Flush-Integrated Conductive Snap for Wearable Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of heart rate monitor electrodes into garments is hindered by the bulkiness and protrusion of standard garment snaps, which compromise the integrity and wearability of clothing, and fail to provide a reliable, moisture-resistant electrical connection during strenuous activities or underwater use.
Innovation Solution
A thin, flush-integrated snap design with a conductive wire spring and guiding stud, where the upper cap portion and base portion form a snap with a recess and socket region, allowing for a secure and water-tight connection with minimal protrusion, enabling the integration of electrodes into garments without compromising their functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard garment snaps are used to detachably connect telemetric transmitter to heart rate monitor belt, then the connection reliability is improved, but the snap protrusion size increases to around 4mm which compromises garment integrity and wearability
Solution Approach 1:
The snap is nested within a recess formed in the garment material. The base portion is positioned within the recess such that the outer surface of the garment is substantially flush with the outer surface of the snap, eliminating the 4mm protrusion problem while maintaining connection reliability through proper nesting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap structure is designed with different portions having different functions: the upper cap portion provides the connection interface, the base portion provides structural support within the recess, and the guiding pin provides alignment functionality. This local differentiation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
2Length of stationary object
If the snap depth is reduced to minimize protrusion, then the garment wearability is improved, but the forces required to ensure a reliably stable connection significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the snap within a recess rather than having it protrude, the effective connection depth is maintained while the external protrusion is minimized. The recess provides the necessary depth for reliable connection without adding to the external dimensions that affect wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding pin is positioned to engage with the telemetric transmitter at a specific location, concentrating the connection forces at optimal points. This localized force distribution ensures stable connection with minimal overall snap depth.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the snap is made compact to fit seamlessly into garments, then the garment integrity is improved, but the electrical connection stability during strenuous activities and underwater use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap is nested within a recess in the garment, providing mechanical stability and protection while maintaining a compact external profile. This nesting approach preserves garment integrity while ensuring the connection mechanism remains stable during strenuous activities and underwater use.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive wire spring is positioned to maintain constant electrical contact with the telemetric transmitter through its spring action, ensuring stable electrical connection. The guiding pin provides localized mechanical guidance and stabilization, ensuring proper alignment and contact during movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard garment snaps are used, then the detachable connection function is achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases due to the need to integrate electrodes and snaps separately
Solution Approach 1:
The snap is integrated directly into the garment manufacturing process, with the upper cap portion, base portion, and guiding pin being formed as part of the garment structure. This merging of the snap integration into the garment manufacturing process reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to separate assembly of electrodes and snaps.
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
The solution allows for reliable and stable electrical connections during strenuous activities and underwater use, while minimizing the snap's size to fit seamlessly into garments, enhancing wearability and maintaining the garment's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive wire spring in electrical connection with the electrode and capable of making electrical contact with the male end
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having a housing and at least one male connection portion for detachably connecting the electronic device to a female snap. The male connection portion having a stud with a male head portion capable of fitting within a socket region of a snap. The male head portion having a terminal end which is the terminal end of the stud and a second end which separates the male head portion from a mid-portion, and an end portion opposite the male head portion. The end portion has a terminal end which is second terminal end of the stud. A mid-portion is between the male head portion and the end portion. The stud is in electrical contact with an electronic component of the electronic device, and the head portion has a centered cavity open at the terminal end of the male head portion.