E-textile Connector with Shielded Shell and Open Top
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-textile connectors fail to meet high-speed data requirements, are prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI), and are difficult to clean in harsh environments due to their design, which can lead to data signal interference and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A connector system for e-textiles featuring a terminal subassembly with exposed mating and terminating ends, housed in a shielded shell with an open top for easy access and cleaning, providing electrical shielding and impedance control to meet high-speed data and EMI/RFI demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circular connectors are used to connect wearable devices, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connectors cause irritation to the body due to their shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a flat connector element that can be integrated into the textile and a separate mating connector. This segmentation allows the connector to be distributed across different locations and reduces the concentration of irritating elements at any single point on the body.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional circular connectors that protrude from the textile, the invention inverts the approach by creating a flat connector element that lies flush with the textile surface. The mating connector is designed to engage with this flat element, reversing the traditional connector configuration to eliminate body irritation.
2Reliability
If flat flexible circuits or insulated wires are interwoven with nylon material, then the circuits are protected, but they do not allow for high speed data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the textile by incorporating conductive threads with controlled impedance characteristics. The conductive threads are woven in specific patterns and densities to achieve impedance values suitable for high-speed data transmission, while the textile structure provides mechanical protection.
3Device complexity
If circuits are not shielded, then the structure remains simple, but there is excessive interference with data signals from EMI/RFI
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the textile fabric itself as a flexible shielding structure. The conductive threads woven into the textile create a mesh-like shield that blocks EMI and RFI while maintaining the flexibility and breathability of the garment. This approach provides electromagnetic shielding without adding rigid or bulky components.
4Reliability
If pin and socket interfaces are shrouded, then the connector is protected from damage, but debris accumulates and the connector cannot be easily cleaned in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mating interface from an enclosed shroud and exposes it on the outer surface of the connector element. This allows the pin and socket interfaces to be accessible for easy cleaning with a finger or cloth, while the connector element remains integrated into the textile for protection during normal wear.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for an e-textile that has conductors that define a conductive layer of the e-textile includes a terminal subassembly that has terminals configured to be electrically connected to corresponding conductors of the e-textile. The terminal subassembly has an insulator holding the terminals. The terminals have mating interfaces. A shell holds the terminal subassembly. The shell has a front and a rear. The rear is configured to receive the e-textile. The shell has a bottom and a top. The top is open sided to provide access to the mating interfaces of the terminals for mating with a mating connector.