Segmented Athletic Breast Cup with Flexural Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective gear for female athletes' breasts is inadequate, as it lacks flexibility and comfort, leading to high incidence of breast injuries in sports, with few options available that do not dig into breast tissue and are uncomfortable to wear during activities.
Innovation Solution
A protective breast cup with a curved outer shell featuring flexural slots and a central void portion to accommodate the nipple, combined with a cushioned liner for comfort and impact absorption, allowing for defined flexure regions to absorb impact forces while maintaining wearer comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid chest plate is used for breast protection, then protection strength is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into multiple modular components including front cup portions, back cup portions, and side portions that can move independently relative to each other through articulation points, allowing the protective device to conform to breast movement while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell is constructed from flexible materials and designed with articulated joints that allow bending and movement, replacing traditional rigid chest plates with a structure that can dynamically adapt to breast motion during athletic activities
2Strength
If a non-flexible protective gear is used, then protection strength is improved, but comfort and tissue pressure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device incorporates dynamic elements including movable side portions, articulation points, and flexible connections that allow the structure to move with the breast rather than resist movement, reducing tissue digging and improving comfort during athletic activities
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in geometric parameters such as cup separation distance and angle through articulated joints, enabling the protection structure to adapt its configuration dynamically in response to breast movement and impact forces
3Strength
If a rigid chest plate is used, then impact protection is improved, but wearability and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into multiple independent or semi-independent cup portions connected by flexible elements, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall protective function during athletic activities
Solution Approach 2:
The breast cups are positioned within a supportive structure that includes back portions and side portions, creating a nested configuration where the protective elements are integrated within the overall garment structure for comfortable wear
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 solution provides effective protection against breast injuries by allowing the breast cup to flex and absorb impact forces, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of further injury, while being easy to wear and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of flexural slots are configured to allow for a flexure of a defined flexural region of the outer shell responsive to an impact force exerted on the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
combined with a cushioned liner for comfort and impact absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cup to be worn in women athlete's sports bras to protect against injury and pain from a contact in an aggressive sport. is disclosed. The Unstoppable Protective Cups can be slipped into the athlete's favorite sports bra, go virtually undetected, easy to run in with a flexible cut-out to absorb a blow. They are also lined with softer material to protect the breast from injury further and be worn with comfort.