Protective Cup Garment with Segmented Strap System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective cups and athletic support shorts often fail to securely hold the cup in place, especially for individuals with smaller or larger waist sizes, leading to discomfort and increased vulnerability to impact due to twisting straps and inadequate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A clothing article with a cup sleeve and securing member that extends rearwardly under the groin area, utilizing a compression material and adjustable fasteners to securely position and stabilize the protective cup, reducing movement and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single elastic waistband is used to hold the protective cup, then the device structure is simple, but the cup becomes dislodged during movement and the fit is uncomfortable for various waist sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The single waistband is divided into multiple separate straps (first strap, second strap, third strap, fourth strap) that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows each strap to provide targeted support and secure the cup more reliably without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The straps incorporate adjustable fasteners (such as buckles or Velcro) that allow the user to dynamically adjust the fit and tension of each strap according to their waist size and comfort preferences. This dynamic adjustability maintains reliable cup positioning while accommodating various body types.
2Reliability
If the waistband is made tight to secure the cup, then the cup positioning is stable, but the wearer experiences discomfort especially for those with larger waists
Solution Approach 1:
Each strap includes an adjustable fastener mechanism that enables the wearer to customize the tension and fit for their specific comfort needs while maintaining sufficient security for cup stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between tightness for stability and comfort for wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different straps can be adjusted to provide different levels of tension and support at different locations around the waist and groin area. This localized adjustment allows optimal comfort and security distribution, preventing excessive tightness in any single area while maintaining overall cup stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional straps are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the straps twist and become uncomfortable during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The straps are designed with asymmetric features including non-circular cross-sections (such as flat or oval shapes instead of round), asymmetric fastener placements, and differentiated strap widths or materials. This asymmetry prevents the straps from rotating or twisting during movement, eliminating discomfort while remaining manufacturable with standard techniques.
4Ease of operation
If the protective cup is held loosely for comfort, then the wearer is more comfortable, but the cup becomes dislodged and fails to protect during impact
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate straps distribute the securing force across different anatomical locations, providing firm cup retention without requiring excessive tightness in any single area. This segmented approach maintains comfort while preventing cup dislodgment during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system provides localized support and cushioning at critical contact points with soft padding or cushioned sections, ensuring comfort where straps contact the body while maintaining secure cup positioning through the distributed multi-strap configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of clothing including a protective cup for protecting the groin area of a user. The article includes an upper portion having a front and a rear, and an interior and an exterior, for receiving the waist of the user. A cup sleeve having an apical portion is disposed in the interior of the upper portion while partially secured to the front of the upper portion with the apical portion extending free from the front of the upper portion. A securing member optionally extends from the apical portion to the rear of the upper portion.