Modulating Chest Support Structure for Spinal Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brassieres and chest support structures fail to adequately distribute and reduce the forces exerted on the spine by breasts of varying sizes and shapes, leading to spinal pain and discomfort, especially in women with larger breasts or those experiencing fluctuations due to age, pregnancy, or other factors.
Innovation Solution
A non-symmetric modular chest support structure with a hyperbolic shoulder support system, breast interface, and anchor support members that modulate forces along three axes, dispersing vertical and horizontal forces to reduce stress on the thoracic spine, allowing for independent operation of each breast and dynamic adjustment to accommodate changing breast sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional brassieres are made thinner and smaller to provide support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the support capability for women with larger breasts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere is divided into multiple independent components including a rigid support frame, flexible connecting elements, adjustable straps, and modular cups. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall support capability for larger breasts without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable straps, flexible connectors, and articulation joints that allow the structure to adapt to different breast sizes and movements. This enables the same device to provide reliable support across a range of breast sizes without requiring multiple different designs
2Reliability
If a single rigid support structure is used to support large breasts, then the support capability is improved, but the device restricts motion and circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere uses flexible connecting elements and thin film materials in strategic locations to allow natural motion and circulation while maintaining support. These flexible elements connect the rigid support components, creating a hybrid structure that provides both stability and freedom of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates articulation joints and movable connections that allow the brassiere to dynamically adapt to body movements. This enables the rigid support elements to maintain their structural integrity while permitting necessary motion and circulation
3Device complexity
If breast forces are not properly distributed, then the device complexity is reduced, but spinal pain and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere incorporates counterbalancing elements that distribute breast weight forces across multiple attachment points on the torso. The rigid frame structure acts as a lever system to redirect downward forces laterally and upward, reducing the net compressive load on the spine
Solution Approach 2:
The force distribution system extends forces in multiple dimensions rather than purely vertically. The rigid frame and connecting elements redirect breast weight forces laterally across the chest and upward toward the shoulders, distributing the load across different spatial dimensions to reduce spinal compression
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a modulating chest support structure for dispersing and supporting a shifting load wherein said support structure includes a lateral torso restraint band having a pair of ends each presenting a breast interface pair each of which is spaced by a pivotal support member and a hyperbolic multi-support shoulder structure associated with each breast interface pair and including at least one interior support member, one central support member and one outer support member, each of which is spaced from said central support member along a lateral axis.