Electroadhesive Textile Clutch Interface for Adaptive Garment Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparel, such as bras and tights, often lack adaptive mechanisms to provide customized support based on activity levels, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
The development of adaptive support garments equipped with electroadhesive devices and sensors that automatically adjust support levels in response to changes in activity, using AC drive signals to manage bulk charges and prevent dielectric absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive support garments with electroadhesive devices are used, then support adjustability and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroadhesive device is integrated within the garment structure, with electrode assemblies nested between fabric layers. The conductive members are embedded within dielectric members, creating a compact nested configuration that maintains adaptability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroadhesive garment serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support through the garment structure, dynamic adjustment through electroadhesive forces, and automated control through activity sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Force
If electroadhesive devices with DC drive signals are used, then adhesion force is improved, but dielectric absorption and bulk charge accumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs AC drive signals with alternating polarity instead of DC signals. The periodic reversal of voltage polarity prevents bulk charge accumulation and mitigates dielectric absorption effects while maintaining effective adhesion force through cyclic electrostatic attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter from DC to AC with varying frequency and amplitude. By adjusting the AC signal characteristics, the system maintains sufficient adhesion force while preventing charge accumulation and dielectric absorption that occur with DC signals.
3Force
If high voltage signals are applied to electroadhesive electrodes, then clutch force is improved, but power consumption and stray electric fields increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AC drive signal is applied periodically rather than continuously. The system can modulate the duty cycle and frequency of the AC signal to provide sufficient clutch force only when needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective force generation during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage amplitude and frequency parameters of the AC signal based on required clutch force. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves adequate clutch force with lower peak voltages and reduced power consumption compared to continuously applying high DC voltage.
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 adaptive support garments provide enhanced comfort and performance by dynamically adjusting support levels, reducing the risk of injury and improving long-term wearability.
Implementation Method 1
an electroadhesive device including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly. The first electrode assembly includes a first conductive member and a first polymeric substrate applied to the first conductive member
Implementation Method 2
a first polymeric substrate applied to the first conductive member and having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the first conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
An electroadhesive clutch can be coupled to a textile. The clutch can include a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive member, and a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive member overlaying in part the first conductive member. In an example, the clutch includes or uses an elastic encasing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are positioned. The elastic encasing can form a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the elastic encasing and a second bond with the second conductive member proximate a second location of the elastic encasing different than the first location.