Chip Device With Grooves For Fabric Thread Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating electronic chips into flexible structures are hindered by the use of rigid mechanical supports, which are ill-suited for weaving into fabrics without risking damage to the chips during the weaving process.

Innovation Solution

A chip device with two substantially parallel open grooves on opposite sides, featuring a penetrating shape with a base at the grooves and an apex smaller than the wire spacing, allowing easy insertion between fabric threads, where the wires are pulled apart and return to fit into the grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chips are connected on a rigid support, then electrical connection complexity is managed, but the structure cannot be integrated into flexible fabrics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the chip from the rigid support structure and integrates it directly into the flexible fabric substrate. The chip is positioned between fabric threads and secured without requiring a separate rigid mechanical support, thereby achieving flexibility while maintaining electrical connections through the fabric integration approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fabric substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables flexibility, and facilitates electrical connections through integrated conductive elements. The chip device is designed to work directly with the fabric structure, making the fabric a multi-functional component that replaces both rigid support and connection infrastructure

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

2Ease of operation

If conventional chip mounting methods are used, then chips are securely fixed, but additional attachment steps and precautions are required during weaving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of incorporationVSAvoidattachment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the chip mounting process with the fabric weaving process itself. The chip device is incorporated into the fabric structure during manufacturing, combining what were previously separate operations (chip attachment and fabric weaving) into a unified process that eliminates additional attachment steps and precautions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chip device is designed with preliminary features that facilitate direct integration into the fabric. The device geometry and mounting structure are prepared in advance to match the fabric thread structure, allowing seamless incorporation without requiring additional attachment operations or special precautions during the weaving process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If chips are integrated into fabric, then flexibility is achieved, but chip retention and electrical interconnections must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidchip retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by providing enhanced retention features specifically at the chip-fabric interface. The mounting structure includes localized mechanical interlocking elements and electrical connection points that concentrate retention strength where needed, while maintaining overall fabric flexibility in other areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials combining conductive and flexible properties in the fabric-chip interface. The integrated structure incorporates materials that provide both mechanical retention and electrical connectivity, creating a composite system that simultaneously achieves flexibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2531640B1Method for assembling at least one chip on a fabric, and fabric including a chip device
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2531640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2531640B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2531640B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assembling a device on two substantially parallel, extended threads (18a, 18b). The device includes an electronic chip and two substantially parallel, open grooves (4a, 4b) on opposite sides of the device. The spacing of the grooves corresponds to the spacing of the threads. The device has a shape penetrating along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the grooves, said shape having a base on the grooves and a top (1) that is smaller than the spacing of the threads. The method includes the steps that involve: placing the top (1) of the device between both threads; moving the device between both threads, thus causing the threads to be spaced apart by the penetrating shape of the device; and continuing the movement of the device until the threads penetrate into the grooves while returning to the initial spacing thereof.