Composite Shoulder Strap with Rigid Core for Support and Comfort

Solution Overview

Problem

Shoulder straps for clothing, such as brassieres, often lack both comfort and necessary support due to being made entirely of non-stretchable or entirely stretchable fabrics, leading to discomfort and unsightly deformation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a combination of stretch fabrics and rigid fabrics, where the rigid fabric is sandwiched between two adhesive stretch fabrics and fused together, with the option of ultrasonic cutting to create a strap with a widened intermediate portion and narrowed end portions for improved support and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the shoulder strap is made entirely of non-stretchable fabric, then the strap provides necessary support and stiffness, but the strap becomes uncomfortable and non-flexible to the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and stiffnessVSAvoidcomfort and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap is constructed with different fabric types in different regions: stretch fabric at the ends for comfort and flexibility, and rigid fabric in the intermediate portion for support and stiffness. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing each region with the specific property it needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder strap combines multiple fabric materials (stretch fabric and rigid fabric) into a single composite structure. This composite construction allows the strap to simultaneously exhibit both flexibility (from stretch fabric) and structural support (from rigid fabric), resolving the contradiction between comfort and support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the shoulder strap is made entirely of stretchable fabric, then the strap is comfortable and flexible to the user, but the strap may not provide the necessary support and desired stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and flexibilityVSAvoidsupport and stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap is constructed with different fabric types in different regions: stretch fabric at the ends for comfort and flexibility, and rigid fabric in the intermediate portion for support and stiffness. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing each region with the specific property it needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder strap combines multiple fabric materials (stretch fabric and rigid fabric) into a single composite structure. This composite construction allows the strap to simultaneously exhibit both flexibility (from stretch fabric) and structural support (from rigid fabric), resolving the contradiction between comfort and support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the shoulder strap is made as a narrow strap with the same width along the entire length, then the strap is simple in design, but the strap may deform and twist easily, especially when made of thin elastic fabric

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoiddeformation and twisting resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap features variable width along its length, with narrower ends and a widened intermediate portion. This non-uniform width distribution increases stability and resistance to deformation and twisting, particularly in the intermediate region where the rigid fabric is located, while maintaining relative design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If the middle shoulder-engaging portion of the shoulder strap becomes deformed and twisted, then the strap may provide minimal support, but it causes discomfort and distress to the wearer, and can be unsightly in appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoiddiscomfort and unsightly appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap features variable width along its length, with narrower ends and a widened intermediate portion. This non-uniform width distribution increases stability and resistance to deformation and twisting, particularly in the intermediate region where the rigid fabric is located, while maintaining relative design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 a comfortable and supportive shoulder strap that minimizes seam allowances, preventing deformation and enhancing the appearance by maintaining shape and structure.

Implementation Method 1

adhering a first adhesive film to a first stretch fabric to form a first adhesive stretch fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

ultrasonically cutting the fabric assembly along the longitudinal edges to form a strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

fusing the first rigid fabric and the first and second adhesive stretch fabrics to form a strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFusion:

Data Source

PatentUS8226453B2Shoulder strap and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 CLOVER GRP INT LTD

AI summary

A shoulder strap includes a first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric, and a first rigid fabric sandwiched between the first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric and adhered to the first stretch fabric. The rigid fabric is located at an intermediate position between opposite ends of the first stretch fabric and the second stretch fabric.