Post-Surgery Brassiere with Dual Adjustable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-surgery brassieres often provide inadequate support, are uncomfortable, and irritate wound areas, requiring frequent changes as swelling reduces, and are aesthetically unpleasing and difficult to fit, especially when trying to position prostheses correctly.
Innovation Solution
A post-surgery brassiere with dual adjustment means that allow for adjustable compression from the shoulders and chest, featuring a unitary design with an inner and outer layer, elastic edge trim, and a receiving pocket for prosthesis positioning, made from bamboo fiber for comfort and healing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional post-surgery brassieres are used, then they provide basic support, but they cause discomfort and irritate wound areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different fabric types in different regions of the brassiere - soft, breathable fabric in the cup area that contacts the wound region, and more structured fabric in the band and straps. The edge trim is specifically designed to be soft and non-irritating while providing necessary compression. This localized differentiation allows the garment to provide support where needed without causing discomfort or irritation to the wound areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere uses composite materials combining different fabric properties - elastic materials for the band region to provide compression, breathable fabrics for comfort, and supportive structures for prosthesis holding. The combination of these materials allows the garment to simultaneously provide medical support and comfort, resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and discomfort.
2Reliability
If traditional post-surgery brassieres are used, then they provide initial compression, but patients must purchase multiple garments as swelling reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable features including adjustable straps, adjustable band tightness, and reconfigurable cup sections. These adjustable elements allow the brassiere to adapt its compression level dynamically as the patient's swelling changes over time, eliminating the need to purchase multiple garments with different compression levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple stages of healing. The adjustable features enable it to provide high compression during initial swelling, then adapt to provide lower compression as swelling reduces. This single garment performs the function of multiple specialized garments throughout the healing process.
3Ease of operation
If traditional post-surgery brassieres are used, then they can be fitted to some body types, but positioning prostheses is difficult and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The brassiere is segmented into multiple independent sections including adjustable straps, adjustable band, and reconfigurable cup sections. This segmentation allows each section to be independently adjusted to accommodate different body types and prosthesis sizes, making the fitting process easier and more adaptable without requiring complex measurement and adjustment procedures.
4Reliability
If traditional post-surgery brassieres are used, then they provide basic compression, but they are aesthetically unpleasing and awkward to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different fabric types in different regions of the brassiere - soft, breathable fabric in the cup area that contacts the wound region, and more structured fabric in the band and straps. The edge trim is specifically designed to be soft and non-irritating while providing necessary compression. This localized differentiation allows the garment to provide support where needed without causing discomfort or irritation to the wound areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The brassiere uses parameter changes in fabric selection - choosing fabrics with specific properties such as breathability, softness, and elasticity that change from one region to another. The cup area uses softer, more breathable fabrics for comfort and healing, while the band and straps use more durable, structured fabrics for support. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between compression function and comfort/aesthetics.
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 provides customizable support and comfort, allowing patients to adjust compression levels independently, reduces the need for multiple garments, and aids in wound healing and body image recovery, with participants reporting improved well-being and reduced body image distress.
Implementation Method 1
elastic edge trim
Data Source
AI summary
A post-surgery brassiere garment for a wearer comprising a connection means comprising strap means operable to secure the brassiere garment over shoulders of the wearer, and a band region to enclose a portion of the torso of the wearer to secure the brassiere garment to the wearer; a first adjustment means operable to adjustably close the band region of the brassiere garment, and a second adjustment means operable to adjustably connect the strap means to a front region of the band region of the brassiere garment, whereby, the first and second adjustment means are together operable to adjustably compress the torso of the wearer in region of the wearers chest.