Unitarily Knitted Fabric Pressure Switch for Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric pressure switches with separate resilient and electrically conductive layers face issues with moisture absorption, detachment due to humidity, and poor contact with human skin, leading to ineffective signal detection and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A unitarily knitted fabric pressure switch combining structural, elastic, and electrically conductive yarns through knitting, with support yarns connecting resilient conductive tissues to enhance resiliency, conductivity, and moisture retention, ensuring consistent contact and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient layer is arranged between the electrically conductive layer and the base layer to improve contact tightness, then contact tightness with human skin is improved, but moisture absorption is affected because moisture must penetrate through the electrically conductive layer first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resilient layer and electrically conductive layer into a single integrated fabric layer containing both functional components. The fabric structure includes resilient yarns (providing elasticity and contact tightness) and electrically conductive yarns (providing conductivity), which are interlaced together in the same knitting structure. This eliminates the need for moisture to penetrate through separate layers, allowing direct absorption by the resilient fabric while maintaining electrical conductivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the resilient layer and electrically conductive layer are bonded by external force such as adhesion, then the layers are connected, but the layers are easily detached due to high humidity maintained by the resilient layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient layer and electrically conductive layer into one unified knitted fabric structure. Both resilient yarns and electrically conductive yarns are interlaced together during the knitting process, creating an inherently stable integrated structure that does not rely on external adhesive bonding. This integrated structure naturally resists detachment even under high humidity conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate layers are used for resiliency and electrical conductivity, then each function can be optimized independently, but the detection element does not provide sufficient pressure contact with the body causing wrong detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional yarns (resilient, electrically conductive, and moisture-retaining yarns) into a single integrated fabric structure through knitting. This unified structure ensures that all functions work together synergistically, providing consistent pressure contact with the body surface while maintaining electrical conductivity and moisture management, thereby improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates different types of yarns (resilient, conductive, moisture-retaining) in specific patterns and densities within the fabric structure to optimize local properties where needed, while maintaining overall functional integration.
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 provides improved electrical conductivity, resiliency, and extended product lifespan by ensuring consistent moisture retention and secure contact with the skin, enhancing detection accuracy and wearer comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first elastic yarns (201) and a plurality of second elastic yarns (401)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first electrically conductive yarns (202) and a plurality of second electrically conductive yarns (402)
Implementation Method 3
the same planar tissue shows an effect of moisture retention through being combined with structural yarns that feature moisture retention
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A fabric pressure switch includes a first resilient conductive tissue, a second resilient conductive tissue, and a support tissue. The support tissue is arranged between and connects the first resilient conductive tissue and the second resilient conductive tissue. The first resilient conductive tissue, the second resilient conductive tissue, and the support tissue are unitarily combined through knitting to form the fabric pressure switch.