Electroadhesive Clutch Isolation for Adaptive Apparel Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparel, such as bras and tights, lack adaptability and dynamic support mechanisms that can adjust to different activity levels, leading to discomfort and potential injury, and electrostatic systems face issues with bulk charge accumulation, dielectric absorption, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an electroadhesive clutch system with alternating current (AC) signals and a watertight encasing to manage charge accumulation, reduce dielectric absorption, and minimize power consumption, while providing adjustable support through integrated sensors and actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic systems are used to provide dynamic support in apparel, then adaptability and support adjustment are improved, but bulk charge accumulation and dielectric absorption occur leading to system inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic support adjustmentVSAvoidcharge accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs alternating current (AC) signals instead of direct current (DC) to periodically charge and discharge the electrostatic clutch mechanism. This periodic action prevents bulk charge accumulation by continuously cycling the electrical charge, allowing the system to maintain dynamic support adjustment capability while avoiding the reliability issues associated with charge buildup and dielectric absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameters by using AC signals with varying frequencies and amplitudes to control the electrostatic clutch. This parameter change approach allows the system to dynamically adjust support levels while preventing charge accumulation through the oscillating nature of AC, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic systems are used to provide dynamic support in apparel, then adaptability and support adjustment are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic support adjustmentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By using AC signals with optimized frequencies and duty cycles, the system achieves dynamic support adjustment while minimizing average power consumption. The periodic charging and discharging allows the electrostatic clutch to maintain functionality with lower energy input compared to continuous DC application, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the electrical parameters including voltage amplitude and frequency based on the required support level. This dynamic control allows the system to provide high adaptability when needed while consuming minimal power during low-demand periods, effectively balancing adaptability and power consumption requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If apparel lacks adaptability mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but comfort and injury prevention are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidadaptability mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrostatic clutch system controlled by AC signals. This substitution provides adaptability and comfort adjustment without requiring bulky mechanical components, thereby improving comfort while keeping the added complexity manageable through the use of electrical rather than mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic clutch system serves multiple functions including dynamic support adjustment, comfort optimization, and potential integration with sensor feedback systems. This multi-functionality approach allows a single system to address multiple comfort-related needs without proportionally increasing complexity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 electroadhesive clutch system dynamically adjusts support based on activity levels, enhancing comfort and reducing strain on body parts, while maintaining system integrity and efficiency in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

electroadhesive clutch system with alternating current (AC) signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroadhesion: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

manage charge accumulation, reduce dielectric absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20260074630A1Electroadhesives system isolation in apparel

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 NIKE INC

AI summary

An electrode device for an electroadhesive clutch can include a planar conductive member and a housing that encloses at least a portion of the conductive member. In an example, the housing can include a flexible polymeric substrate provided adjacent to at least a first surface of the conductive member, and a dielectric member comprising a first portion provided adjacent to an opposite second surface of the conductive member, and a second portion provided adjacent to a first side edge of the conductive member and coupled to the flexible polymeric substrate.