Brassiere Underwire Cushioning Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwires in brassieres can cause discomfort and potentially damage skin or clothing due to their stiffness, as they often poke through the fabric sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning structure for underwires comprising an inner sleeve with a cushioning material covered by a panel of outer fabric, where the fabric edges fold over to seal and secure the cushioning material, providing a buffer between the underwire and the wearer's skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional underwire is used to provide support and shaping, then the structural support function is improved, but the wearer comfort deteriorates due to poking through fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner sleeve as an intermediary component between the underwire and the outer fabric. This sleeve completely encases the underwire, preventing it from poking through the fabric while maintaining the structural support function. The intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by isolating the harmful sharp edges of the underwire from contact with the wearer's skin and clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cushioning material to the outer surface of the inner sleeve before assembling the final bra structure. This pre-applied cushioning layer serves as a protective barrier that absorbs potential contact between the underwire and external surfaces, preventing damage to skin and clothing while preserving the underwire's support capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cushioning material is added to reduce friction and prevent damage, then wearer comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric sleeve to encase the underwire, providing cushioning and protection through a thin, conformal layer rather than bulky materials. This flexible shell approach reduces the overall complexity of the cushioning structure while maintaining effectiveness in preventing skin discomfort and clothing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the rigid underwire with the flexible fabric sleeve and cushioning material layers. This composite structure integrates multiple functional properties (support, comfort, protection) into a unified assembly, simplifying the overall device while achieving multiple objectives simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups; a connector securing together an inner edge of each of the breast cups; a back wing or pair of back wings for securing the brassiere to the torso of a wearer; and an underwire disposed about a lower periphery of each breast cup. A cushioning structure for the underwire comprises an inner sleeve for receiving the underwire, the inner sleeve having two major surfaces and opposed elongate edges; a cushioning material covering at least one of the major surfaces; and a panel of outer fabric having first and second opposed elongate edges; wherein the first and second elongate edges of the panel of outer fabric each fold over an opposed elongate edge of the inner sleeve to substantially cover the cushioning material. A cushioning structure and a method of making the same are also provided.