Conductive Coated Textile Circuit for Laceration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coated textiles used in tarpaulins and flexible walls face challenges in detecting lacerations without compromising mechanical properties or increasing production costs, as metallic reinforcements can reduce flexibility and raise costs.

Innovation Solution

A coated textile with a thin, electrically conductive track forming interlocking undulations is deposited on the coating layer, creating a printed electrical circuit that detects lacerations without significant mechanical impact or additional costs, allowing for flexible and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal reinforcements are integrated inside the coated textile, then laceration detection capability is improved, but the textile flexibility and suppleness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaceration detection capabilityVSAvoidtextile flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical metal reinforcement system with an electrical detection system. Instead of using metal threads or plates embedded in the textile that provide both structural reinforcement and detection, the invention uses a thin conductive coating deposited on the textile surface that forms electrical circuits for laceration detection without compromising the textile's mechanical flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin conductive coating layer deposited on the textile surface rather than bulky metal reinforcements. This thin film approach maintains the textile's flexibility and suppleness while providing the necessary electrical conductivity for laceration detection through patterns such as meandering lines or grids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If metal reinforcements are integrated inside the coated textile, then laceration detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaceration detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive conductive materials deposited as thin coatings rather than costly metal reinforcements. The conductive coating can be applied using economical deposition techniques, and the thin material layer significantly reduces material costs compared to integrating metal threads or plates throughout the textile structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive metal reinforcement systems with a cost-effective electrical coating system. The conductive coating requires minimal material and can be deposited using efficient processes, eliminating the need for costly metal components while maintaining laceration detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a continuous electrical circuit is deposited on the coating layer, then laceration detection precision is improved, but the textile mechanical properties are modified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaceration detection precisionVSAvoidtextile mechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an extremely thin conductive coating layer that provides sufficient electrical conductivity for precise laceration detection while being too thin to significantly alter the textile's mechanical properties. The coating follows the textile's surface topology and bends with it, maintaining flexibility while enabling detection through electrical resistance changes.

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 solution effectively detects lacerations while maintaining the textile's suppleness and flexibility, preventing unauthorized access and reducing production costs by using a thin conductive track that can be integrated without visible metal reinforcements.

Implementation Method 1

By monitoring the rapid variations in the electrical resistance of such a circuit, it is possible to detect an attempt at laceration, which is manifested by the rupture of part of the metal conductors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP1788149B1Coated textile
Publication Date: 2008.03.12 TISSAGE & ENDUCTION SERGE FERRARI SA
  • EP1788149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The textile has continuous tracks (2, 3) that are made of an electrically conductive material deposited on a coating layer. The tracks are connected at an end by an electric bridge (4). The tracks form an electric resistance that is along a textile zone. The tracks are connected to a device (5) that is sensible to modification of the resistance formed by the tracks. The tracks define a continuous pattern forming undulations (10, 11) imbricated on each other. The undulations are remote from each other by a distance in the order of a decimeter.