Zonal Silicone Bra Fabric Elastic Moduli Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional silicone printing on bras results in a sticky and clingy surface, bulkiness, and reduced breathability, failing to provide a smooth fit and comfort across all sizes, especially in larger sizes where additional support is needed.
Innovation Solution
A double-faced bra fabric with a polyurethane-based elastomer yarn and a silicone pattern printed with varying surface densities, allowing the silicone to penetrate the fabric without seeping to the opposite side, providing zones with different elastic moduli for tailored support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If silicone is printed on bra fabric to provide support, then the elastic modulus is improved, but the surface becomes sticky and clingy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface densities of silicone printing in different zones of the bra fabric. High surface density zones provide maximum support where needed, while low surface density zones maintain breathability and comfort. This spatial variation in material properties resolves the contradiction by localizing the sticky effect to only where high support is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by embedding silicone patterns within the fabric matrix. The silicone penetrates the fabric but is contained within it, forming a composite material that combines the support properties of silicone with the breathable structure of the fabric, eliminating surface stickiness while maintaining elastic modulus enhancement.
2Strength
If silicone is printed on bra fabric to provide support, then the elastic modulus is improved, but bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the fabric to allow silicone penetration. The silicone fills the voids and spaces within the fabric matrix rather than forming a surface layer, thereby providing structural reinforcement without adding external bulk. The fabric's inherent porosity accommodates the silicone within its three-dimensional structure.
3Strength
If silicone is printed on bra fabric to provide support, then the elastic modulus is improved, but breathability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the surface density of silicone printing across different zones of the fabric. Areas requiring high support have higher silicone density, while areas requiring breathability have lower silicone density or none at all. This zonal approach maintains air permeability in critical areas while providing structural reinforcement where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded silicone-fabric composite maintains the fabric's breathable structure by incorporating silicone within the material matrix rather than as a surface coating. This internal integration preserves the fabric's porosity and air flow pathways while enhancing mechanical properties.
4Strength
If silicone is printed on bra fabric to provide support, then the elastic modulus is improved, but a smooth fit is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an integrated silicone-fabric composite where the silicone pattern is embedded within the fabric structure. This internal embedding eliminates surface irregularities and creates a smooth external surface that conforms to the body, while the internal silicone reinforcement provides the necessary structural support and elastic modulus enhancement.
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 achieves a smooth, breathable, and comfortable fit by eliminating stickiness and bulkiness, maintaining a traditional fabric hand feel on the outer side while offering strategic support and stretch, suitable for various bra sizes without the need for additional elastic bands or flocking.
Implementation Method 1
A double-faced bra fabric with a polyurethane-based elastomer yarn and a silicone pattern printed with varying surface densities, allowing the silicone to penetrate the fabric without seeping to the opposite side, providing zones with different elastic moduli for tailored support and comfort
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A portion (10) of a bra (30), such as a bra wing (24) or bra cup (32), includes a double-faced fabric made with a polyurethane-based elastomer yarn. A silicone pattern (14) is printed on a first face of the fabric, and at least partially penetrates the first face. In a first zone (16) on the first face of the fabric, the printed silicone pattern has a first surface density, and in a second zone (18) it has a second surface density. The first surface density imparts a first elastic modulus to the fabric in the first zone, while the second surface density imparts a second elastic modulus to the fabric in the second zone that is different than the first elastic modulus. A plurality of zones can be provided in order to provide a smoothing and/or support effect to the portion of the bra.