Integrated Apparel Lighting Layout for Low-Light Visibility and Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating a lighting system into apparel items while maintaining functionality and comfort is challenging, especially for outdoor athletic activities in low light conditions, as traditional reflective materials may not provide visibility when not directly illuminated.

Innovation Solution

An apparel item with an integrated lighting system comprising a power supply unit, light arrays, and conductive traces, where the light arrays are positioned at predetermined locations for visibility and reflective materials are used at joint areas, with a double-layer construction to hide components and junction structures to reduce conductive traces, enhancing wearer comfort and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional reflective materials are used for visibility, then the apparel item provides visibility when directly illuminated, but it does not provide visibility when not directly illuminated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidvisibility in low light conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive reflective mechanical materials with an active electronic lighting system comprising light arrays, conductive traces, and a power supply unit. This substitution enables the apparel item to generate its own illumination rather than relying on external light sources, thereby providing visibility in low light conditions without requiring direct illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If lighting system components are integrated into the apparel item, then visibility is improved, but the functionality and comfort of the apparel item deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible conductive traces and thin film structures to integrate the lighting system components into the apparel item. These flexible materials allow the lighting system to conform to the apparel's shape and movement, maintaining comfort while providing illumination. The conductive traces are designed to be flexible and stretchable, ensuring they do not restrict the wearer's movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system is segmented into multiple light arrays distributed at predetermined locations on the apparel item, rather than using a single large light source. This segmentation allows the lighting function to be distributed throughout the apparel, improving visibility while minimizing the impact on comfort and functionality at any single location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If multiple conductive traces are used to connect light arrays, then visibility is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidconductive traces

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple conductive traces into a integrated conductive network or trace structure that connects multiple light arrays to the power supply unit. This merging reduces the number of separate trace connections required, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to illuminate multiple locations on the apparel item.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If lighting components are visible on the apparel item, then visibility function is achieved, but aesthetic issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidaesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions light arrays at specific predetermined locations on the apparel item where they provide maximum visibility benefit while minimizing aesthetic impact. The conductive traces are routed and concealed along seams, edges, or hidden areas of the apparel, allowing the lighting function to be achieved while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the garment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The integrated lighting system provides enhanced visibility in low light conditions, improves comfort by hiding components, and simplifies manufacturing, while reducing weight and aesthetic issues.

Implementation Method 1

a set of conductive traces affixed to the panel of material and electrically coupled to the light arrays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12495845B2Apparel item with integrated lighting system

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 NIKE INC

AI summary

Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item having an integrated lighting system and method of forming the apparel item having the integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system comprises a power supply unit affixed to the apparel item, one or more light arrays having visible light sources affixed to the apparel item, and one or more conductive traces affixed to the apparel item, where the conductive traces extend from the power supply unit to the light arrays and electrically couple the two such that the light arrays are powered when the power supply unit is operating.