Post-operative Brassiere with Independent Breast Aligners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Postoperative brassieres for women, especially fuller-sized and obese patients, fail to adequately support and position breast tissue after thoracic surgeries, leading to increased wound complications due to gravity-induced stress, heat, and moisture, which can result in infections and deformations, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent breast tissue from being squeezed or pulled away from the mid-center or laterally.
Innovation Solution
A triple-adjuster brassiere with soft, form-cut bra-cups, under-cups, and elastic bands that allow for independent adjustment of breast positioning to prevent lateral and central gravitation, using uni-directional stretchable satin and latex-free elastic materials for comfort and support, with features like fabric hook and loop fasteners for secure closure and easy access during wound inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If breast tissue is supported by conventional brassieres after sternotomy, then gravity-induced stress on the wound is reduced, but the brassiere may squeeze the breast tissue towards the center causing excessive pressure and heat-moisture generation on the sternal wound
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere is divided into separate left and right breast support structures that are not interconnected at the front. Each breast is supported independently by its own cup, aligner bands, and adjustment mechanisms, preventing the squeezing effect while maintaining individual breast positioning and support
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere provides localized support features including lateral aligner bands to prevent outward displacement, central aligner bands to prevent inward displacement, and adjustable tensioning mechanisms. Each region of the breast support structure has specific functional properties tailored to address local positioning needs without creating excessive pressure on the sternal wound area
2Reliability
If the brassiere provides secure closure for support, then breast positioning is maintained, but access for wound inspection and care becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through multiple adjustment mechanisms including lateral aligner tensioning, central aligner tensioning, and cup position adjustment. These allow the support structure to be modified in real-time to balance support stability with wound access needs during postoperative care
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere design allows for selective opening or removal of the front closure components to provide access to the sternal wound for inspection and care, while the rear closure and side support structures remain in place to maintain breast positioning and support during the procedure
3Strength
If conventional brassieres are used, then basic breast support is provided, but they fail to prevent lateral and central gravitation of breast tissue effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere incorporates asymmetric support elements including lateral aligner bands that extend to the side to prevent outward displacement, and central aligner bands that extend toward the midline to prevent inward displacement. The adjustment mechanisms are positioned to provide differential control over lateral and central positioning forces
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere adds dimensional control through multiple bands extending in different directions from each breast cup - lateral bands extending outward to prevent lateral gravitation, central bands extending inward to prevent central gravitation, and vertical support from the rear closure. This multi-directional band system provides comprehensive three-dimensional positioning control
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 brassiere reduces pain, minimizes wound complications, promotes esthetically improved healing, maintains breast support and dignity, and facilitates easy wound access, thereby decreasing healthcare costs and improving postoperative care.
Implementation Method 1
The brassiere consists of a pair of soft, comfortable, double-sided, form-cut bra-cups and under-cups... uni-directional, stretchable satin, which is chosen for its lightness, softness, strength... strong, latex-free elastic... wide elastic, lateral breast-aligners... wide elastic, central breast-aligners
Implementation Method 2
The two lateral breast-aligners can thus each be tension-adjusted and closed with fabric hook and loop fasteners to control the position of each breast... The two central breast-aligners can thus each be tension-adjusted and closed with fabric hook and loop fasteners
Implementation Method 3
The mass of breast tissue causes the gravity force to pull the breast tissue downwards when a person is in the standing position and to the lateral sides when a person is in the horizontal position or leaning back
Data Source
AI summary
A breast-supportive and breast-positioning brassiere designed to be used postoperatively by patients including obese patients and fuller-sized women who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery that requires a mid-sternal incision (sternotomy). The brassiere is also for other interventions in the thoracic region, when a comfortable and efficient individual positioning and support of the breast(s) would be desirable; an example being to prevent symmastia after breast augmentation surgery. The brassiere prevents gravitation of the breast tissue to the lateral sides, keeps the breast tissue away from the mid center, and supports the weight of the breasts. The brassiere is designed to promote less pain, less wound complications, esthetically improved wound healing, less heat generation, improved wound inspection and access for wound care, while maintaining support and dignity.