Embedded Athletic Apparel Sensor Module for Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for monitoring athletic performance during activities lack efficient methods for collecting and transmitting sensor data from sensors embedded in articles of apparel.

Innovation Solution

The development of electronic devices embedded in apparel that include a memory, a wireless interface, and processors to collect, store, and transmit sensor data to a remote device, allowing for real-time monitoring and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are embedded in articles of apparel to monitor athletic activity, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor data collectionVSAvoidelectronic device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electronic components (processor, memory, wireless interface, and power management circuitry) into a single integrated electronic device that can be embedded in apparel. This merging approach enables the device to collect, store, and transmit sensor data while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for athletic wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes sensor data from various sensors, stores data in memory, manages power consumption, and communicates wirelessly with external devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If wireless interface is added to transmit data, then data transmission capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless interface operates periodically rather than continuously. The processor controls the wireless interface to transmit data at specific intervals or when certain conditions are met (such as completing a workout session), thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power management circuitry automatically monitors battery charge levels and adjusts the operational state of the wireless interface and sensors accordingly. When charge is low, the system automatically reduces power consumption by limiting wireless transmissions or entering low-power modes, ensuring the device remains functional without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are used to monitor various parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveathletic activity monitoringVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is designed to interface with multiple types of sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate sensors, etc.) through standardized communication protocols. Each sensor type can be independently selected and integrated based on the specific athletic activity being monitored, allowing the system to maintain versatility while managing complexity through modular sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250127420A1Wireless data communication and power transmission athletic apparel module
Publication Date: 2025.04.24 ADIDAS AG
  • US20250127420A1 patent drawing
  • US20250127420A1 patent drawing
  • US20250127420A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods that can be used to collect sensor data from, for instance, a sensor device that has been embedded in an article of apparel. The sensor device can be used, for instance, to monitor the athletic activity of an individual wearing the apparel into which the electronic device has been embedded. Embodiments of the sensor device include a memory, a wireless interface, and one or more processor. With these elements, the sensor device may receive instructions indicating what sensor data to collect, collect the sensor data, store the sensor data, and transmit the stored sensor data to the remote device upon completion of the activity.