Fabric With Integrated Electrical Function Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical heating elements and electromagnetic shields are difficult to position in close proximity, especially in small spaces like a steering wheel, and the use of electromagnetic shields on electrical conductors is costly.
Innovation Solution
A fabric with integrated electrical function elements, such as heating and sensor conductors, is used, where these elements are woven into the fabric's seams, allowing for efficient and cost-effective integration of multiple functions in a single layer, eliminating the need for metallization and lamination processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrical heating elements and electromagnetic shields are positioned in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but positioning difficulty increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating elements, sensor elements, and electromagnetic shields into a single integrated fabric structure. Multiple electrical function elements are woven together in the same textile substrate, allowing them to be positioned in close proximity without the complexity of separate positioning processes. This merging approach enables efficient space utilization while simplifying the overall positioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric serves as a universal platform that can simultaneously accommodate multiple different electrical function elements (heating, sensing, shielding). This multi-functional approach allows various components to be integrated into a single structure, reducing the number of separate positioning operations needed and enabling close proximity arrangement of diverse elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic shields are provided on electrical conductors, then electromagnetic protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses uniform conductive threads throughout the fabric structure for both heating/sensing functions and electromagnetic shielding. The same type of conductive material is woven into the fabric in different patterns to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for specialized expensive shielding materials and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements in the fabric serve multiple functions simultaneously - they provide heating, sensing, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate expensive shielding components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining electromagnetic protection.
3Productivity
If multiple electrical function elements are integrated in the same fabric, then manufacturing time is reduced, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical function elements into a single fabric integration process. All heating elements, sensor elements, and shields are woven together in one continuous manufacturing step rather than being assembled separately, significantly reducing manufacturing time while the standardized weaving process keeps integration complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric is designed with distinct but integrated zones for different functions - heating zones, sensing zones, and shielding zones - all within the same textile structure. This segmentation allows for systematic integration where each functional element follows a standardized weaving pattern, reducing overall integration complexity while enabling rapid manufacturing.
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
This solution enables a simple, reliable, and cost-effective arrangement of heating and sensor functions in close proximity, reducing manufacturing time and avoiding the need for expensive shielding materials, while allowing for flexible reconfiguration of functions.
Implementation Method 1
electrical heating elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fabric (30, 31) with at least one support (41, 41′), with at least two electrical function elements (70), and with at least one seam (40).It is provided that at least two of the electrical function elements (70) are in the form of strands and integrated in the seam (40).