Electronically Functional Yarn With Charlieplexed Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating multiple individually controllable electronic components into textile yarns is challenging due to the number of control lines required to manage these components, limiting the integration of complex electronic functionalities into yarns used in textiles.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronically functional yarns with a core and sheath structure, where the sheath includes non-functional windings and an electronic circuit with three or more control lines that can control multiple diode-containing circuit elements using Charlieplexing, allowing for efficient control of a greater number of components with fewer lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components are integrated into textile yarns, then the electronic functionality is improved, but the number of control lines required increases, making the device complexity unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements Charlieplexing, a control technique where n control lines can address up to n*(n-1) circuit elements. This multi-functionality principle allows the same control lines to serve multiple components sequentially, dramatically reducing the control line requirement from linear to logarithmic growth with component count
Solution Approach 2:
The control technique uses periodic sequential activation of control lines to address different circuit elements at different time intervals. By cycling through control lines in a systematic pattern, the system can control multiple components with fewer lines than the number of components, achieving time-multiplexed control
2Adaptability or versatility
If more control lines are added to manage electronic components, then the electronic functionality is improved, but the flexibility and usability of the textile article deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing Charlieplexing, the control lines serve multiple functions by addressing different circuit elements at different times. This universal control approach maintains textile flexibility while enabling complex electronic functionality, as the same physical lines perform multiple addressing roles
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronic circuits are integrated into yarns, then the electronic functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates circuit elements directly onto the yarn core structure, nesting the electronic components within the yarn itself rather than attaching them externally. This nested integration simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions into a single integrated yarn product
Solution Approach 2:
The control technique merges multiple control functions into a unified Charlieplexing control scheme. By combining addressing, control, and timing functions into a single systematic approach, the patent simplifies the overall control architecture and reduces the number of separate control lines needed
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
Enables the integration of complex electronic functionalities, such as sensors and light-emitting diodes, into textiles, enhancing the functionality of wearable and interactive textile articles while maintaining flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The sheath may comprise a thermoconductive material and may be configured as a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
the sheath alternatively or additionally may comprise a conductive material and may be configured as an electrostatic discharge shield
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to electronically functional yarns. One example provides an electronically functional yarn comprising a core, a sheath at least partially surrounding the core, and an electronic circuit formed on the core. The circuit includes three or more control lines and more than three diode-containing circuit elements controllable by the three or more control lines, each circuit element being controllable via a corresponding set of two of the three or more control lines.