Elastic Seam Tape With Movable Conductor for Stretchable Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable conductive seam tapes for electronic textiles are complex and expensive to manufacture, difficult to electrically connect, and can alter the mechanical properties of textiles, impacting wear comfort and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An elongated elastic seam tape with a movable conductor housed within a lumen formed between two elastic layers, allowing for easy access and connection, and featuring a conductive composite material with a soft conductor that remains conductive under strain, along with a method for manufacturing this tape using pre-stretched conductors and controlled lamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known seam tapes or stretchable conductive films are used, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seam tape is divided into distinct functional layers: elastic layers forming a lumen, and a separate conductor positioned within the lumen. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing by enabling modular assembly of the elastic layers and conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is extracted from the traditional integrated structure and placed within a separate lumen formed by elastic layers. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by separating the conductive function from the elastic structural function, making manufacturing more straightforward and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If known seam tapes or stretchable conductive films are used, then electrical connectivity is provided, but ease of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lumen acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates electrical connection. By positioning the conductor within this accessible lumen, connection points are easily reachable for making electrical contacts, while the lumen itself provides the necessary insulation and structural support.
3Reliability
If known seam tapes or stretchable conductive films are used, then conductive function is achieved, but ease of electrical insulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is extracted and placed within a dedicated lumen formed by elastic layers. This lumen naturally provides electrical insulation by surrounding the conductor with insulating elastic material, simplifying the insulation process compared to traditional films that require additional insulating layers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If seam tapes are integrated in stretchable textiles, then mechanical stretchability is required, but conductor stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is positioned within a movable configuration inside the lumen, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as the elastic layers stretch and deform. This dynamic positioning maintains conductor stability and electrical connectivity while accommodating the mechanical stretchability requirements of the textile application.
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 provides a robust, versatile, and comfortable elastic seam tape that maintains conductivity and mechanical properties, facilitating easy connection and sealing of conductors, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated elastic first layer, an elongated elastic second layer, partially bonded to the first layer... Each longitudinal edge of the second layer is, at least partially, bonded to a corresponding longitudinal edge of the first layer so as to form a lumen
Implementation Method 2
an elongated elastic conductor... The conductor is movably positioned within said lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elongated elastic seam tape comprising an elongated elastic conductor as well as to a method of manufacturing such an elongated elastic seam tape.