Multilayer Support Garment for Secure Breast Pump Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional support garments, such as bras, are not conducive for hands-free breast milk pumping as they fail to securely seat and retain breast pumps, leading to shifting during use, and do not accommodate the pump comfortably, especially during physical activities.
Innovation Solution
A support garment with a multilayer structure and material extensions that include interlayer compartments and a gusset to securely position and retain breast pumps or prosthetics, utilizing different textiles for enhanced support, comfort, and breathability, allowing for secure seating and reduced shifting during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support garments are used for hands-free breast milk pumping, then the garment structure is simple and comfortable for normal wear, but the breast pump is not securely retained and shifts during use
Solution Approach 1:
The support garment is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with distinct functions. The first layer provides outer support, the second layer creates an interlayer compartment for pump retention, and the third layer provides inner comfort. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute specifically to pump stability without requiring complete redesign of the entire garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump is nested within the interlayer compartment formed between the first layer and second layer of the support garment. The flange of the pump engages with the first breast-covering portion and second breast-covering portion, creating a nested configuration that secures the pump in place while maintaining garment flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional support garments are used for breast milk pumping, then the garment is comfortable for normal wear, but it does not expand to accommodate the pump comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The support garment incorporates elastic materials and stretchable fabrics that allow dynamic expansion and contraction. The garment can expand to accommodate the breast pump within the interlayer compartment while maintaining comfort for the wearer during normal wear and pumping activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment utilizes materials with varying elastic properties across different regions. The first layer, second layer, and third layer are constructed with materials that provide different degrees of stretch and recovery, allowing the garment to adapt its shape and volume to accommodate the pump while maintaining overall comfort and support.
3Strength
If traditional support garments are used during physical activity, then the garment provides basic support, but it does not provide adequate support for exercising, sports, and fitness activities
Solution Approach 1:
The support garment is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides support during normal wear, securely retains the breast pump during pumping activities, and offers adequate support during physical exercise and sports. The multilayer construction with elastic materials and reinforced breast-covering portions enables the garment to adapt to different activity levels and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support garment is constructed from composite materials with different properties. The first layer, second layer, and third layer utilize materials with varying degrees of elasticity, breathability, and support characteristics. This composite construction allows the garment to provide enhanced support strength for physical activities while maintaining comfort and pump retention capabilities.
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 secures and accommodates breast pumps or prosthetics, minimizing shifting and providing comfort during pumping and physical activities, while offering improved support and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
The support garment may include an elastically resilient material that may help accommodate a breast pump or a prosthetic
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a support garment 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. For example, the support garment may include a multilayer structure that includes one or more interlayer compartments for housing the object. In addition, the support garment may include a gusset or other panel structure secured near a central region of the support garment that may form a divider between the interlayer compartments. In some examples, the support garment may include, at various locations, a combination of textiles that have different relative material properties, which may provide varied functionality throughout the support garment.