Conductive Textile Tracks for Wearable Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive textiles fail to effectively connect multiple devices worn by professionals due to their constricting and messy nature, and previous attempts have been unsuccessful due to the properties of the textiles used.
Innovation Solution
A conductive textile comprising electrically conductive tracks separated by insulating material, with each track comprising a bundle of thin conductive filaments, allowing for the integration of electrical cabling into clothing for unobtrusive device connections, and the ability to selectively create electrical connections by dissolving or soldering the insulating material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are used to connect devices, then electrical connections are established, but the connections become constricting and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the textile garment itself by integrating conductive tracks directly into the fabric structure. This eliminates separate cables and connectors, combining multiple functions (connection, power transmission, data transmission) into a unified wearable textile system that is both functional and comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible conductive tracks made from thin conductive filaments woven into textile fabric. This replaces rigid cables with flexible, conformable conductive pathways that move with the body, eliminating the constriction and messiness of traditional cable-based connections while maintaining electrical functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conductive textiles are used to connect devices, then cable constraints are eliminated, but previous attempts failed due to textile properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the conductive elements by using extremely thin filaments (less than 140 microns thick) bundled in groups of at least 100 filaments. This parameter change enables the textile to achieve both flexibility for comfort and sufficient electrical conductivity for reliable device connections, overcoming the limitations of previous conductive textile attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining multiple thin conductive filaments into bundles, weaving them into textile fabric with insulating materials. This composite approach integrates conductive, insulating, and structural materials to achieve both reliable electrical connections and the flexibility needed for comfortable wearability.
3Reliability
If multiple thin conductive filaments are bundled together, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the textile structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductive structure into discrete bundles, where each bundle contains multiple thin filaments (at least 100) twisted together. This segmentation allows the complex multi-filament structure to be organized into manageable, repeatable units that can be easily woven into textile fabric, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high electrical conductivity through the bundled configuration.
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
Enables efficient, comfortable, and convenient integration of electronic devices into garments, allowing for high-speed data transmission and power supply between devices, while maintaining flexibility and avoiding excessive heating, thus addressing the limitations of previous conductive textiles.
Implementation Method 1
at least said portions of the respective tracks are separated by an insulating material so that there is no electrical coupling between the first and second tracks
Implementation Method 2
each track comprises a bundle of conductive filaments; wherein each conductive filament is less than 140 microns thick
Implementation Method 3
the insulating material may be dissolvable by heat or by way of a chemical substance to provide electrical coupling between said portions of the first and second tracks
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to conductive textiles and methods of their production, as well as systems for electronically connecting devices through conductive textiles. An example textile comprises a first electrically conductive track; a second electrically conductive track; and at least one non-conductive portion. At least a portion of the first electrically conductive track overlaps or is in close proximity to at least a portion of the second electrically conductive track. At least said portions of the respective tracks are separated by an insulating material so that there is no electrical coupling between the first and second tracks.