Garment Pockets with Visual Indicators for Sensor Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current garments with integrated electronics modules lack efficient and secure methods for retaining sensors in specific orientations, leading to potential misalignment and reduced accuracy in movement data collection, particularly in work environments.
Innovation Solution
A garment design featuring multiple pockets with visual indicators and secure fastening mechanisms, such as pillowcase flaps, non-slip materials, and magnetic closures, to ensure correct orientation and retention of electronics modules like accelerometers, magnetometers, and GPS sensors, which can communicate movement data to computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple pockets are used to hold electronics modules, then the garment structure remains simple, but the electronics modules cannot be retained in specific orientations leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators (colored marks or patterns) are pre-applied to both the pocket interior and electronics module exterior during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the module is inserted, the correct orientation is immediately visible, eliminating alignment errors without requiring complex mechanical guides.
Solution Approach 2:
Different colors or color patterns are used on the pocket and corresponding electronics module to indicate proper orientation. For example, a colored stripe on the pocket interior matches a corresponding colored stripe on the module, providing an intuitive visual cue for correct placement while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Reliability
If no retention mechanism is used in pockets, then the pocket design remains simple, but electronics modules may shift or fall out during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket incorporates self-retaining features such as elastic edges, friction-based non-slip materials, or snap buttons that automatically engage with the electronics module when inserted. This self-service mechanism ensures secure retention without requiring external fasteners or complex closure systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket uses flexible retaining walls or elastic bands that conform to the shape of the electronics module, providing secure holding through material flexibility rather than rigid structural complexity. This allows the module to be retained firmly while maintaining a simple pocket design.
3Reliability
If multiple pockets with fastening mechanisms are added to retain electronics modules securely, then sensor retention is improved, but the garment manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into independent, modular components such as separate snap buttons, elastic bands, or magnetic elements that can be attached to pockets during garment assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately and assembled efficiently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while providing reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple retention functions are combined into single integrated features. For example, a snap button simultaneously provides both orientation indication and secure retention, or an elastic band combines both holding and shock-absorption functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
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 garment effectively maintains sensors in precise orientations, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of movement data collection, improving workplace safety and task efficiency by providing secure and accurate tracking of worker movements and vital signs.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic closures
Implementation Method 2
non-slip materials
Data Source
AI summary
A garment includes a torso portion that includes a torso pocket. The garment includes two arm portions. Each of the two arm portions extends from the torso portion to a wrist portion. The two arm portions each include a plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets include at least a distal pocket near a distal arm portion and a proximal pocket between the distal pocket and the torso portion. The torso pocket is located on a central portion between the two arm portions. Each of the at least five pockets includes an electronics module that has a particular orientation. Each of the at least five pockets and each electronics module include a visual indication of a correct orientation of the electronics module in a respective pocket.