Conductive Garment Fasteners for Wear-Activated Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of integration between the activation/deactivation of electronic functions in garments and the act of wearing or removing the garment, leading to a need for an improved garment fastening product that can form a conductive connection to activate or deactivate these functions.
Innovation Solution
A garment fastening product comprising a first article and a second article, where the first article has a substrate with an array of conductive fasteners and conductive paths, and the second article also has conductive fasteners and paths, allowing the two articles to couple and form a conductive connection when the garment is fastened or unfastened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used in garments, then the garment can be fastened and unfastened easily, but there is no integration with activation/deactivation of electronic functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical fastening function with the electrical switching function into a single integrated system. The conductive fasteners serve dual purposes: mechanically coupling the garment components while simultaneously establishing electrical connections to activate electronic functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening and electronic activation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive fasteners are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening, electrical conduction, and electronic function activation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conductive fasteners are integrated into garment fastening, then electronic functions can be activated by wearing the garment, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive fastening mechanism automatically activates electronic functions without requiring separate user action. When the wearer fastens the garment, the conductive fasteners make contact and self-activate the electronic functions through the established electrical connection. This self-service characteristic simplifies operation while the complexity is contained within the fastening mechanism itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple columns of conductive fasteners are provided, then selective engagement allows fit adjustment, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The array of conductive fasteners is segmented into multiple rows and columns, allowing selective engagement of different columns for fit adjustment. This segmentation provides versatility in sizing and fit while maintaining a systematic, repeatable manufacturing process. The modular array structure facilitates standardized production techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies the parameters of the fastener array (number of rows, number of columns, spacing) to provide different fit options. By changing these geometric parameters rather than creating entirely different fastening mechanisms, the patent achieves adjustability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
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 garment fastening product allows for easy activation and deactivation of electronic functions in garments by forming a conductive connection when the garment is worn or removed, and provides adjustable fit options through selective engagement of conductive fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The first conductive fasteners are engageable with second conductive fasteners of the second article for coupling the first and second articles together and forming a conductive connection therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure describes a conductive garment fastening product for a garment, comprising a first article coupleable to a second article for fastening the garment. The first article comprises: a first substrate; an array of first conductive fasteners attached to the first substrate, the array comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and a set of first conductive paths disposed conductively along the rows of first conductive fasteners. The first conductive fasteners are engageable with second conductive fasteners of the second article for coupling the first and second articles together and forming a conductive connection therethrough.