Fabric Device With Integrated Electronic Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric devices with electronic components, such as electrically-heated clothes and light emitting clothes, face issues with the components being easily loosened or displaced during use or cleaning due to weak fixing methods, and medical devices require cumbersome placement of conductive wires for signal monitoring or therapy.
Innovation Solution
A fabric device with a passage unit that securely integrates electronic components, allowing them to be arranged in various shapes and securely connected within the fabric, including a rechargeable power supply and control module for heating or light emission, and conductive pads for medical device connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing methods (adhering or stitching) are used to attach electronic components to fabric, then the components can be secured to the fabric surface, but the components are easily loosened or displaced during use or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The passage unit is formed within the fabric body structure, creating a nested configuration where electronic components are housed inside the fabric itself. This integrates the fixing structure into the fabric material, preventing component displacement while maintaining fabric flexibility and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage unit is divided into multiple passages that intersect and communicate with each other, forming a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows electronic components to be distributed throughout the fabric body rather than concentrated on the surface, enhancing fixation stability while maintaining ease of cleaning.
2Reliability
If conventional fixing methods are used for light emitting elements and conductive wires, then the components can be attached to the fabric, but the components are easily loosened or displaced during use or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Light emitting elements and conductive wires are nested within the passage unit structure of the fabric body. This integration ensures components remain securely fixed during cleaning operations while maintaining accessibility for operational purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage unit is pre-formed within the fabric body during manufacturing, creating ready-made channels for accommodating electronic components. This preliminary structure eliminates the need for post-manufacturing fixation operations and ensures components remain stable during subsequent use and cleaning.
3Reliability
If conductive wires are placed individually on the body for medical monitoring or electrotherapy, then the required electrical connectivity can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive wires are merged into a single integrated electronic module that is pre-arranged within the passage unit of the fabric body. This combination eliminates the need for individual wire placement during setup, significantly reducing time while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity for medical monitoring or electrotherapy applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module with conductive wires is pre-assembled and positioned within the passage unit during fabric manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures all electrical connections are pre-established and ready for immediate use with medical devices, eliminating time-consuming on-site wire placement.
4Ease of manufacture
If electronic components are arranged in fixed patterns on the fabric, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different shapes and requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The passage unit structure provides a flexible framework that can be configured in different patterns and densities to accommodate various electronic component arrangements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same passage unit structure to support different component layouts tailored to specific functional requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage unit serves as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of electronic components in various configurations. Its multi-functional design allows the same fabric structure to support heating elements, light emitting components, or medical monitoring wires depending on the application requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fabric device includes a fabric (1, 1', 1a, 1b)) and an electronic module (2). The fabric (1, 1', 1a, 11b) includes a fabric body (11, 11', 11a, 11b) configured to contact or to be worn on an object, and has a first surface (112) configured to contact the object, and a second surface (113) opposite to the first surface (112). The fabric body (11, 11', 11a, 11b) is internally formed with a passage unit (111) which has a plurality of passages (111a) intersecting and communicating with each other. The electronic module (2) is disposed in the fabric body (11, 11', 11a, 11b) and includes a plurality of electronic components (21), in the form of strips, extending into the passage unit (111).