Multilayer Support Garment for Secure Breast Pump Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional support garments, such as bras, fail to securely seat and accommodate breast pumps during breast milk pumping, leading to shifting and discomfort, and do not support physical activity, while also failing to accommodate prosthetics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer support garment with interlayer compartments and a material extension forming dividers, using different textiles with varying properties for secure seating and accommodation of breast pumps and prosthetics, providing comfort and support during physical activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional compression garments are used, then compression force is applied, but they cause skin maceration and discomfort due to trapping moisture and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct functional zones: a moisture-wicking inner layer that contacts the skin, a compression layer, and an outer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the inner layer draws moisture away from the skin while the compression layer provides therapeutic pressure, thereby reducing skin maceration and discomfort without trapping excessive moisture and heat
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the garment have different material properties tailored to specific needs. The inner layer uses hydrophilic moisture-wicking materials at the skin interface, while other areas may use different compression levels or material compositions. This local differentiation allows the garment to wick moisture away from the skin where needed while maintaining appropriate compression, preventing both skin maceration and excessive heat trapping
2Reliability
If compression garments are worn during exercise, then muscle recovery is aided, but they restrict range of motion and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is designed with elastic, flexible materials that dynamically adapt to the user's movements. The garment maintains compression force during exercise to aid muscle recovery while its elastic properties allow full range of motion. The moisture-wicking inner layer also dynamically responds to sweat production during exercise, enhancing comfort without restricting movement
Solution Approach 2:
The garment combines multiple materials with complementary properties: elastic compression materials that provide therapeutic pressure while allowing movement, and hydrophilic moisture-wicking materials that enhance comfort during exercise. This composite construction enables the garment to simultaneously aid muscle recovery through compression while maintaining ease of operation and comfort during physical activity
3Strength
If tight compression is applied, then muscle support is improved, but skin irritation and maceration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The garment structure separates the muscle support function from the skin-contact function. The compression layer provides the necessary muscle support and strength, while the moisture-wicking inner layer manages skin health by drawing moisture away. This segmentation allows tight compression to be applied for muscle support without directly causing skin irritation or maceration
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture-wicking inner layer acts as an intermediary between the skin and the compression layer. It protects the skin from direct contact with excessive moisture and heat generated by tight compression, thereby preventing skin irritation and maceration while allowing the compression layer to maintain its muscle support function
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 support garment effectively retains breast pumps and prosthetics in position, reducing shifting and enhancing comfort and support during breast milk pumping and physical activity.
Implementation Method 1
The upper-torso support garment includes a hydrophilic moisture-wicking inner layer which draws moisture away from the skin
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a support garment (210) that may help retain a breast pump, prosthetic, or other object in position and that may, in some examples, be conducive for wearing during physical activity, such as exercising, sports activities, fitness activities, etc. The support garment (210) includes a multilayer structure that includes an outer layer (228) having a first breast-covering portion (232), a second breast-covering portion (234), and a first middle region (236) positioned between the first breast-covering portion (232) and the second breast-covering portion (234), and further an inner layer (230) having a third breast-covering portion (242), a fourth breast-covering portion (244), and a second middle region (246) positioned between the third breast-covering portion (242) and the fourth breast-covering portion (244). The support garment further comprises a material extension (266) securing the first middle region (236) and the second middle region (246).