E-textile Power Module Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current e-textile power systems face challenges in securely attaching and powering wearable computing devices, as traditional snap connectors are bulky and hinder integration with fabric, and existing solutions require replacing the entire device when the battery is spent.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling system with a conductive cap and concentric rings integrated into the fabric, allowing for secure attachment and easy battery replacement or recharging, while maintaining a thin and flexible form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional snap connectors are used to attach wearable computing devices, then secure attachment is achieved, but the connectors become bulky and hinder integration with fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical snap connectors with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic force provides secure attachment while eliminating the bulky mechanical structure, allowing thin and flexible integration with fabric. The magnetic connector consists of magnetic elements that attract to each other across a small air gap, providing strong holding force without requiring large connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin and flexible magnetic connector components that can be integrated into fabric. The magnetic elements are housed in thin enclosures that maintain flexibility, allowing the connector to conform to fabric surfaces while providing secure attachment. This enables the wearable device to remain thin and comfortable against the skin.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the entire computing device is replaced when the battery is spent, then continuous operation is maintained, but device complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wearable computing device into separate modular components: a battery module and a computing device module. The battery module can be independently replaced or recharged without affecting the computing device. This segmentation allows users to extend operational continuity by simply swapping batteries rather than replacing the entire device, reducing complexity and electronic waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the battery as a separate, removable component from the computing device. The battery module includes magnetic connectors that allow it to be easily detached and replaced. This extraction enables independent battery replacement or recharging, maintaining continuous operation of the computing device while simplifying the serviceability of the overall system.
3Ease of repair
If batteries are made user-replaceable, then serviceability is improved, but attachment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic attraction to provide reliable attachment for user-replaceable batteries. The magnetic force creates a strong, consistent connection that maintains electrical contact while allowing easy separation when needed. Users can simply pull the battery module away to replace it, and the magnetic connectors ensure reliable reattachment without requiring complex alignment or fastening mechanisms.
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 secure, detachable, and serviceable power modules for e-textiles, ensuring continuous operation of wearable devices by allowing user-replaceable batteries and maintaining a slim, integrated design.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet secured to a second side of the e-textile
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and techniques for an e-textile power module are described. A battery housing and a battery housing seat are provided. The battery housing seat includes four concentric circles alternating between insulating and conducting materials, a first trace electrically connecting the first inner circle to e-textile wiring through the fabric, a second trace electrically connecting the third inner circle to the e-textile wiring through the fabric, and a magnet. The battery housing includes a conductive ring, an insulating layer with a lumen arranged to permit contact of a first battery terminal of a battery via the lumen and a second lumen of the conductive ring, and a conductive cap. The4 conductive cap is arranged to engage to the conductive ring to hold the battery against the insulating layer against the conductive ring and electrically connect to a second terminal of the battery when the battery is placed within the battery housing.