Vacuum-Rigidifying Brassiere Cup with Malleable Middle Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression bandages and splints fail to maintain tissue expansion effectively due to irreversible rigidity, lack of malleability, and inability to adapt to varying tissue swelling, while also causing skin irritation and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an inner and outer layer with a middle layer that rigidifies via vacuum-induced interlocking or compression, allowing for multiple cycles of rigidity adjustment and minimizing skin irritation through a buffer layer, which can be made from materials like soft paper or gel for optimal conformability and concealability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing compression bandages and splints are used to maintain tissue expansion, then tissue support is provided, but the rigidity is irreversible and the device cannot adapt to varying tissue swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the splint's rigidity adjustable and reversible. The splint transitions from a rigid state (when vacuum is applied to rigidify the middle layer) to a soft, malleable state (when vacuum is released), allowing it to adapt to varying tissue swelling. This dynamic property enables the splint to be re-applied and re-adjusted multiple times throughout the treatment process, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stable composition.
2Shape
If existing splints with rigidifying layers are used, then tissue contour is maintained, but the device lacks malleability for conforming to different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamics principle to enable the splint to transition between rigid and soft states. When vacuum is not applied, the middle layer remains soft and malleable, allowing the splint to conform to different body contours and shapes. When vacuum is applied, the middle layer rigidifies to maintain the desired shape. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between maintaining shape and having malleability for conforming to different body parts.
3Reliability
If existing devices are used to retain expanded tissue, then tissue expansion is maintained, but the device creates bulkiness and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a thin, flexible middle layer that can be vacuum-rigidified. This thin-layer approach eliminates the bulkiness of traditional splints while maintaining the ability to retain expanded tissue. The flexible inner layer provides a smooth interface with the skin, reducing irritation, while the vacuum-rigidified middle layer maintains structural support. This resolves the contradiction between reliable tissue expansion maintenance and minimizing harmful factors like skin irritation and bulkiness.
4Strength
If vacuum is applied to rigidify the middle layer, then structural support is improved, but skin wrinkling and irritation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the splint into three distinct layers: an inner flexible layer, a middle rigidifying layer, and an outer layer. The inner flexible layer acts as a buffer between the vacuum-rigidified middle layer and the skin, preventing direct transmission of vacuum forces that cause wrinkling and irritation. This segmentation allows the middle layer to provide structural support through vacuum rigidification while the inner layer protects the skin, resolving the contradiction between improved structural support and reduced skin harm.
5Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is used to secure the device to skin, then device stability is improved, but skin damage occurs during vacuum application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the adhesive from the area where vacuum is applied. The adhesive is placed only on the outer periphery of the splint, outside the vacuum application zone. This extraction of adhesive from the vacuum area eliminates the harmful combination of adhesive and vacuum that causes skin damage, while the peripheral adhesive still provides sufficient device stability. This resolves the contradiction between device stability and prevention of skin damage.
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 device effectively maintains tissue expansion with adjustable rigidity, reduces skin irritation, and enhances concealability, enabling repeated use and adaptation to varying tissue swelling without the drawbacks of irreversible processes.
Implementation Method 1
a middle layer formed by at least one soft sheet of paper configured to rigidify upon application of a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
rigidifies via vacuum-induced interlocking or compression
Data Source
AI summary
A brassiere having cups with an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least one sheet of thin malleable material forming a middle layer between the inner layer and outer layer, the at least one sheet being enclosed and configured to rigidify.