Nursing Bra Cup Sliding Mechanism for Discreet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nursing bras often lack discretion, functionality, and comfort, as they expose the breast excessively during feeding, are difficult to open one-handedly, and breast pads can leak through the fabric, making them impractical and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A nursing bra design featuring cups with a first part for support and a second part that overlaps, allowing them to slide apart for breastfeeding, along with a top part that can be opened centrally using a closing mechanism, incorporating a breast pad holder and resilient fabrics for ease of use and discretion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional nursing bra cup is opened at the top to free the breast for feeding, then breastfeeding is enabled, but the major part of the breast is exposed which compromises discretion and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into a first part and a second part that can be separated. The first part remains in place to maintain coverage and discretion, while the second part can be removed or moved to allow breastfeeding access without exposing the entire breast.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the cup is designed to be detachable or movable, allowing it to be taken out or shifted aside during breastfeeding. This extraction of the covering element enables breast access while the first part continues to provide coverage and maintain aesthetics.
2Device complexity
If a simple closure mechanism is used for opening the bra, then the design is simpler and more aesthetic, but de closure above the cup is not very practical for opening one-handedly
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed to be self-operating or easily operable without requiring complex manual manipulation. It can be opened and closed with one hand, eliminating the need for assistance or complex dexterity, thus maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If breast pads are used to collect discharged milk, then milk collection is enabled, but the pads do not prevent some milk from seeping through to the bra and clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pad is constructed using composite materials with different properties - an outer layer that is impermeable to milk to prevent seepage through to the bra and clothing, and an inner layer that is absorbent to collect and hold the discharged milk effectively.
4Ease of operation
If the cup parts are made to slide apart for breastfeeding, then breastfeeding access is improved, but the structural complexity of the cup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow the first and second parts to slide apart smoothly. This dynamic design enables easy separation and reconnection, providing breastfeeding access while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of sliding mechanisms rather than complex assemblies.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Nursing bras with at least one cup (1) for supporting a breast, wherein the cup comprises a first part (2) for supporting of the breast, characterized in that the cup is provided with a second part (4) which at least in part overlaps with the first part (2).