Hong Kong researchers have developed a novel mastectomy bra by employing ergonomic design and 3D material engineering technology to accommodate the needs of recovering patients of different ages, BMI and body shapes.
The significance: Asian patients often find it difficult to buy a well-fitting prosthesis because those designs are typically based on Western models. Besides, the prosthesis blocks heat and moisture release, creating thermal discomfort for wearers. The technology used in the project can bring a change to the market ecology, by offering a change from high production costs and limited product variety to lower production costs and greater product variety. The project has won a gold medal at the Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days.
The solution: The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has developed a solution that uses both manual tape measurement and 3D body scanning to get an accurate and customised measurement of the individual wearer’s body silhouette. The bra also adopts structural and pattern design, as well as reinforcement elastic bands to provide improved fit and body balance.
The bra style takes into consideration the individual’s lifestyle, unique body shape and recovery progress. A series of trials were also arranged to allow the developers to improve the centre of pressure when wearers put the bra on, thus improving body balance and posture.
The team also developed a 3D-printed removable bra pad for recovering patients. The bra pad can mimic the age and BMI-related breast density of each wearer and consider an individual’s 3D breast profile and volume, providing a better fitting bra pad in terms of both shape and weight for Asian patients. Another feature of the bra pad is the use of 3D-printable elastomeric mesh materials. These can provide a soft hand feel and minimise the problems of heat generation and trapping of sweat.
The benefits of the bra: The benefits include, among others:
- This bra offers a better thermal comfort experience.
- The 3D-printed removable bra pad module method offers a made-to-order product, accommodating the unique needs of users no matter their age, breast weight or shape.
- The application of 3D material engineering technology and 3D printing technology can improve the design and reduce the cost of the bra and the removable bra pad.
