Fabric Sensor Digital Yarn Connection Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting fabric sensors with digital yarns lead to cloth damage, discoloration, and discomfort due to metal connectors, and limit simultaneous use of multiple sensors for various biometric data measurement.

Innovation Solution

A structure and method involving a sheet-type member with integrated fabric sensors and digital yarns, where the digital yarn is peeled to form an electrically connected portion and secured using a sewing yarn, with additional fabric sensors covering the connection to prevent exposure and ensure reliable transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal connector is used to connect the fabric sensor to the display means or wireless transmission means, then the biological signals can be transmitted, but the cloth may be damaged and discolored due to corrosion of the metal connector during washing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidcloth damage and discoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the metal connector from the system entirely and replaces it with a direct integration approach where the conductive yarn is sewn directly into the fabric sensor, eliminating the source of corrosion and damage while maintaining signal transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive yarn as an intermediary element that serves both as the connection medium and as part of the fabric structure itself, replacing the problematic metal connector while maintaining electrical connectivity for signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a metal connector is used for connecting the fabric sensor, then signal transmission is enabled, but wearing comfort is reduced and a foreign body sensation occurs when the wearer moves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidwearing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connector function with the fabric structure by integrating the conductive yarn directly into the fabric sensor through sewing, creating a unified flexible structure that eliminates the rigid metal connector and improves wearing comfort while maintaining signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic, flexible connection system where the conductive yarn is sewn into the fabric allowing natural movement and deformation with the wearer's body, replacing the static rigid metal connector to eliminate foreign body sensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a one-to-one connection method is used between the fabric sensor and display means, then the connection is simple, but it is impossible to use multiple biological signal sensors for measuring various biometric data simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidmulti-sensor capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal fabric sensor structure with integrated conductive yarns that can accommodate multiple different types of biological signal sensors (temperature, pulse, respiration, etc.) using the same basic connection methodology, enabling multi-functional biometric measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the fabric sensor is connected to the digital yarn by sewing, then the connection is secure and durable, but the exposed peeled portion of the digital yarn may be damaged or cause discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidexposed portion damage and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the exposed peeled portion of the conductive yarn within the fabric sensor structure by sewing the fabric around it, creating a protective enclosure that shields the vulnerable exposed portion while maintaining the secure sewing connection for signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9932697B2Structure and method for connecting fabric sensor and digital yarn

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 GAIA HEALTHCARE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are structure and method for connecting a fabric sensor and a digital yarn. The structure includes a sheet-type member which is configured to be worn on a body of a wearer, a first fabric sensor which is provided on the sheet-type member and senses a biological signal, a digital yarn which is provided on the first fabric sensor and has a peeled portion that is electrically connected to the first fabric sensor, a sewing yarn which couples a portion of the digital yarn to the first fabric sensor by sewing, and a second fabric sensor which is coupled to the first fabric sensor and covers an upper portion of the peeled portion.