Garment Electrode Assembly With Non-Destructive Pin Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode systems for combat simulation devices require multiple adjustable mounting hardware for different user sizes and shapes, and they often damage garments, necessitating time-consuming sanitation between uses.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electrode assembly with self-penetrating pin connectors that attach to garments without damaging them, allowing for a variety of garment sizes and enabling the electrodes to deliver both electrical shocks and biological signal acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting hardware is used to accommodate different user sizes and shapes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and time-consuming sanitation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap fastener system serves multiple functions: it attaches the electrode to the garment, accommodates different garment types and sizes, and eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting hardware. The universal snap fastener design works across various user sizes and garment shapes without requiring adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is divided into detachable components: the electrode assembly with snap fastener that attaches to the garment, and the separate combat simulation device. This segmentation allows the electrode to be easily removed and sanitized between uses while keeping the main device reusable.
2Reliability
If electrodes are mounted directly against the skin, then electrical impulse delivery effectiveness is improved, but garment damage and sanitation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The garment acts as an intermediary medium between the electrode and the skin. The electrode attaches to the garment via snap fastener, and the garment in turn contacts the skin, allowing electrical impulse delivery while protecting the garment from direct electrode contact and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment fabric serves as a flexible interface that allows the electrode to maintain contact with the skin through the garment material. The flexible nature of the garment enables effective electrical impulse delivery while preventing direct damage to the garment structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple garment sizes and shapes are used to accommodate different users, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time for sanitation and device management worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electrode assembly (which contacts the user) from the main combat simulation device. The detachable electrode with snap fastener can be quickly removed and sanitized between uses, while the main device requires minimal sanitation, significantly reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is designed as a disposable or easily sanitizable component that can be quickly discarded or cleaned between uses. This allows rapid turnover between users without requiring extensive sanitation of the entire device system.
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 electrode assembly allows for effective and sanitary use across different users and garment types, providing both electrical shock delivery and biological signal acquisition without damaging the garment.
Implementation Method 1
The first connector is self-penetrating through the fabric layer in a non-destructive manner
Implementation Method 2
The pin connector and the socket connector are formed of conductive material defining a conductive path arranged to communicate the electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
The assembly preferably includes a battery supported on the housing so as to be arranged to deliver an electrical signal from the housing to the user through said at least one electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode assembly attaches to a garment using a pad supporting one or more electrodes for mounting against an inner surface of the garment and a housing arranged to be supported externally on the garment. Connectors on the pad and the housing are arranged to be penetrated through the garment in a non-destructive manner to form a mechanical connection between the pad and the housing that also conductively connects the electrodes on the pad to an electronic component in the housing whereby an electrical signal can be communicated to the electrodes from the housing, for example to deliver an electrical impulse generated by the electronic component through the electrodes in a painful yet non-injurious manner to the user.