Adjustable Fabric with Embedded Light Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric-based items often lack integrated visual output devices that are unattractive, bulky, and heavy, failing to provide desired visual information to users.
Innovation Solution
Intertwined strands of material forming fabric with embedded light-emitting cores and electrically adjustable light modulators, controlled by circuitry to adjust light emission and appearance, enabling the integration of visual output devices within fabric-based items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual output devices are integrated into fabric-based items, then visual information can be provided to users, but the items become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The visual output device is segmented into discrete light-emitting elements (LEDs or micro-LEDs) that are distributed throughout the fabric strands rather than using a single bulky display module. This segmentation allows the visual information function to be distributed across multiple small, lightweight components integrated into the fabric structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the substrate for mounting light-emitting elements and conducting electrical signals. These thin films replace rigid circuit boards, enabling the visual output device to be integrated into flexible fabric while maintaining minimal weight and preserving the soft, flexible characteristics of the fabric-based item.
2Loss of information
If visual output devices are integrated into fabric-based items, then visual information can be provided to users, but the items become unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The use of thin-film flexible printed circuit boards allows the electrical components and wiring to be concealed within the fabric structure, maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The thin films can be hidden within the fabric layers or behind transparent/ translucent sections, preventing visual clutter while enabling visual output functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric-based item incorporates transparent or translucent sections at specific locations where visual output is needed, while maintaining opaque or patterned sections elsewhere for aesthetic purposes. This local differentiation allows visual information to be displayed in strategic areas without compromising the overall aesthetic design of the item.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light modulator layers are added to adjustable strands, then light emission can be controlled, but the strands become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light modulator layer is nested within the strand structure, with transparent inner and outer electrodes positioned concentrically around the light-emitting core. This nested configuration allows multiple functional layers (light-emitting elements, conductive layers, modulator layer) to be integrated within a compact cylindrical geometry, minimizing structural complexity while maximizing functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layers serve multiple functions: they act as electrical conductors for signal transmission, as structural support for the light modulator material, and as transparent windows for light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall strand structure despite the added adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of fabric-based items with adjustable and attractive visual output, such as display of images, logos, and status indicators, while maintaining a soft and flexible structure.
Implementation Method 1
The light modulating material may be a material such as electrochromic material, liquid crystal material, or other material that exhibits optical properties such as color and/or light transmission that can be electrically controlled
Implementation Method 2
The light modulating material may be a material such as electrochromic material, liquid crystal material, or other material that exhibits optical properties such as color and/or light transmission that can be electrically controlled
Implementation Method 3
The light-emitting core may be formed from an optical fiber that is provided light from a light-emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include intertwined strands of material such as strands forming fabric. A strand in the fabric may include a light-emitting core surrounded by a coaxial light modulator layer. The light-emitting core may be formed from an optical fiber, light-emitting diodes mounted to a polymer core, or a layer of light-emitting diodes sandwiched between coaxial inner and outer conductive layers. The light modulator layer may have coaxial transparent inner and outer electrodes and may have a light modulating material such as electrochromic material, liquid crystal material, or other material that exhibits optical properties such as color and/or light transmission that can be electrically controlled.