps removed to allow access, while maintaining chest coverage. This dynamic adaptability resolves the fixed contradiction between covered and accessible states.
2Strength
If traditional brassieres are worn for support during and after shoulder surgery, then breast support is provided, but the shoulder area restricts surgical access and complicates post-surgical care
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional brassiere strap component that crosses the shoulder is extracted or removed entirely. Instead, the garment uses alternative support mechanisms that do not require shoulder straps, such as back closures, side adjustments, or strapless designs. This extraction eliminates the obstruction to shoulder surgery while maintaining the essential breast support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical garment is designed to serve multiple functions: providing breast support like a brassiere, maintaining patient modesty like a surgical drape, and allowing full shoulder access for surgery. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate traditional brassiere and drape, while eliminating the shoulder restriction problem.
3Strength
If strap assemblies are used to provide support during shoulder surgery, then breast support is maintained, but straps near the surgical site compromise the no-strap requirement and may interfere with healing
Solution Approach 1:
The garment applies support locally to the chest and back areas through strategically placed closures, panels, or structural elements that do not require shoulder straps. The support function is redistributed to areas away from the surgical site, maintaining breast support while eliminating straps near the shoulder that could compromise sterility or interfere with healing.
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 modular brassiere effectively addresses patient modesty concerns while ensuring full accessibility for shoulder surgeries and provides comfortable support both before and after surgery, reducing the need for conventional straps near the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated support band that is preferably made of elastic material
Implementation Method 2
Hook-and-loop type engaging panels are used to secure the band around the user's chest
Data Source
AI summary
A modular brassiere that serves as both a modesty garment and an easily-donned support garment. The modular bra includes an elongated support band that is preferably made of elastic material. Hook-and-loop type of engaging panels are used to secure the band around the user's chest. A separate strap assembly may be added to transfer load to one or more of the user's shoulders. The support band includes a proximal end and a distal end. A pocket is preferably included, proximate the distal end. The user can place one or more fingers into this pocket to assist in donning the device. A grip panel is preferably included as well. The grip panel includes a strap loop which the user can employ to also assist in donning the device.