Conductive-Trace Haptic Garment for Low-Distraction Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals engaged in activities like bicycle riding face challenges in safely communicating and receiving information due to the need to maintain focus, which can lead to safety hazards when diverting attention from the task at hand.
Innovation Solution
A haptic garment with integrated circuitry and sensors that allow for two-way communication, enabling users to interact with external devices through touch, gesture, and movement patterns, while providing tactile and visual feedback without requiring visual attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a bicyclist turns head to assess traffic conditions, then traffic information is obtained, but bicycle stability deteriorates and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, processors, and communication devices that mediate between the bicyclist and the external environment. The sensor array detects traffic conditions and other relevant information, the processor analyzes this data, and the communication device transmits it to the bicyclist's device, eliminating the need for the bicyclist to visually assess conditions directly while maintaining bicycle stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of turning the head with an electronic sensing and communication system. Instead of physically rotating the head to gather information, the system uses sensors to detect environmental conditions and electronically transmits the processed information to the bicyclist, substituting a mechanical interaction with an electronic one
2Ease of operation
If a bicyclist accesses mobile device while in motion, then communication functions are available, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the sensor array and communication system to automatically detect and transmit information without requiring the bicyclist to manually access or operate a mobile device. The system is prepared in advance to provide communication functions passively, eliminating the need for manual device interaction while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by automatically detecting traffic conditions, processing the data, and transmitting information to the bicyclist without requiring manual operation. The sensor array and communication device work autonomously to provide communication capabilities, freeing the bicyclist from the need to safely manipulate a mobile device while cycling
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic garment includes multiple circuits and sensors, then communication capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sensor array and conductive trace system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same conductive traces embedded in the garment fabric serve both as structural elements and as electrical pathways for multiple sensor types (capacitive, resistive, inductive). This multi-functional design enhances communication capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated circuits for each sensing modality, thereby controlling 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
Enables safe and efficient interaction with external devices by allowing users to control functions like music playback and receive information through haptic feedback, enhancing safety and convenience during activities.
Implementation Method 1
conductive traces embedded in or fastened to the haptic garment that electrically couple with the sensing circuit
Implementation Method 2
a display circuit configured to cause to display an image on a electro-luminescent (EL) display coupled to a portion of the haptic garment surface
Implementation Method 3
an actuator circuit configured to cause to transmit an actuator output to the portion of the haptic garment surface that is in sensory contact with a skin surface of the user
Data Source
AI summary
System includes a haptic garment comprising an integrated circuit (IC) controller coupled to the haptic garment. A sensing circuit configured to cause to transmit a motion signal sensed by a portion of the haptic garment surface to the IC controller is provided. The motion signal is based on one or more of a touch pattern, a gesture pattern, and a movement pattern associated with a user of the haptic garment. The IC controller is configured to transmit a first data associated with the motion signal to an external device. Conductive traces embedded in the haptic garment that electrically couple with the sensing circuit.