Supportive Undergarment with Anchor Strap for Upward Breast Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bras and sports bras inadequately restrain upward movement of breast tissue during physical activities, leading to discomfort, and existing solutions either lack adjustability or cause over-compression, affecting breathing and providing redundant support.

Innovation Solution

A supportive undergarment with a front and back portion, a lower band, and support strap sections that connect to an anchor member, providing adjustable tension to restrain upward breast movement independently of a conventional bra, thereby distributing forces to minimize discomfort and maintain breathing ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bras or sports bras are used to provide compressive support, then downward movement of breast tissue is restrained, but upward movement of breast tissue is not adequately restrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport effectivenessVSAvoiddirectional support coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two independent components: a conventional bra for downward support and an independent supportive undergarment for upward support. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one directional support function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction by making the overall support system more adaptable to multi-directional movement constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supportive undergarment acts as an intermediary layer between the body and the conventional bra, specifically addressing the upward movement gap that the conventional bra cannot cover. This intermediary component provides the missing directional support while allowing the conventional bra to maintain its downward support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple sports bras are worn to compensate for inadequate support, then compressive support is enhanced, but over-compression of the ribcage occurs affecting breathing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport adequacyVSAvoidbreathing discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying compressive force uniformly across the entire torso with multiple layers, the supportive undergarment applies compression locally and selectively to specific breast tissue areas that require upward support. This localized approach provides adequate support without causing over-compression of the ribcage and breathing discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is divided between two separate garments, each targeting specific directional needs. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple compressive layers, as the supportive undergarment provides the specific upward support function that would otherwise require additional compressive layers to achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable support is provided for different activities, then support effectiveness is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivity-specific supportVSAvoidgarment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supportive undergarment incorporates adjustable components such as adjustable straps and fasteners that allow the support level to be dynamically changed based on activity requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables the same garment to provide appropriate support for different activity intensities without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supportive undergarment is designed as a universal base layer that can be worn with various types of conventional bras and adapted to different activities through adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single garment design to serve multiple support needs without requiring multiple specialized garments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 undergarment effectively restricts upward breast movement, enhancing comfort during physical activities by distributing forces evenly and avoiding over-compression, allowing for adjustable support tailored to specific activities.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of support strap sections are connectable to the at least one anchor member under tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

providing compression to the upper portions of the wearer's breasts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS12102140B2Supportive undergarment and sports bra system

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 LEE HEATHER

AI summary

A supportive undergarment configured to restrain movement of breast tissue in the superior direction is provided. The undergarment is configured to be used in conjunction with a conventional bra, especially an underwire-containing sports bra, without unnecessarily duplicating the support provided by the bra. The undergarment comprises a pair of supporting straps that are releasably anchored to the undergarment's lower circumscribing band via at least one anchor member. The supporting straps are configured to provide compression to the wearer's upper breast roots and arrest upward movement of the wearer's breasts.