Post-Operative Bra with Antibacterial Mesh and Drainage Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mastectomy and lumpectomy patients face discomfort and infection risks due to current bras that do not accommodate post-operative needs, such as varied drain placement and limited infection prevention, leading to improper wound healing.

Innovation Solution

A bra design featuring adjustable shoulder straps, compressive and mesh-lined cups with antibacterial coatings, and adjustable torso straps forming drainage ports to accommodate varied drain placements, along with a releasable front closure for ease of use and infection prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current bras are worn by mastectomy and lumpectomy patients, then the patient receives basic breast support, but the patient experiences significant discomfort and infection risk due to inability to accommodate drain placement and lack of infection prevention features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection prevention capabilityVSAvoidinfection risk at incision site

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bra is pre-treated with antibacterial and antimicrobial agents during manufacturing, creating a protective barrier before the patient is exposed to infection risks. This preliminary application of protective measures ensures the bra material itself actively prevents bacterial growth and infection at the incision site throughout the post-operative period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bra combines multiple materials with different properties: compressive material for support, mesh lining for breathability and comfort, and antibacterial/antimicrobial coatings for infection prevention. This composite structure integrates mechanical support functions with biological protection functions in a single garment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If current bras are worn by mastectomy and lumpectomy patients, then the patient receives basic breast support, but the patient experiences discomfort and improper wound healing due to inability to accommodate varied drain placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varied drain placementVSAvoidpatient comfort during recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bra is divided into distinct functional zones: compressive material areas for support, mesh lining areas for breathability, and strategically positioned drainage ports for fluid management. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while collectively addressing the diverse needs of post-operative patients with different drain placements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bra incorporates adjustable features including adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable torso strap with hook/loop fasteners that allow the drainage ports to be repositioned. This dynamic adjustability enables the bra to adapt to varied drain placements and changing patient needs throughout the recovery process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 bra provides comfort and support by accommodating different drain placements, reducing infection risks, and promoting proper wound healing through adjustable and antimicrobial features.

Implementation Method 1

The left front panel is formed from a compressive material and comprises a left cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The mesh lining forms a pocket with the compressive material of the left cup and has a coating comprising an antibacterial, antimicrobial agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibacterial and antimicrobial action: Preservative

Data Source

PatentUS11317659B2Post-operative bra

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 MEDSTAR HEALTH INC

AI summary

A bra is disclosed comprising a body portion and left and right adjustable shoulder straps. The body portion comprises a back panel, left and right front panels, an adjustable torso strap, and a releasable front closure. The left and right front panels comprise cups having an interior mesh lining over at least a portion of each cup. The mesh lining forms a pocket with each cup and has a coating comprising an antibacterial, antimicrobial agent. The adjustable torso strap comprises a back torso strap, left and right front torso straps, and left and right side torso straps. The left and right side torso straps have end portions that are removably attachable to left and right front torso straps. When attached to the left and right front torso straps, the left and right side torso straps and left and right front panels define left and right drainage ports.