Integrated Apparel Lighting Layout for 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 reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive reflective mechanical materials with an active electronic lighting system comprising LEDs, power supply units, and conductive traces. This substitution enables the apparel to generate its own illumination rather than relying on external light sources, ensuring visibility regardless of ambient lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If lighting system components are integrated into the apparel item, then visibility is enhanced, but the functionality and comfort of the apparel item may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidapparel functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible conductive traces and thin-film power supply units that can conform to the apparel's fabric structure. These flexible components maintain the apparel's drape, comfort, and functionality while enabling integrated lighting, avoiding the rigidity and bulk associated with traditional electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system is strategically positioned at specific locations on the apparel (such as joints and edges) rather than uniformly distributed. This localized approach enhances visibility where most needed while minimizing the impact on apparel comfort and functionality in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple conductive traces are used to connect lighting components, then the lighting system functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple conductive trace functions into integrated circuit board structures or printed circuit patterns that consolidate power delivery, control signaling, and ground connections into unified pathways. This merging reduces the number of separate trace connections needed and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining full lighting system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If lighting components are visible on the apparel surface, then the lighting system provides visibility, but the aesthetic appearance of the apparel item deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin-film encapsulation and flexible circuit boards that can be concealed within fabric layers or along seam lines. The lighting components are positioned and shaped to blend with the apparel's design, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing necessary visibility functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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, improving safety for outdoor activities by ensuring the wearer is recognized as human, while maintaining comfort and reducing manufacturing complexity and aesthetic issues.

Implementation Method 1

one or more light arrays having visible light sources positioned on the apparel item at predetermined locations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20260101941A1Apparel item with integrated lighting system

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 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.