Non-metallic Underwire Support Strip for Brassiere Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brassieres with steel underwire support are prone to damage during washing and tumble drying, and the underwire can cause discomfort by protruding, necessitating a more reliable and comfortable alternative.
Innovation Solution
A brassiere design featuring laminated breast cups with a non-metallic, resiliently bendable under breast support strip integrated between layers of material, providing support without the risks of puncture or discomfort associated with metal underwires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel underwire is used for breast support, then support strength is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to puncture damage during washing and drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the steel underwire mechanical support system with a foam-based support structure. The foam material provides the necessary mechanical support through its compressive strength and structural properties rather than through a rigid wire mechanism, eliminating the puncture damage issue while maintaining support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite foam materials with different densities and firmness levels to achieve both support strength and durability. The multi-layer foam construction combines softer and firmer foam layers to provide structural integrity without the reliability problems of metal underwires
2Strength
If steel underwire is used for breast support, then support effectiveness is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to skin discomfort and protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs foam material that acts as a flexible support structure, conforming to the breast shape and providing support without rigid edges that could protrude or cause discomfort. The foam's flexibility allows it to adapt to body movements while maintaining support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support material from rigid metal to soft foam with specific density and firmness characteristics. This parameter change allows the material to provide support strength while eliminating the harmful protrusion and skin discomfort associated with steel underwires
3Reliability
If underwire channels are added to prevent puncture, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic steel underwire component entirely, removing the need for underwire channels and their associated manufacturing complexity. The foam support structure is integrated directly into the bra cup construction, simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing costs
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 solution offers effective support and comfort by preventing puncture and protrusion, maintaining bra integrity and user comfort, while being cost-effective and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a non-metallic resiliently bendable under breast support strip laminated with and interposed between two of the at least two plies of material
Implementation Method 2
at least two plies of material which are laminated to each other and molded to define the shape of the two breast cups
Data Source
AI summary
A brassiere cup assembly defining two breast cups, a bridge between the two breast cups, and for each of the two breast cups a flange extending from at least part of a lower peripheral edge of the breast cup. The brassiere cup assembly comprises at least two plies of material which are laminated to each other and molded to define the shape of the two breast cups, and a non-metallic resiliently bendable under breast support strip laminated with and interposed between two of the at least two plies of material at or adjacent the lower peripheral edge of one or both of the two breast cups.