Clothing Loom Interface Circuit for Addressable LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electrical conductors and devices into garment manufacturing processes increases complexity and cost, and poses a risk of manufacturing errors that can lead to malfunctions, especially in hazardous conditions where reliability is critical.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus within clothing that includes addressable light emitting devices and a loom for power and control data supply, featuring an interface circuit with a data storage device for configuration data, allowing for customizable operation and enhanced visibility, and a control unit for managing light emitting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors and devices are integrated into garment manufacturing processes, then the functionality and visibility enhancement capability of the clothing is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into modular components: a base garment layer, a separate loom with conductors, and detachable electrical devices. The loom can be manufactured independently and then integrated with the base garment through simple attachment mechanisms, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loom is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different electrical devices (light emitting devices, sensors, etc.) and can be attached to various types of base garments. This standardized interface allows the same loom structure to serve multiple functions and configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors and devices are incorporated into the manufacturing process, then the garment gains enhanced functionality, but the risk of manufacturing errors and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the electrical components (loom and devices) from the base garment manufacturing, each component can be manufactured and tested independently under optimized conditions. This reduces the risk of errors propagating through the entire system and allows for easier identification and replacement of faulty components without compromising the entire garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design includes built-in redundancy and ease of replacement, where faulty electrical devices or loom sections can be quickly identified and replaced without affecting the base garment. This prepares the system in advance for potential failures by making them isolated, replaceable units rather than integrated components that would require complex repairs.
3Strength
If electrical conductors are retained within seams during garment manufacturing, then the durability of the garment is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes substantially more sophisticated
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into the loom structure that can be attached to the garment seams rather than being permanently embedded within them. This allows the conductors to benefit from the mechanical protection of seam retention while avoiding the complexity of integrating conductor placement into the seam manufacturing process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The loom acts as an intermediary component between the base garment and the electrical devices. It provides a standardized interface that can be attached to garment seams using conventional sewing or attachment methods, while the loom itself contains the conductor routing and connection points, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures reliable operation by providing a modular and adaptable system for enhancing visibility and safety in hazardous environments through customizable light patterns and data storage for operational records.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of addressable light emitting devices
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting devices attached to an item of clothing are illuminated. The light emitting devices are attached to a loom that is terminated by an interface circuit that includes a data storage device (102). Configuration data (1703) is written to the data storage device and the loom is located within an item of clothing. A control unit (1502) is connected to the interface circuit and is configured to supply power and control data to the light emitting devices. Configuration data (1805) from the data storage device is transferred to the control unit, such that the control unit supplies control data to light emitting devices in a form determined by this configuration data.