Flexible Electrically Functional Fibers for Wearable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for electronic devices that are portable and capable of providing increased functionality without compromising the appearance or utility of conventional textiles, as users demand more from smaller devices that can integrate multiple electronic functions.

Innovation Solution

Development of flexible electrically functional fibers that can be woven into fabrics, incorporating conductive, dielectric, and semiconductor materials to create fabrics with integrated electronic elements such as microprocessors, sensors, and radiative elements, allowing for various electronic functionalities without affecting the aesthetics or feel of the fabric.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible electrically functional fibers are woven into fabrics to provide electronic functionality, then the functionality and capabilities of the fabric are improved, but the appearance and feel of the fabric may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidappearance and feel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific fibers electrically functional while keeping other fibers conventional. The functional fibers are selectively incorporated into the fabric at specific locations and densities, providing electronic functionality only where needed while maintaining the overall aesthetic and tactile properties of the fabric in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining conventional textile fibers with flexible electrically functional fibers in a single fabric structure. This composite approach allows the fabric to simultaneously exhibit the desirable appearance and feel of traditional textiles while incorporating electronic functionalities through the functional fiber component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic elements are integrated into the fabric, then the functionality of the fabric is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidfabric structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple electronic elements (conductive materials, dielectric materials, semiconductor materials, sensors, microprocessors, radiative elements) into a single integrated fabric structure. By combining these previously separate components into one unified textile, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining diverse functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the fabric to perform multiple functions simultaneously - electronic conduction, sensing, processing, radiation, and structural support - all within a single multi-functional textile system, rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible electrically functional fibers are used to provide electronic functions, then the capability of the fabric is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidfabric production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by developing the flexible electrically functional fiber as a distinct, standalone component with specific electrical properties before incorporating it into the fabric. This segmentation allows the functional fiber to be manufactured and tested independently, then integrated into the textile using modified but otherwise conventional weaving or knitting processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-forming the flexible electrically functional fibers with their conductive, dielectric, and semiconductor properties before fabric integration. This preliminary preparation of the functional fibers allows subsequent fabric manufacturing to proceed with standard textile processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10081887B2Electrically functional fabric for flexible electronics

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Flexible electronically functional fabrics are described that allow for the placement of electronic functionality in flexible substrates such as traditional fabrics. The fabrics can be made using flexible electronically functional fibers or a combination of electronically functional fibers and textile fibers. Electronic devices can be incorporated into the fabric to give it full computing capabilities.