Nursing Bra Cup Flap for Hands-Free Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nursing bras do not provide a seamless and comfortable solution for breastfeeding, as they often require additional layers to protect the nipple during milk expression and can restrict wearing comfort while pumping.
Innovation Solution
A nursing bra design featuring a tab on the inside of the bra cup that covers the opening, made of soft material, which can be connected to the cup element via Velcro, allowing for easy access for breast shields and maintaining breast support during pumping, with a decorative outer layer that can be detached for pumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bra cup is made with an opening for the nipple to allow breast shield insertion, then milk expression functionality is improved, but the nipple is exposed and requires additional protective layers
Solution Approach 1:
The bra cup is divided into two functional zones: a covered area with soft material for nipple protection and an uncovered opening area for breast shield insertion. This segmentation allows simultaneous protection and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A flap made of soft material acts as an intermediary element between the nipple and the external environment. This flap can be positioned to cover the nipple when not in use, eliminating the need for additional protective layers while maintaining access when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flap is added to cover the opening and protect the nipple, then nipple protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is integrated into the bra cup structure itself, merging the protective function with the existing cup design. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap can be moved from a covering position to an open position, allowing temporary discarding of protection when the breast shield is inserted, and recovered when needed. This dynamic behavior simplifies the overall system by eliminating permanent additional structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flap is permanently connected to the cup element, then structural stability is improved, but ease of adjustment for different uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flap attachment system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The flap can be repositioned between covered and open states, allowing the structure to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining stability in each position.
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 design allows for hands-free milk expression with enhanced nipple protection and comfort, maintaining an attractive appearance without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The flap can be permanently or detachably connected to the cup element. For example, the flap can be connected to the cup element via a hook-and-loop fastener.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~9
AI summary
Nursing bra (2) having a back part (6) and a breast part (8), which, when connected, form a surround (4) around the extent of the upper part of the body, having shoulder straps (10), which extend between the breast part (8) and the back part (6), and having two bra cups (12), which are each adapted to accommodate a female breast, are each connected in a releasable manner to the shoulder straps (10) and each have an opening (32), which leads to the nipple of the female breast and is covered on the outside by an outer layer (24), which can be moved away from the opening (32). A nursing bra of the type mentioned in the introduction which has a high level of functionality along with an attractive appearance is created according to the invention in that a flap (38) is provided on the inner side of the bra cup (12) and conceals the opening (32).