Electronics-Textile Interconnection Method and System

Abstract

An electronic textile system and a docking assembly for the electronic textile system include a textile substrate, an input device attached to the textile substrate, and a docking assembly attached to the textile substrate for removably receiving a controller device. The docking assembly includes a first electrical interface for mating with a second electrical interface of the controller device. The system includes a conductive path network integrated into the textile substrate for electrically coupling the input device and the first electrical interface. The input device may transmit electronic signals representing input data to the controller device when the controller device is received by the docking assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 868,560, entitled "ELECTRONICS-TO-TEXTILE INTERCONNECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM," filed June 28, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to smart textiles, and more particularly to methods and systems for connecting electronic components to conductive textiles. [Background technology]

[0003] A smart textile is a fabric-based system of materials and structures that senses and responds to environmental conditions or stimuli, such as those from mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, magnetic or other sources. Smart textiles can respond or adapt to external stimuli or changing environmental conditions. Stimuli can include changes in temperature, moisture, pH, chemical sources, electric or magnetic fields, mechanical stress or strain.

[0004] Advanced smart textiles can have embedded computation, digital components, electronics, energy supplies, and sensors. Basic components of smart textiles include sensors, actuators, data transmission components, and power components. There is an unmet need to seamlessly integrate electronic components into the production of textiles when challenging functionality, size, cost, reliability, comfort, and aesthetic / requirements are considered. Furthermore, electrical connections between conductive circuits in textiles (e.g., conductive fibers, wires in textile substrates) and electronic components such as power sources and computational components (e.g., processors, memory) require adaptable and / or reliable connections to textiles.

[0005] Furthermore, textile manufacturing and electronics manufacturing use vastly different manufacturing infrastructures, utilizing very different assembly equipment, materials and processes.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for materials and manufacturing methods that allow for easy integration of interconnects of electronic devices or electronics modules onto textile-based substrates. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Described herein are electronic textile systems and docking assemblies.

[0008] In one aspect, an electronic textile system is provided that may include a textile substrate, an input device attached to the textile substrate, a docking assembly attached to the textile substrate for removably receiving a controller device, the docking assembly including a first electrical interface for mating with a second electrical interface of the controller device, and a conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate for electrically coupling the input device and the first electrical interface, the input device transmitting electronic signals representing input data to the controller device when the controller device is received by the docking assembly.

[0009] In another aspect, a docking assembly for an electronic textile system is provided, the docking assembly may include a docking base including a first electrical interface for mating with a second electrical interface of a controller device receivable by the docking assembly, and an engagement device including a first magnet adjustably disposed within the docking base at a receiving position and interacting with a second magnet of the controller device to align the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface to establish an electrical connection, the first magnet repelling the second magnet to separate the first electrical interface from the second electrical interface when the engagement device moves away from a receiving position within the docking base. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and, together with the description, further explain the principles of the invention and enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an electronic textile system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a substrate component of the electronic textile system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a substrate component of the electronic textile system of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] 3 shows a perspective view of the base component of FIG. 2 in relation to the textile substrate of FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] 2 shows a perspective view of the docking station body of FIG. 1 in relation to the textile substrate of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] 2 provides an exemplary embodiment of the electronic components of the controller device of FIG. 1 . [Figure 7]2 provides an internal view of the controller device of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 2 provides an internal view of the controller device of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] 4 provides an illustration of the substrate component of FIG. 3 in relation to the textile substrate of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] 4 provides an illustration of the substrate component of FIG. 3 in relation to the textile substrate of FIG. 1; [Figure 11] 4 provides an illustration of the substrate component of FIG. 3 in relation to the textile substrate of FIG. 1; [Figure 12] 2 provides views of the controller device of FIG. 1 in both an assembled and unassembled state; [Figure 13] 2 provides views of the controller device of FIG. 1 in both an assembled and unassembled state; [Figure 14] 2 provides views of the controller device of FIG. 1 in both an assembled and unassembled state; [Figure 15] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the entire assembly of FIG. 1 after assembly. [Figure 16] 2 is an exemplary diagram of the textile substrate of FIG. 1 including conductive pathways. [Figure 17] 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for assembling the overall assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 18] 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for assembling the overall assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 19] 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for assembling the overall assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 20] 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for assembling the overall assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 21] 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for assembling the overall assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates an electronic textile system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of an electronic controller device and a docking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] 24 illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the electronic controller device and docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] 24 shows a top cross-sectional view of the docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 24 illustrates a partial bottom perspective view of an electronic controller device engaged with the docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] 24 shows a top cross-sectional view of the docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 28] 24 shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic controller device and docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 29] 24 shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic controller device and docking assembly of FIG. 23. [Diagram 30] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic controller device received by a docking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 31] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic controller device received by a docking assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 32] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the electronic controller device and docking assembly of FIG. 23 in an assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 illustrates a pinout diagram of a first electrical interface and corresponding conductive traces to vertical interconnect access points of a printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 34] 1 illustrates a partial mechanical connector data sheet for an exemplary 10-pin pogo connector, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Figure 35A] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a transform controller device and a transform docking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Figure 35B] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a transform controller device and a transform docking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. [Figure 36A]35B shows side and cross-sectional elevation views, respectively, of a modified controller device and a modified docking device of FIG. 35A. [Figure 36B] 35B shows side and cross-sectional elevation views, respectively, of a modified controller device and a modified docking device of FIG. 35A. [Figure 37] 37 shows a cross-sectional view of the modified controller device and modified docking device of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic textile system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, and which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0013] In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is understood that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. With reference to these figures, various major components that make up the device of the present invention can be seen.

[0014] 1, a close-up (or exploded) view of an entire assembly 10 of a controller device 12 (e.g., electronic module) electrically connected to conductive pathways 80 (see FIG. 16) of a textile substrate 34 (e.g., in the form of a patch, band, shirt, pants, socks, underwear, blanket, hat, glove, shoe, etc.) via a module dock station 14. Thus, as described further below, the module dock station 14 (see FIG. 5) can comprise a dock housing 50 having a body 14a including an opening 52 that provides access between an electrical dock connector 54 (see FIG. 4) coupled to the conductive pathways 80 and an electrical controller connector 26 (see FIG. 1) connected to the electronics 22 of the controller device 12. The module dock station 14 can also have one or more clips 55 (as an example of a releasably securable mechanism for mechanically coupling with the housings 18, 24 of the controller device 12). It is apparent that the mating electrical connection between the electrical dock connector 54 and the electrical controller connector 26 is also releasably securable, thereby facilitating repeated attachment and removal of the controller device 12 from the module dock station 14, both mechanically and electrically.

[0015] Periodic removal of the controller device 12 may be advantageous for recharging the power supply 70 (see FIG. 1) of the controller device 12, replacing / replacing the controller device 12 (including the electronics 22), and / or temporarily removing the controller device 12 for washing / cleaning purposes of the textile substrate 34 (e.g., when washing a garment that integrally incorporates the textile substrate 34 as part of the overall garment structure).

[0016] Referring again to FIG. 1, the controller device 12 has a housing 18, 24 (e.g., upper and lower enclosures) that provide a moisture-resistant housing for the enclosed electronics 22. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the electronics 22 may include a power source 70 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) that provides power to a memory 72 and a computer processor 74 such that the computer processor executes instructions stored in the memory (e.g., ROM, RAM). Electrical connections between the electronics 22 may be by conductive paths 76 (shown conceptually) on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other electronics substrate 78. The conductive paths 76 may be electrically connected to an electrical controller connector 26 (e.g., a socket connector, e.g., an 8-socket connector) such that the electrical controller connector 26 may be considered integral within the housing 18, 24 (see FIG. 7). In this manner, the electrical controller connector 26 may be considered part of the controller device 12.

[0017] The housing's lower enclosure 24 may include an opening 79a for receiving corresponding pins 79b mounted on the body 54a of the electrical dock connector 54 (e.g., an 8-pin connector). It is also envisioned that the electrical dock connector 54 may be a socket connector and the electrical controller connector 26 may be a pin connector 26 configured to mate with the socket connector 54. It is also recognized that the electrical connectors 26, 54 may have mating electrical connections other than a pin / socket type (e.g., magnetic), if desired, such that the electrical connectors 26, 54 are of a releasably securable type. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrical controller connector 26 may be sealed against an interior surface 84 (of the housings 18, 24 when assembled) via a seal 82 (e.g., adhesive). The seal 82 may be used to prevent moisture or other foreign matter from entering the interior 86 (see FIG. 7) via the opening 79a (see FIG. 7).

[0018] Referring again to FIG. 1, the overall assembly 10 also includes a first substrate 28 and a second substrate 30 for mounting on either side of the textile substrate 34. For example, the first substrate 28 can be a PCB. As shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 28 has an electrical dock connector 54 mounted thereon, with conductive paths 43 connecting each of the one or more electrical connectors 79b (e.g., pins, sockets) of the electrical dock connector 54 to a corresponding one or more electrical connection locations 42 mounted on the first substrate 28. The one or more electrical connection locations 42 can be distributed around the surface 28a of the first substrate 28, such that each location of the one or more electrical connection locations 42 is recognized as corresponding (e.g., at a relative distance from each other) to a conductive path 80 (see FIG. 16) disposed on / in the textile substrate 34. The first substrate 28 may also have one or more electrical components 25 mounted thereon, and thus electrically connected to the electronic device 22 via mating connectors 26, 54 (pins / sockets) via corresponding conductive paths 43. As shown, the first substrate 28 may have a number of openings 28b that correspond in spatial distribution to the spatial distribution of the holes 34b in the textile substrate 34 (see FIG. 4). The openings 28b are also aligned in spatial distribution with a series of openings 30b in the surface 30a of the second substrate 30 (e.g., PCB). In assembling the overall assembly 10, the first substrate 28 may be attached to the corresponding surface 34a of the textile substrate 34 by an adhesive layer A. In assembling the overall assembly 10, the second substrate 30 may be attached to the corresponding opposing surface 34a of the textile substrate 34 by a similar adhesive layer A.

[0019] 3, the second substrate 30 is attached to a surface 34a of the textile substrate 34 opposite that used to attach the first substrate 28, such that the textile substrate 34 is securely fastened between the substrates 28 and 30, as described further below. The second substrate 30 also has connection locations 42a corresponding to the electrical connection locations 42, such that corresponding mechanical fasteners 29 (e.g. rivets, see FIG. 2) can be used to mechanically fasten the first substrate 28 to the second substrate 30, such that the textile substrate 34 can be fixedly sandwiched / mounted therebetween.

[0020] Referring again to FIG. 4, the optional pocket 35 of the textile substrate 34 can be used to accommodate the first substrate 28, if desired. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the optional pocket 35 can be used to accommodate the modular docking station 14 when secured to the first substrate 28 (described further below). Referring again to FIG. 1, the second substrate 30 can be covered by an optional backing 32 (e.g., cloth, plastic, pad, laminate) material to provide comfort to the wearer of the textile substrate 34 (e.g., incorporated into a garment) when the backing 32 material is in contact with the wearer's skin. The overall assembly 10 can also include a light pipe 16 (for indicating the functional status of the electronics 22 via one or more visual indicators (e.g., LEDs)) and a magnet 20 positioned in the interior 86 of the housing 18, 24. In summary, the housing 18, 24 of the controller device 12, once assembled, can be releasably secured to the modular docking station 14, both mechanically and electrically. The modular dock station 14 is fixedly attached to the first substrate 28 and, when positioned on the opposing side 34a of the textile substrate 34, is fixedly attached to the textile substrate 34 via a mechanical (e.g., fasteners) / chemical (e.g., adhesive) connection between the first substrate 28 and the second substrate 30.

[0021] 2, 3 and 4, the openings 28b, 30b and holes 34b can be used to fasten the module docking station 14 to the substrates 28, 30, respectively, thus rigidly fixing the module docking station 14 to the textile substrate 34. For example, one method of fastening the module docking station 14 to the substrates 28, 30 can be using a staking method (see Figs. 5, 9 and 15), which is a process of connecting two parts (the module docking station 14 and the substrates 28, 30) by creating an interference fit of a fastener 90 between the two parts (the module docking station 14 and the substrates 28, 30). One of the workpieces 28, 30 has holes 28b, 30b therein, and the other (the module docking station 14) has a boss 90 that fits within the holes 28b, 30b. It is recognized that one of the work pieces 28, 30 can have respective holes 28b, 30b and the other of the pieces (the module docking station 14) can have fasteners 90 attached to the corresponding surfaces 28a, 30a. The fasteners 90 (e.g., bosses) can be very slightly undersized to form a slip fit with the holes 28b, 30b. A crimping punch can then be used to radially expand the bosses 90 and axially compress the bosses 90 to form an interference fit between the work pieces (the module docking station 14 and the substrates 28, 30). This interference fit forms a permanent bond / connection between the two pieces such that the interposed textile substrate 34 is rigidly secured between the two substrates 28, 30 and then secured to the module docking station 14 via crimping. The crimping process is called thermoplastic crimping, also known as heat staking, which is the same process except instead of cold forming, heat is used to deform a plastic boss 90. A plastic stud 90 protruding from one part fits into a hole in a second part.The stud 90 is then deformed by the softening of the plastic to form a head that mechanically locks the two parts (the module docking station 14 and the substrates 28, 30) together. Unlike welding techniques, staking has the advantage over other mechanical joining methods in that it has the ability to join plastics to other materials (e.g., metals, PCBs) in addition to joining similar or dissimilar plastics, reducing the need for consumables such as rivets and screws.

[0022] 10 and 11, an example of a backing 32 for covering the second substrate 30 after it has been secured to the first substrate 28 is shown. 12, 13 and 14, the housings 18, 24 are shown in an unassembled and assembled state, with an example interior 86 having the light pipe 16 and magnet 20 mounted therein. 16, a cross-sectional view of the entire assembly 10 is shown, including an optional piezo sensor mounted between the first substrate 28 and the body 14a of the module dock station 14.

[0023] 16, by way of example only, an exemplary textile substrate 34 having a conductive pathway 80 is shown with the location of the electrical connector location 42 (and / or fastener 29) of FIG. 2 in a ghosted view. It will be appreciated that the electrical connection between the electrical connector location 42 and the conductive pathway 80 is fixed when the electrical connector location 42 (of the first substrate 28) contacts the conductive pathway 80, and the electrical connection is maintained by 1) a fixed connection (e.g., via fastener 90) between the substrates 28, 30 while sandwiching the textile substrate 34 therebetween and biasing the electrical connector location 42 and the conductive pathway 80 into physical contact with one another, and / or 2) the electrical connection is maintained by a connection between the substrates 28, 30 via the fastener 29 (e.g., a conductive fastener such as a metal rivet, pin, etc.) when the fastener 29 is in physical contact with the electrical pathway 80 and the electrical connector location 42. Substrates 28, 30 can be made of flexible or rigid materials as desired, so long as the material maintains the interconnection between locations 42 by fasteners 29.

[0024] For example, electrical current to the electronics 22 follows a) the conductive pathway 76 from b) the electrical controller connector 26, c) to the electrical dock connector 54, d) to the conductive pathways 43 connecting each of the one or more electrical connectors 79b (e.g., pins, sockets) of the electrical dock connector 54, e) to one or more corresponding electrical connection locations 42, and finally f) a conductive pathway positioned adjacent to and electrically coupled to the conductive pathway 80 of the textile substrate 34 (e.g., via fastener 29). Similarly, current from the conductive pathway 80 of the textile substrate 34 follows a conductive path to a) conductive pathway 76 that is positioned adjacent to and electrically coupled to the conductive pathway 80 of the textile substrate 34 (e.g., via fastener 29), b) to one or more corresponding electrical connection locations 42, c) to conductive pathways 43 that connect each of the one or more electrical connectors 79b (e.g., pins, sockets) of the electrical dock connector 54, d) to the electrical dock connector 54, e) to the electrical controller connector 26, and f) to the electronics 22.

[0025] In manufacturing the overall assembly 10, the following exemplary manufacturing processes can be performed: FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary process 102 of manufacturing a textile substrate 34 including conductive pathways 80 (e.g., circuits including conductive wires / fibers with attached sensors / actuators applied or otherwise interwoven, knitted / woven into the fibers of the textile substrate 34). FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary method step 104 of manufacturing a sandwich of two substrates 28, 30 with a textile substrate 34. Referring to FIG. 19, a method 106 of affixing (e.g., mechanically) the module docking station 14 to a first substrate 28 adjacent to and below the module docking station 14 is shown. Additionally, the backing 32 is affixed (e.g., with an adhesive) to a second substrate 30 adjacent to and below the backing 32. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of manufacturing 108 of an electrical controller connector 26 onto the housing 18, 24 of the controller device 12. FIG. 21 is a method of manufacturing 110 of the main controller device 12, including mounting the components 16, 20, 22 within the interior 86 of the housings 18, 24 and sealing the housings 18, 24.

[0026] As shown by way of example above, the overall assembly 10 includes a controller device 12, a modular dock station 14 fixedly connected to substrates 28, 30, and the substrates 28, 30 fixedly connected to a textile substrate 34 (having a plurality of conductive paths 80). Thus, once assembled, the controller device 12 is releasably securable, both mechanically and electrically, to the modular dock station 14 for providing electrical communication between the electronics 22 of the controller device 12 and the conductive paths 80 of the textile substrate 34.

[0027] Thus, merely by way of example, there is described: (a) light pipe 16, (b) upper enclosure 18, (b) magnet 20, (c) main electronics 22, which may include (d) main PCB 28, (e) battery 70, and (f) other electronic components 72, 74, 76, (g) lower enclosure 24, which holds (h) connector PCB 26, (i) module dock 14, (j) upper textile PCB 28, which is located above textile band 34 and (k) below textile pocket 35, (I) lower textile PCB 30, and (m) fabric and laminate pad 32 located below textile band 34.

[0028] Additionally, embodiments include apparatus and methods for reliable interconnection between the electronic device 12 and the smart textile 34. Embodiments also facilitate the electronic device 12 being securely mechanically secured to the smart textile 34 while maintaining a robust electrical connection to the conductive circuitry 80 of the smart textile 34, thereby obtaining the ability to withstand mechanical shocks, twisting, stretching, and other stresses to which the smart textile 34 or electronic device 12 may be subjected.

[0029] In some embodiments, the textile band 34 or textile substrate 34 may not include electrical or electronic components. In some embodiments, the textile substrate 34 may include only conductive circuitry 80, such as conductive yarns, fibers, or printed electronic circuits. In other embodiments, the textile substrate 34 may include fully functional and active electronic components, sensors, circuits, and the like.

[0030] For purposes of the wearable smart textile 34 being worn on the body, the downward direction of the textile band 34 is interpreted as closer to the body and the upward direction of the textile band 34 is away from the body. The textile pocket 35 is preferably a structure that is raised on the textile band 34 and is produced by knitting into the knitted structure of the textile band 34.

[0031] In some embodiments, the textile substrate 34 (also referred to as the textile band 34) conveniently incorporates health monitoring sensors in the form of ECG sensor pads, respiration monitoring sensors, and bioimpedance monitoring sensors. These sensors are electrically connected to conductive circuitry 80 within the textile band 34, which in turn are connected using rivets 29, eyelets, or grommets 42 (e.g., attached to the PCB 78) that connect to the hard electronics 22. In other embodiments, the main electronics PCB 78 also conveniently incorporates motion and temperature sensors on the module PCB 78 as part of the electronics 22.

[0032] 17 shows an embodiment including textile shaped elements that have been successfully applied with a textile substrate 34, including undergarments, bras, and shirts. It can be understood that the embodiment is applicable to any form of textile substrate 34, or flexible substrate 34 that exhibits similar properties as a textile or fabric.

[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates the steps involved in assembling the top textile PCB 28 to the textile band 34, which in this embodiment includes the steps of: (1) placing adhesive material A on the bottom side of the top textile PCB 28; (2) inserting the top textile PCB 28 into the textile pocket 35 by aligning the holes 42 in the top textile PCB 28 with the corresponding pre-punched rivet holes 34b in the textile band 34; (3) placing double-sided adhesive A on the bottom textile PCB 30 and placing it on the side 34a of the textile band 34 opposite the top textile PCB 28, also aligning it with the pre-punched rivet holes 34b in the textile band 34; and (4) applying uniform pressure to the PCBs 28, 30 while simultaneously pressing the rivet 29.

[0034] The above steps 1-4 establish a robust and reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the upper textile PCB 28, the lower textile PCB 30 and the textile band 34. In the areas where electrical connection is required, the pre-punched rivet holes 34b in the textile band 34 can be positioned such that the conductive circuit 80 of the textile band 34 is in physical contact with the metal rivet 29 and / or the conductive location 42 (e.g., part of the conductive path 43 disposed on the underside of the first substrate 28) (and thus in direct contact with the surface 34a of the textile substrate 34). It is noted that the rivet 29 can also refer to an eyelet, grommet, or similar type of metal fastening method.

[0035] The textile band pocket 35 is fabricated to be raised above the surface 34a of the textile band 34, facilitating just enough space for the modular dock housing 50 to fit snugly within the pocket 35 while also making it easy to remove it when needed.

[0036] FIG. 19 shows steps 106 associated with assembling the modular dock 14 and dock backing 32 to the textile band 34, which in this embodiment includes the steps of (1) applying epoxy to the dock 14 and placing it inside the pocket 35 by aligning the heat staking poles 90 with the holes 28b, 30b of the textile PCBs 28, 30, (2) heat staking the dock 14 to the textile PCBs 28, 30, 34 assembly, (3) applying epoxy to the dock backing 32 and placing it on the back of the lower textile PCB 30, and (4) covering the dock backing 32 with preferably laminated fabric.

[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates steps 108 associated with assembling the connector PCB 26 to the lower module enclosure 24, which in this embodiment includes the steps of (1) placing and press-fitting the connector PCB target disk 26 into the lower module hole 79a, (3) heat-staking the connector PCB 26 to the dock body 14a, and (4) applying an adhesive sealant around the connector PCB 26 to prevent water ingress between the body 14a and the connector 26.

[0038] FIG. 21 illustrates the steps 110 associated with assembling the light pipes 16 and magnets 20 and corresponding electronics 22 into the module top enclosure 18 and assembling the upper and lower 24 module enclosures together, which in this embodiment includes the steps of (1) press-fitting and / or gluing the light pipes 16 into the module top 18; (2) press-fitting and / or gluing the magnets 20 into the module top 18 and connecting the electronics 22 (e.g., to the connector 26 via PCB 78) to electrically connect the conductive paths 76 of the electronics 22 to the connector of the connector 26; (3) assembling the upper 18 and lower 24 portions of the module 12 together; and (4) ultrasonically welding to seal the ends of the upper module 18 and lower module 24.

[0039] Other options for manufacturing may generally include, but are not limited to, processes such as:

[0040] 1) an assembly process including the steps of assembling a top textile PCB to a textile band, placing an adhesive material on the underside of the top textile PCB, inserting the top textile PCB into a textile pocket by aligning the holes of the top textile PCB to the corresponding pre-punched rivet holes into the textile band, placing double-sided adhesive on the bottom textile PCB and placing it on the side of the textile band opposite to the top textile PCB, also aligning it to the pre-punched rivet holes in the textile band, and applying uniform pressure to the PCBs while simultaneously pressing the rivets;

[0041] 2) In areas where electrical connection is required, pre-punched rivet holes in the textile band can be positioned so that the conductive circuit of the textile band is in physical contact with the metal rivet;

[0042] 3) A process in which the textile band pocket is manufactured to be raised above the surface of the textile band, providing just enough room for the modular dock housing to fit snugly within the pocket while still allowing it to be removed when in use;

[0043] 4) Assembling the module dock and dock backing to the textile band, applying epoxy to the dock and placing it inside the pocket by aligning the heat stake poles with the holes in the textile PCB, heat stake the dock to the textile PCB assembly, applying epoxy to the dock backing and placing it on the back side of the lower textile PCB, and covering the dock backing with a preferably laminated fabric;

[0044] 5) assembling the connector PCB into the lower module enclosure, placing and pressing the connector PCB target disk into the lower module hole, heat stake the connector PCB to the dock, and applying an adhesive sealant around the connector PCB to prevent water ingress; and / or

[0045] 6) The process of assembling the light pipes and magnets into the module top enclosure, assembling the upper and lower module enclosures together, press-fitting and / or gluing the light pipes into the top of the module, press-fitting and / or gluing the magnets into the top of the module, assembling the top and bottom of the module together, and ultrasonically welding to seal the ends of the upper and lower modules.

[0046] Please refer to FIG. 22, which shows an electronic textile system including a textile substrate 34, a docking assembly 150, and a controller device 160 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 22, the textile substrate 34 may be an undergarment, such as a boxer brief undergarment. It should be understood that other types or shapes of undergarments may be contemplated. Furthermore, the textile substrate 34 may be other types of garments, such as shirts, pants, shorts, hats, socks, undergarments, shirts, pants, shoes, gloves, headbands, belts, bras, balaclavas, base layers, jackets, sweatshirts, or outerwear. Other examples of the textile substrate 34 may be contemplated.

[0047] In some embodiments, the docking assembly 150 may be a modular docking station 14 (FIG. 1) as described herein and may include an associated electrical dock connector 54 (FIG. 4), first substrate 28 (FIG. 1), or second substrate 30 (FIG. 1), as described herein. In some embodiments, the docking assembly 150 may be provided by other exemplary structures as described herein.

[0048] 22, the docking assembly 150 may be attached to the textile substrate 34 on the waistband of the undergarment. In other embodiments, the docking assembly 150 may be attached to the textile substrate 34 at any other location on the textile substrate 34. The docking assembly 150 may be attached to the textile substrate 34 for removably receiving the controller device 160. The docking assembly 150 may include a first electrical interface for mating with a complementary second electrical interface of the controller device 160.

[0049] In some embodiments, the electronic textile system may include an input device 170 attached to the textile substrate 34. The input device 170 may be one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a respiratory monitoring sensor, a heart rate sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a ballistocardiograph (BCG) sensor, a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, a bioimpedance sensor (or bioelectrical impedance sensor), or a chemical sensor (e.g., a chemical sensor for sweat, glucose, urine, etc.).

[0050] Although one input device 170 is shown in FIG. 22, the electronic textile system may include any number of input devices positioned at various locations around the textile substrate 34.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electronic textile system may include an output device 172 attached to the textile substrate. For example, the output device 172 may be an actuator. In some embodiments, the output device 172 may be a heating element, a tactile feedback element, a stimulation element, a visual display element, a drug or substance delivery element, etc. The stimulation element may include an electrical stimulator, a mechanical stimulator, an auditory stimulator, or other type of device that provides an output to a user. In some embodiments, the output device 172 may provide feedback to a user of the electronic textile system in response to data from the input device 170 or a signal provided by the controller device 160. Although one output device 172 is shown in FIG. 22, the electronic textile system may include any number of output devices disposed at any other location around the textile substrate 34.

[0052] The electronic textile system includes an electrical conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate 34 for electrically coupling the input device 170, the output device 172, and / or the docking assembly 150. Thus, when the controller device 160 is received by the docking assembly 150, the controller device 160 may be electrically coupled to the input device 170 or the output device 180 via one or more conductive pathways 80. The one or more conductive pathways 80 may include conductive wires or fibers that are interwoven, knitted, or woven with the textile substrate 34.

[0053] In some embodiments, when the controller device 160 is received by the docking assembly 150, the controller device 160 may receive signals representing data generated by the input devices 170. Additionally, the controller device 160 may transmit signals representing instructions to activate one or more output devices 172 to provide feedback to a user of the textile substrate 34 (e.g., a garment).

[0054] In some embodiments, controller device 160 may include a power source, such as a battery. In some embodiments, the battery may be a removable or replaceable battery. In some embodiments, the battery may be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. When controller device 160 is received by docking assembly 150, controller device 160 may operate as a power source to provide power to input device 170 or output device 172. In some embodiments, the power may be in the form of an electric current. In some other embodiments, the power may be provided via a wireless power supply system, such as a contactless charging system.

[0055] In some embodiments described herein, the controller device 160 may be removably disposed within the docking assembly 150 such that the controller device 160 may be detached from the textile substrate 34 (e.g., a garment). This may be convenient, for example, when the power source needs to be recharged or replaced, or when the textile substrate 34 needs to be cleaned.

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 1, the controller device 12 may be inserted into the module docking station 14 (FIG. 1) by sliding the module docking station 14 into the body 14a (FIG. 5) of the dock housing. The body 14a may provide structural support to hold the controller device 12 within the module docking station 14. In FIG. 1, the electrical interface of the controller device 12 may be slid into contact with the electrical dock connector 54 (FIG. 4) to establish an electrical connection between the controller device 12 and the electronic conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate 34.

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller device 12 may include a magnet 20 to attract a magnet in the module docking station 14 to align the electrical interface of the controller device 12 with the electrical dock connector 54. The magnetic attraction holds the controller device 120 in the module docking station 14.

[0058] In the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 1, the controller device may be slidably inserted into the docking assembly. The controller device may be mechanically held in the docking assembly based on magnetic forces from the magnet components to establish an electrical connection between the controller device and the electronic conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate. In some other embodiments, other docking assembly and controller assembly configurations may be contemplated.

[0059] Reference is made to FIG. 23, which illustrates an exploded top perspective view of electronic controller device 210 and docking assembly 230, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Docking assembly 230 may be coupled to a textile substrate (not shown in FIG. 23). In some embodiments, docking assembly 230 may be affixed to the textile substrate using an adhesive. Other methods of affixing docking assembly 230 to the textile substrate may be contemplated.

[0060] The textile substrate may include a shirt, pants, socks, underwear, blanket, hat, shoes, or other form of clothing. The textile substrate may include a network of conductive pathways for interconnecting sensors, actuators, etc. embedded or integrated into the textile substrate. For example, the network of conductive pathways may include one or more conductive wires or fibers that may be interwoven, knitted / woven, or integrated into the fibers of the textile substrate. Thus, the docking assembly 230 may be coupled to one or more conductive wires or fibers in the textile substrate and may be configured to interconnect the electronic controller device 210 with the network of conductive pathways. For example, the docking assembly 230 may be coupled to one or more conductive wires or fibers in the textile substrate via a structure that may be similar to the embodiment described herein with reference to FIG. 16.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electronic controller device 210 may include a controller device cover 212, an electronic circuit board 214, a power source 216 (e.g., a rechargeable battery), and an external interface 220 (e.g., a USB-C interface). The circuit board 214 may include one or more processors and a memory storing processor-readable instructions that, when executed, perform operations of the electronic textile system. In some embodiments, the processor-readable instructions, when executed, may perform operations to obtain sensory data from one or more input devices (e.g., sensors) included in the electronic textile system or send command signals to one or more output devices (e.g., actuators) included in the electronic textile system. To illustrate, the input device may include a temperature sensor for identifying an ambient environment temperature, and in response to identifying that the ambient temperature is below a threshold, the processor-executable instructions may perform operations to activate one or more heating elements affixed to the textile substrate. Other embodiments of the operation of the electronic controller device may be contemplated.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electronic controller device 210 may include a controller magnet 218. The controller magnet 218 may be a bar magnet with two poles, a north pole and a south pole. Other types of magnet arrangements with two poles may be contemplated. For example, the controller magnet 218 may be a cylindrical magnet. In some embodiments, the controller magnet 218 may be a diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet. As described below, the controller magnet 218 may be positioned within the electronic controller device 210 to align with a corresponding magnet within the docking assembly 230 when a portion of the electronic controller device 210 is received within the docking assembly 230. In some embodiments, the electronic controller device 210 may include a pair of controller magnets 218, each of which may be a magnet spaced laterally within the electronic controller device 210.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electronic controller device 230 may latch and unlatch from the docking assembly 230 in a direction substantially perpendicular to an interface plane of the docking assembly 230. For example, the electronic controller device 230 may be positioned above the docking assembly 230 for the latching or unlatch operation.

[0064] As described, the docking assembly 230 may be coupled to a textile substrate having a network of conductive pathways. The docking assembly 230 may include a docking cover 232, an engagement device 250, and a docking base 270.

[0065] The docking base 270 may include a cam assembly 272. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 23, the cam assembly 272 may include a pair of cam components. In this example, the cam assembly 272 includes two cam components each disposed near laterally spaced apart portions of the docking base 270. As described herein, the cam assembly 272 may be configured to spread (e.g., open) the pair of latch arms 262 in opposite directions when the latch frame 262 is pressed against a portion of the cam assembly 272.

[0066] The docking base 270 includes a first electrical interface 274 for interacting with a second electrical interface (not shown in FIG. 22 ) of the electronic controller device 230. In some embodiments, the first electrical interface 274 may include a pattern of electrical contact pads on a printed circuit board, and the second electrical interface may include a pogo-type connector having a 10-pin configuration layout that corresponds to the pattern of electrical pads of the first electrical interface 274. Thus, the first electrical interface may include at least one electrical contact for interacting with one or more pogo pins of the pogo-type connector of the controller device 210.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first electrical interface 274 may be provided by a base substrate 290 disposed adjacent to the textile substrate facing portion of the docking base 270. In some embodiments, the base substrate 290 may include a first substrate and a second substrate for coupling the docking assembly 230 to the textile substrate, similar to the first substrate 28 and the second substrate 30 of FIG. 1. When the first electrical interface 274 is coupled to the second electrical interface, the electronic controller device 210 may be coupled to a network of conductive paths in the textile substrate. Other types of electrical interfaces that mate with the first electrical interface 274 and the second electrical interface may be contemplated.

[0068] The docking assembly 230 includes an engagement device 250. The engagement device 250 may be adjustably disposed within the docking base 270. For example, the engagement device 250 is slidable from an engaged or receiving position (e.g., a first position) to a disengaged position (e.g., a second position) or vice versa. That is, the movement of the engagement device 250 relative to the docking base may include a sliding movement. In some embodiments, the engagement device 250 may be biased to be normally disposed in the receiving position. For example, the engagement device 250 may be biased to the receiving position by a spring device installed within the docking assembly. In some other embodiments, the engagement device 250 may be biased based on a structural interface between the cam assembly 272 and one or more latch arms 262.

[0069] The engagement device 250 may include an engagement through-hole 252 or engagement aperture. In this embodiment, the engagement through-hole interconnects the electronic controller device 230 with the network of conductive pathways in the textile substrate by allowing passage of the second electrical interface of the electronic controller device 230 such that the second electrical interface can mate with the first electrical interface 274.

[0070] The engagement device 250 includes a deformable latch plate. The deformable latch plate 260 may include a latch frame 264 and one or more latch arms 262 attached to the latch frame 264. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable latch plate may include two latch arms 262, each disposed on an opposite side of the engagement through hole 252. The deformable latch plate 260 may be horseshoe shaped and in communication with a cam assembly 272. As described below, the deformable latch plate may be configured to mechanically engage a plug protrusion (not shown in FIG. 23 ) of the electronic controller device 210. In some embodiments, the latch frame 264 or one or more latch arms 262 may be constructed of metal.

[0071] In some embodiments, the engagement device 250 is slidable relative to the docking base 270 within the structure of the docking base 270. For example, the engagement device 250 may be biased to an engaged position such that the deformable latch plate 260 engages an opposing portion of the plug protrusion of the electronic controller device 210 when the electronic controller device 210 mates with the docking assembly 230. When it is desired to undock the electronic controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230, the engagement device 250 may be transitioned to a disengaged position such that the latch frame 264 can press against a cam assembly to disengage the plug protrusion of the electronic controller device 210. The engagement device 250 may include a button-like interface and may be configured such that when the engagement device moves away from the engaged position, the latch frame 264 presses against a portion of the cam assembly to spread the pair of latch arms 262 in opposite directions to disengage the plug protrusion of the electronic controller device 210.

[0072] The engagement device 250 may include one or more dual-purpose magnets 254. In this example, the engagement device 250 may include a pair of magnets. In some embodiments, each magnet may be a cylindrical magnet. The base of the cylindrical magnet may be magnetized as a north pole, as shown in FIG. 23. Each magnet may be disposed on an opposite side of the engagement through-hole 252. When the engagement device 250 slides from the engaged position to the disengaged position or vice versa, each dual-purpose magnet 254 may transition from aligning with one of the two poles of the controller magnet 218 to aligning with the other of the two poles of the controller magnet 218.

[0073] To illustrate, the portion of one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 that interacts with the controller device 210 may have a north magnetic pole. When the engagement apparatus 250 is in the engaged position, each dual-purpose magnet 254 may be aligned with a portion of the controller magnet 218 having a south magnetic pole. The alignment of the opposite polarity magnets results in an attractive force that contributes to holding the electronic controller device 210 in the docking assembly 230.

[0074] When the engagement device 250 is in the disengaged position, each dual purpose magnet 254 (e.g., having a north magnetic pole) may be aligned with a portion of the controller magnet 218 having a north magnetic pole. The alignment of the oppositely polarized magnets results in a repulsive force that contributes to the separation of the electronic device 210 from the docking assembly 230. In this embodiment, the alignment of each dual purpose magnet 254 with a portion of the controller magnet 218 having the same pole may coincide with a deformable latch plate that is pressed against the cam assembly to disengage the plug protrusion of the electronic controller device 210. Thus, when the engagement device 250 is in the disengaged position, the electronic controller device 210 may be removed from the docking assembly 230.

[0075] In some embodiments described herein, the magnets may be formed from commonly available rare earth materials such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), Samarium-cobalt, etc. Such magnets may be formed from iron, nickel, or other suitable alloys.

[0076] In some embodiments, the engagement device 250 may be biased to be normally disposed in the engaged position. When a user of the electronic textile system desires to remove the controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230, the user may push or slide the engagement device 250 away from the engaged position. Thus, the one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 may be aligned with portions of the one or more controller magnets 218 having the same magnetic pole to provide a repulsive force between the controller device 210 and the docking assembly 230. At substantially the same time, when the user pushes or slides the engagement device 250 away from the engaged position, a deformable latch plate in communication with the cam assembly 272 may mechanically release the controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230 by forcing the pair of latch arms 262 apart in opposite directions.

[0077] The docking cover 232 may be configured to mate with the docking base 270 such that the engagement device 250 is received between the docking cover 232 and the docking base 270. The docking cover 232 may include cover through holes 234 that substantially align with the engagement through holes 252 of the engagement device 250. In some embodiments, the cover through holes 234 may be circular and have a larger diameter than the engagement through holes 252.

[0078] In some embodiments, the docking cover 232 may include a cover protrusion 236. The cover protrusion 236 may be positioned to align with a corresponding recess of the electronic controller device 210 when the electronic controller device 210 is docked to the docking assembly 230. That is, the cover protrusion 236 may be positioned to assist in aligning the electronic controller device 210 with respect to the docking assembly 230 when the electronic controller device 210 is docked to the docking assembly 230. In the exemplary embodiment described with reference to FIG. 23, when the electronic controller device 210 is docked and aligned to the docking assembly 230, the first electrical interface 274 (e.g., of the docking assembly 230) may mate with a second electrical interface (not shown in FIG. 23) to provide an expected or desired electrical connection between the electronic controller device 210 and the textile substrate.

[0079] Allowing the electronic controller device 210 to be aligned with the docking assembly 230 in a predictable manner may be desirable in embodiments in which the first electrical interface 274 includes a combination of individual electrical contact pads, each of which has an individual function. In an exemplary embodiment in which the first electrical interface 274 includes a high density or small electrical contact pads, specific alignment with the second electrical interface (e.g., contact pins of a pogo pin connector) on the electronic controller device 210 is required. In scenarios in which the electronic controller device 210 is misaligned with the docking assembly 230, the electrical contact pads of the first electrical interface 274 may not mate with the corresponding contact pins of the second electrical interface. In such scenarios, the expected electrical connection between the electronic controller device 210 and the docking assembly 230 may not be made.

[0080] 24, which illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the electronic controller device 210 and docking assembly 230 of FIG. 23. The electronic controller device 210 may include a plug protrusion 280 extending from the electronic controller device 210. For example, the plug protrusion 280 may include a cylindrical structure having a frusto-conical profile. Additionally, the plug protrusion 280 may include an undercut portion 282 having a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the connecting portion of the plug protrusion 280. The connecting portion of the plug protrusion 280 may include a second electrical interface 284.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second electrical interface 284 may include a spring-loaded or tension-biased connector. The spring-loaded or tension-biased connector may be a connector that includes an interface element that is biased or compressed vertically and / or horizontally relative to a surface of the second electrical interface 284. In some examples, the spring-loaded or tension-biased connector may be a pogo-pin type connector for interacting with electrical contact pads of the first electrical interface 274 ( FIG. 23 ). The second electrical interface 284 of FIG. 24 includes a 10-pin pogo-pin type connector. In some examples, the spring-loaded or tension-biased connector may include a spring plate, stamped metal (or other type of material) spring fingers, or a butterfly structure. The spring-loaded or tension-biased connector may have at least a portion with a spring constant and may be biased in a direction toward a corresponding contact pad of the first electrical interface 274. A spring-loaded or tension-biased connector may be based on stamping or manufacturing methods of metal parts and have spring constant characteristics. Other types of connectors for the second electrical interface 284 may be contemplated.

[0082] As described, when the controller device 210 is received by the docking assembly 230, the one or more latch arms 262 may mechanically engage the plug protrusion 280 around the undercut portion 282. As described, the undercut portion 282 may be configured to have a cross-sectional diameter smaller than a cross-sectional diameter of the connection portion of the plug protrusion 280. When the engagement apparatus 250 is in the engaged position, the one or more latch arms 262 may recess around the undercut portion 282 of the plug protrusion 280 and may mechanically engage with the plug protrusion of the controller device 210 to align the first electrical interface 274 with the second electrical interface 284.

[0083] In an exploded bottom perspective view of the engagement device 250, the portion of the dual purpose magnet 254 that faces the docking base 270 may have a south pole.

[0084] In some examples, one or a combination of the controller magnet 218 or dual purpose magnet 254 may be positioned in combination with a Hall effect sensor to sense when the controller device 210 and the docking assembly 230 are in relative proximity to indicate that the first electrical interface 274 contacts the second electrical interface 284. When the first electrical interface 274 contacts the second electrical interface 284, the controller device 210 establishes an electrical connection with the docking assembly 230.

[0085] It should be understood that while the controller magnet 218 may be depicted as a bar magnet and the dual-purpose magnet 254 may be depicted as a cylindrical magnet, the magnets described above may be any other shape or type and may be magnetized in any other manner (e.g., radially, diametrically). Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the controller magnet 218 or dual-purpose magnet 254 is provided as a magnet pair or a combination of magnets, magnets having smaller sizes and generating smaller magnetic fields may be used in combination to achieve a magnetic attraction force similar to a single larger magnet.

[0086] Please refer to FIG. 25, which shows a top cross-sectional view of the docking assembly 230 of FIG. 23. In FIG. 25, the engagement device 250 may be biased to an engagement position or a receiving position. When the engagement device is in the engagement position, the pair of latch arms 262 may be on opposite sides of the engagement through-hole 252. When the controller device 210 is received by the docking assembly 230, the pair of latch arms 262 may be disposed to surround the undercut portion 282 of the plug protrusion 280 of the controller device 210. Thus, the first electrical interface 274 including the electrical contact pads may be aligned with the second electrical interface 284 such that the controller device 210 establishes an electrical connection with an electrical conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate (FIG. 24).

[0087] Reference is made to Fig. 26, which illustrates a partial bottom perspective view of electronic controller device 210 engaged with docking assembly 230 of Fig. 23. For ease of illustration, portions of docking assembly 230 are not shown to highlight features of engagement apparatus 250 for mechanically engaging plug protrusions 280 of electronic controller device 210.

[0088] When the engagement apparatus 250 is in the engagement or receiving position, the latch frame 264 may position the pair of latch arms 262 to engage opposing portions of the plug protrusion 280. In particular, the latch frame 264 may position the pair of latch arms 262 to engage opposing portions of an undercut portion 282 for mechanically engaging the controller device 210 to the docking assembly 230 to align the first electrical interface (not shown in FIG. 26 ) with the second electrical interface 284.

[0089] The undercut portion 282 has a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the connection portion of the plug projection 280 closer to the second electrical interface 284, so that the pair of latch arms 262 may nest within the undercut portion 282 to mechanically grip the electronic controller device 210.

[0090] Please refer to Fig. 27, which shows a top cross-sectional view of the docking assembly 230 of Fig. 23. In Fig. 27, the engagement device 250 may be in a disengaged position. For example, a user of the electronic textile system may wish to remove the electronic controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230 and may move the engagement device 250 away from the engaged or accepted position.

[0091] To illustrate, when the engagement device 250 is in the receiving position, a pair of cam arms may be on opposite sides of the engagement through hole 252. For ease of explanation, when the engagement device 250 is in the receiving position, the cam arms are identified by the reference numeral 262B.

[0092] When the engagement device 250 is moved away from the receiving position (e.g., to a disengaged position), the engagement device 250 may press the deformable latch plate (including the latch frame 264 and the pair of latch arms) against the cam components of the cam assembly 272. When the deformable latch plate components are pressed against the cam components of the cam assembly 272, the pair of latch arms may spread in opposite directions away from the engagement through holes 252, thereby disengaging the pair of latch arms from the undercut portions 282 of the plug projections.

[0093] 27, when moving the engagement device 250 away from the engaged position, the cam arms are identified with reference numeral 262C to indicate the relative position of the spread cam arms with respect to the engagement through-holes 252. When the pair of cam arms spread in opposite directions, the docking assembly 230 releases the mechanical engagement of the plug protrusions of the controller device 210. That is, the controller device 210 may be separated from the docking assembly 230.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 28, which shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic controller device 210 and docking assembly 230 of Figure 23. When the engagement apparatus 250 is in the receiving position, one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 may align with opposing magnetic poles of a corresponding controller magnet 218.

[0095] For ease of illustration, the one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 may have a north pole facing the electronic controller device 210. Additionally, the one or more controller magnets 218 may be bar magnets having north and south poles that interact with the engagement device 250. Thus, when the engagement device 250 is in the receiving position, the one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 (e.g., north pole portion) may align with the opposing pole portion of the controller magnet 218. The alignment of the opposing pole portions may generate a magnetic attraction force to mechanically couple the electronic controller device 210 to the docking assembly 230 and establish an electrical connection (e.g., the first electrical interface 274 of FIG. 23 mates with the second electrical interface 284 of FIG. 24). In FIG. 28, the magnetic attraction force is shown as an arrow having the reference number 276.

[0096] As shown, the engagement device 250 may include two dual-purpose magnets 254 disposed on opposite sides of the engagement device 250. In some embodiments, the dual-purpose magnets 254 may be cylindrical magnets. The electronic controller device 210 may include two controller magnets 218 disposed on opposite sides of the electronic controller device 210. Thus, the arrangement and combination of the dual-purpose magnets 254 and the controller magnets 218 may rotationally align the first electrical interface 274 to the second electrical interface 284. Rotational alignment of the first electrical interface 274 and the second electrical interface 284 may be desirable when each electrical interface includes two or more electrical contact points arranged in a fixed configuration. For example, the first electrical interface 274 includes electrical contact pads in a fixed footprint arrangement.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement mechanism 250 may be movable by a user between receiving positions (e.g., when a north pole facing the electronic controller device aligns with a south pole of the controller magnet 218 of the electronic controller device). In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement mechanism 250 may be biased to be normally disposed in the receiving position such that the docking assembly 230 is configured to latch to a received electronic controller device 210.

[0098] Please refer to Fig. 29, which shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic controller device 210 and docking assembly of Fig. 23. In Fig. 29, the engagement device 250 may be moved or biased to a position away from the receiving position. For example, a user of the electronic textile system may push the engagement device 250 in a direction from the receiving position to the disengaged position (e.g., as shown by reference number 299 in Fig. 29).

[0099] When the engagement device 250 is biased away from the receiving position, one or more of the dual purpose magnets 254 may shift to align with like poles of a corresponding controller magnet 218 .

[0100] 28, the one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 may have a north pole facing the electronic controller device 210. Additionally, the one or more controller magnets 218 may be bar magnets having north and south poles that interact with the engagement device 250. When the engagement device 250 is in the disengaged position, the one or more dual-purpose magnets 254 (e.g., north pole pieces) may align with the north pole pieces of the corresponding controller magnets 218. Similar alignment of the pole pieces may generate a magnetic repulsive force to mechanically repel the electronic controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230. In FIG. 29, the magnetic repulsive force is shown as an arrow having the reference number 278.

[0101] 23 , the engagement arrangement 250 may include an arrangement of magnets to provide a magnetic attraction force to mechanically couple the electronic controller device 210 to the docking assembly 230. Additionally, the arrangement of magnets may aid in rotational alignment of the first electrical interface 274 (of the docking assembly 230) and the second electrical interface 284 (of the electronic controller device 210).

[0102] Additionally, the above description of the docking assembly 230 of FIG. 23 includes a deformable latch plate having an arrangement of one or more latch arms that mechanically engage and disengage the undercut portions 282 of the plug projections 282 of the electronic controller device 210.

[0103] Thus, as described, when the engagement device 250 is biased away from the receiving position, (1) a magnet arrangement may generate a repulsive force to separate the electronic controller device 210 from the docking assembly 230; and, substantially simultaneously; or (2) a deformable latch plate arrangement of the engagement device 250 may disengage the undercut portion 282 of the electronic controller device 210 to allow the electronic controller device 210 to be mechanically separated from the docking assembly 230.

[0104] Please refer to FIG. 30, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of electronic controller device 210 received by docking assembly 230, according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0105] 30, a pair of latch arms 262 may be disposed on opposite sides of the engagement through-hole 252 (FIG. 23) and may be engaged with an undercut portion 282 of the plug projection 280. The cross-sectional diameter of the undercut portion 282 may be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the connecting portion of the plug projection 280, so that the pair of latch arms 262 may mechanically engage with the plug projection around the undercut portion 282 when the engagement device 250 is in the receiving position within the docking base 270.

[0106] In FIG. 30, the docking assembly 230 may be attached to a textile substrate based on the configuration described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the docking assembly 230 may include a first substrate 28 (similar to the first substrate 28 of FIG. 1) adjacently coupled to a first electrical interface 274. Additionally, the docking assembly 230 may include a second substrate 30 (similar to the second substrate 30 of FIG. 1). A textile substrate (not shown in FIG. 30) may be received between the first substrate 28 and the second substrate 30. Thus, the docking assembly 230 may be electrically coupled to a conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate. When the electronic controller device 210 is received by the docking assembly 230, the electronic controller 210 may be electrically coupled to the electronic conductive pathway network for transmitting and receiving signals to and from devices of the conductive pathway network.

[0107] Reference is made to FIG. 31, which illustrates another cross-sectional view of electronic controller device 210 received by docking assembly 230 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0108] In Figure 31, the electronic controller device 210 includes a controller magnet 218 and the docking assembly 230 includes a dual-purpose magnet 254. Although a single controller magnet 218 and a single dual-purpose magnet 254 are shown in Figure 31, it should be understood that the electronic controller device 210 and the docking assembly 230 may have magnet pairs.

[0109] In a scenario where the dual-purpose magnet 254 (e.g., a north pole) is aligned with a portion of the controller magnet 218 having an opposing magnetic pole (e.g., a south pole), an attractive force is created between the electronic controller device 210 and the docking assembly 230, as indicated by the arrows identified by the numeral 256.

[0110] In the electronic controller device 210, the second electrical interface 284 may include a pogo pin connector. The pins of the pogo pin connector may apply a spring bias force that creates a separation force (indicated by the arrow identified at 258) between the first electrical interface 274 and the second electrical interface 284. Thus, at substantially the same time, the attractive force (indicated at 256) based on the alignment of the controller magnet 218 and the dual purpose magnet 254 may counteract the bias force (indicated at 258) created by the spring bias force of the second electrical interface 284.

[0111] Reference is now made to FIG. 32, which illustrates a perspective view of the electronic controller device 210 and docking assembly 230 of FIG. 23 in an assembled state, according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0112] 32 , the engagement device 250 is assembled between the docking cover 232 and the docking base 270. A user of the electronic textile system may impart a sliding movement of the engagement device 250 relative to the docking base 270 by pushing the engagement device 250 in a direction indicated by the arrow identified by reference numeral 298. Thus, when the engagement device 250 is moved away from the receiving position (e.g., in the direction of the arrow identified by reference numeral 298), the electronic controller device 210 may be unlatched and separated from the docking assembly 230.

[0113] In some scenarios, the electronic controller device 210 may be latched to the docking assembly 230 based on at least the following: (1) mechanical engagement of one or more latch arms 262 with plug protrusions (not shown) of the electronic controller device 210; or (2) magnetic attraction based on the alignment of opposing pole pieces of one or more dual-purpose magnets (not shown) of the docking assembly 230 and one or more controller magnets (not shown) of the electronic controller device 210.

[0114] In accordance with exemplary embodiments described herein, when the engagement device 250 is slid in the direction of the arrow identified by numeral 298, one or more dual purpose magnets (not shown in FIG. 32) of the engagement device 250 may align with like pole pieces of one or more corresponding controller magnets (not shown in FIG. 32) of the electronic controller device 210. When the engagement device 250 is slid away from the receiving position, the alignment of the magnets creates a repulsive magnetic force, which may cause the electronic controller device 210 to be separated from the docking assembly 230.

[0115] In FIG. 32, the electronic controller device 210 may latch or unlatch with respect to the docking assembly 230 in a direction that may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the engagement device 250 moves within the docking base 270.

[0116] 33, there is shown a pinout diagram 300 of the first electrical interface 284 and corresponding conductive traces to vertical interconnect access (VIA) points of a printed circuit board (PCB) according to one embodiment of the present application. For example, the PCB may be the first substrate 28 (FIG. 30) disposed adjacent to the docking base 270.

[0117] The first electrical interface 274 may include a combination of electrical contact pads for mating with a 10-pin pogo connector of the second electrical interface 284. For example, the 10-pin pogo connector may include signals such as power, ground, bio (+ve), bio (-ve), antenna, digital I / O, biosim (+ve), viosim (-ve), or analog signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals may be routed to one or more input sensors coupled to a conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate. In some embodiments, the one or more signals may be routed to one or more actuators coupled to a conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate.

[0118] It should be understood that the first electrical interface 274 may be an arrangement of electrical contact pads for interfacing with a 10-pin pogo connector, although any other arrangement of one or more electrical contact pads may be contemplated for interfacing with any other type of electrical connector of the electronic controller device 210.

[0119] 34, a datasheet drawing 310 of an exemplary 10-pin pogo connector associated with the second electrical interface 284 is shown. In some embodiments, the second electrical interface 284 may include a 10-pin pogo connector for establishing an electrical connection with contact pads of the first electrical interface 274 (e.g., when the electronic controller device 210 is received by the docking assembly 230).

[0120] 35A and 35B, exploded perspective views of a modified controller device 400 and a modified docking assembly 430 are shown, according to one embodiment of the present application. The modified controller device 400 may include features similar to those of the controller device 12 of FIG. 1, and the modified docking assembly 430 may include features similar to those of the docking station 14 of FIG.

[0121] The transformation controller device 400 may include a pair of transformation controller magnets 418. The transformation controller magnets may be bar magnets with a north magnetic pole facing the transformation docking assembly 430. The transformation controller magnets 418 are shown as bar magnets, but may be any other type of magnet. For example, the transformation controller magnets 418 may be cylindrical magnets that are radially magnetized such that the north magnetic pole may face the transformation docking assembly 430. Additionally, while a pair of transformation controller magnets 418 are shown, the transformation controller magnets may be a single magnet or may include any number of magnets arranged in combination.

[0122] The modified docking assembly 430 may include a pair of docking magnets 454. The pair of docking magnets 454 may be magnets with a south magnetic pole facing the modified controller device 400 and may be disposed within the docking assembly 430 such that an attractive force may hold the controller device 400 within the docking assembly 430 when the controller device 400 is received within the modified docking assembly 430.

[0123] In some embodiments not shown, the dock magnet 454 may include a combination of two or more magnets arranged in a particular keyed configuration. Thus, the docking assembly 430 may be configured such that only controller devices having magnets arranged in a corresponding keyed configuration with opposite polarity may be received and retained within the docking assembly 430. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to install only preselected controller devices with the docking assembly. The dock magnet 454 arranged in a particular keyed configuration may be used to distinguish some controller devices that are acceptable by a given dock assembly from other controller devices that are not intended to be received by the given dock assembly.

[0124] For ease of explanation, if the docking magnet 454 has a south magnetic pole facing the controller device, then only a controller device having a north magnetic pole facing the docking assembly 430 may be received within the docking assembly 430. In some other embodiments, the magnet configurations and arrangements may be any other combination. For example, a pair of docking magnets 454 may include one south magnetic pole and one north magnetic pole facing the controller device 400. Any other configurations of controller magnets and dual-purpose magnets to selectively allow a controller device to dock with the docking assembly may be contemplated. For example, the docking magnet 454 and the complementary controller magnet 418 may be a multi-pole magnet arrangement.

[0125] 36A and 36B, there are shown side and cross-sectional elevation views, respectively, of a modified controller device 400 and a modified docking device 430 of FIG. 35A.

[0126] 36A, the modified controller device 400 is partially inserted into the modified docking device 430. The modified controller device 400 may be inserted into the modified docking device 430 in a direction indicated by the arrow identified at 499.

[0127] 36B, a cross-sectional view of the modified controller device 400 and modified docking device 430 along line AA is shown. When the modified controller device 400 is fully inserted into the modified docking device 430, the controller magnets 418 having their north magnetic poles facing the modified docking assembly 430 may be aligned with the dock magnets 454 having their south magnetic poles facing the modified controller device 400. When each controller magnet 418 is aligned with its corresponding respective dock magnet 454, a retaining magnetic force may hold the modified controller device 400 within the modified docking assembly 430.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 37, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the modified controller device 400 and modified docking device 430 shown in FIG. 36B.

[0129] The deformation controller device 400 includes a controller magnet 418. In some embodiments, the deformation docking device 430 may include an electrical dock connector 460. The electrical dock connector 460 may include spring-loaded contact pins for mating with contact pads of the deformation controller device 400. The spring-loaded contact pins may apply a spring bias force that creates a separation force (indicated by the arrow identified by reference number 495) between the deformation controller device 400 and the deformation docking device 430. Thus, substantially simultaneously, an attractive force (indicated by the arrow identified by reference number 493) based on the alignment of the controller magnet 418 and the dock magnet 454 may counteract the spring bias force caused by the spring-loaded contact pins.

[0130] In some embodiments, one or a combination of the controller magnet 418 or dock magnet 454 may be disposed in combination with a Hall effect sensor (not shown) for sensing when the modified controller device 400 and the modified docking device 430 may be in relatively close proximity. When the modified controller device 400 and the modified docking device 430 are in substantial proximity, a signal from the Hall effect sensor may be determined to indicate that an electrical connection may be established between the controller device 400 and the modified docking device 430.

[0131] 38, a schematic diagram of an electronic textile system 500 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The electronic textile system 500 may include one or more input devices 170. The one or more input devices may include a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a respiration monitoring sensor, a heart rate sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor, a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, a bioimpedance sensor (or a bioelectrical impedance sensor), or a chemical sensor (e.g., a chemical sensor for sweat, glucose, urine, etc.).

[0132] One or more input devices 170 may be attached to the textile substrate. For example, one or more input devices 170 may be coupled to a conductive pathway network 80 of conductive fibers woven, knitted or integrated into the textile substrate 510. The textile substrate 510 may be one or more shirts, pants, socks, etc. In some embodiments, the conductive pathway network may provide power to one or more input devices 170 or one or more output devices 180.

[0133] 38, the textile substrate 510 may be a running shirt. A user of the electronic textile system 500 may wear the running shirt during a training session. During the training session, the input device 170 or sensor may generate a signal for transmission to the electronic controller device 210 via the conductive pathway network 80. When the electronic controller device 210 is received by the docking assembly 230, the electronic controller device 210 may receive a data signal from the input device 170 and may transmit a data signal or power to one or more of the input devices 170. It should be understood that the electronic controller device 210 may be a data acquisition unit or a processing computing device for tracking fitness-related or physiological data during a training session.

[0134] In some embodiments, the electronic textile system 500 may include one or more output devices 172. The one or more output devices 172 may be attached to the textile substrate 510 and may be electrically coupled to the conductive pathway network 80. In some embodiments, the one or more output devices 172 may include a heating element. For example, in response to determining that the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature via data from the input device 170, the electronic controller device 170 may send a signal to activate a heating element to provide heat to a user of the electronic textile system. Other exemplary output devices 172 may be contemplated. For example, the one or more output devices 172 may include a haptic feedback device or a visual display element.

[0135] It should be understood that the configurations / arrangements of the conductive pathway network and the input device 170 or the output device 172 are merely illustrative examples, and other arrangements or configurations for coupling the docking assembly 230, the input device 170, or the output device 172 may be contemplated.

[0136] It will be understood that the optimum dimensional relationships of the components of the present invention, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function, and method of operation, assembly, and use, will be readily apparent and self-evident to those skilled in the art, and that the present invention is intended to encompass all equivalent relationships to those shown in the drawings and described in the foregoing description.

[0137] Additionally, other technical fields may benefit from the method and adjustments to designs are anticipated. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined not by the examples given, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A docking assembly for an electronic textile system, comprising: a docking base including a first electrical interface for mating with a second electrical interface of a controller device receivable by the docking assembly; an engagement device including a first magnet adjustably disposed within the docking base at a receiving position and interacting with a second magnet of the controller device to align the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface to establish an electrical connection; A docking assembly, wherein the first magnet repels the second magnet to isolate the first electrical interface from the second electrical interface when the engagement device moves away from the receiving position in the docking base.

2. The docking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the engagement device is biased to be disposed in the receiving position.

3. The docking assembly of claim 1 , wherein movement of the engagement device relative to the docking base comprises a sliding movement.

4. The docking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet attracts an opposing pole of the second magnet when the first electrical interface is aligned with the second electrical interface.

5. the first magnet includes a first pair of magnets disposed on opposing sides of the engagement device; 2. The docking assembly of claim 1, wherein the second magnet includes a second pair of magnets each disposed on an opposing side of the controller device to correspond to respective positions of the first pair of magnets to rotationally align the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface.

6. 2. The docking assembly of claim 1, wherein the docking base includes a cam assembly, and the engagement device includes a deformable latch plate in communication with the cam assembly, the deformable latch plate mechanically engaging with a plug protrusion of the controller device receivable by the docking assembly to align the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface.

7. The docking assembly of claim 6 , wherein the engagement device urges the deformable latch plate against the cam assembly to disengage the plug projection when the engagement device moves away from the receiving position in the docking base.

8. The docking assembly of claim 6 , wherein the deformable latch plate includes a pair of latch arms for engaging opposing portions of the plug projections.

9. The docking assembly of claim 8 , wherein the engagement device urges the pair of latch arms apart in opposite directions when the engagement device urges the deformable latch plate against the cam assembly.

10. The docking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical interface includes at least one electrical contact for interacting with a spring-loaded connector of the controller device receivable by the docking assembly.

11. The docking assembly of claim 10 , wherein the spring-loaded connector includes at least one of a pogo pin, a spring leaf structure, stamped metal spring fingers, and a butterfly mechanism.

12. The docking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet of the engagement device attracts or repels the second magnet of the controller device in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the engagement device.

13. A textile substrate; an input device attached to the textile substrate; a docking assembly attached to the textile substrate for removably receiving a controller device, the docking assembly including a first electrical interface for mating with a second electrical interface of the controller device; a conductive pathway network integrated into the textile substrate for electrically coupling the input device and the first electrical interface; the input device transmits electronic signals representing input data to the controller device when the controller device is received by the docking assembly; The docking assembly includes: a docking base including the first electrical interface for mating with the second electrical interface of the controller device receivable by the docking assembly; an engagement device including a first magnet adjustably disposed within the docking base at a receiving position and interacting with a second magnet of the controller device to align the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface to establish an electrical connection; the first magnet repels the second magnet to isolate the first electrical interface from the second electrical interface when the engagement device moves away from the receiving position in the docking base. Electronic textile system.

14. 14. The electronic textile system of claim 13, wherein the conductive pathway network comprises a network of conductive fibers interwoven or knitted into the textile substrate.

15. 14. The electronic textile system of claim 13, wherein the input device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a heart rate sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an electroencephalogram sensor, an electromyogram sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a photoplethysmography sensor, a ballistocardiogram sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, a bioimpedance sensor, or a chemical sensor.

16. 14. The electronic textile system of claim 13, further comprising an output device coupled to the conductive pathway network and comprising at least one of a heating element, a tactile feedback element, a stimulation element, or a visual display.

17. The electronic textile system of claim 13 , wherein the conductive pathway network provides power to the input device when the controller device is received by the docking assembly.

18. 14. The e-textile system of claim 13, wherein the textile substrate is at least one of an undergarment, a shirt, a pair of pants, a shoe, a hat, a sock, a glove, a headband, a belt, a bra, a balaclava, a base layer, a jacket, or a sweatshirt.

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