Embedded Fiber Computer Architecture for Flexible Digital Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in integrating complex electronic systems into fibers and fabrics while maintaining comfort and aesthetics, as they lack suitable materials and fabrication approaches to incorporate both analog and digital processing capabilities without compromising the fabric's qualities.
Innovation Solution
Development of a fiber computer with electrically insulating materials and embedded microchips for processing, memory, and communication, enabling analog-to-digital conversion and digital logic operations within a single fiber or fabric, allowing for ubiquitous digital computing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronic systems are integrated into fibers and fabrics, then computing functionality is improved, but fabric qualities such as comfort and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber computer is divided into distinct functional modules (input units, processing units, memory modules, output units) that are separately integrated into the fiber body. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall fabric qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are nested within the fiber body structure. The input units, processing units, memory modules, and output units are all contained within the single fiber body, creating a compact integrated system that preserves fabric properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both analog and digital processing capabilities are incorporated in a fiber, then processing capability is improved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber computer is designed as a universal platform that can perform both analog sensing/input functions and digital processing functions within the same structure. The system accepts analog inputs, converts them to digital signals, processes them digitally, and can output both analog and digital signals, making it multi-functional without requiring separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microchips are embedded within fiber body, then computing functionality is improved, but fiber flexibility may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber body is designed as a flexible encapsulation that contains the rigid microchips and electronic components. The fiber body material provides mechanical flexibility while protecting the embedded components, allowing the overall structure to bend and flex without damaging the internal electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber computer has a fiber body including electrically insulating fiber body material along the length of the fiber body. Electrical conductors are disposed within the fiber body and are operative to transmit electrical power, electrical ground, clock signals, and data signals through the fiber body. Input units disposed within the fiber body accept external stimuli. Microcontroller microchips disposed within the fiber body process stimuli accepted by an input unit. Memory module microchips within the fiber body store data and communicate with microcontroller microchips. Output units produce an output directed out of the fiber body. A clock signal generator within the fiber body synchronizes operation of input units, microcontroller microchips, memory module microchips, and output units. Each of the computer input units, microcontroller microchips, memory module microchips, and computer output units are disposed in electrical connection with the plurality of electrical conductors for fiber computer operation within the fiber body.