Modular Kit for Branched Electric Network in Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for integrating heating functions into textile articles, such as heated clothing, are costly and often not economically viable for modest production volumes, limiting the adoption of heating technology across various configurations and applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular kit with a tree-like electrical network system that includes energy-consuming and energy-generating elements, a control device, and flexible connectors, allowing for flexible assembly into textile articles without requiring specific integration designs for each configuration, thus enabling cost-effective integration of heating devices into garments for diverse applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom wired electrical networks are designed for specific garment configurations, then the heating function can be integrated into specific textile articles, but the development cost becomes prohibitive for modest production volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical network is divided into modular components: power source module, control device module, heating element modules, and standardized connector modules. Each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled into different garment configurations without requiring custom wiring designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connectors and modular components are designed to be universally compatible across different garment types and configurations. The same basic modules can serve multiple functions and be adapted to various spatial arrangements, eliminating the need for configuration-specific development.
2Reliability
If wired electrical networks are customized for specific spatial configurations, then proper electrical connection can be achieved, but the process becomes economically unviable for low-volume production
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical connectors and wiring modules are pre-assembled and tested in a standardized configuration before integration into the garment. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable electrical connections while allowing rapid deployment during garment assembly, significantly improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized connector parameters and modular interface specifications that remain constant across different applications. By maintaining fixed electrical parameters while allowing flexible mechanical arrangement, the system achieves both connection reliability and production efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If heating elements and control devices are integrated into textile articles, then heating function is achieved, but the spatial configuration requirements increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into independent functional modules (power source, control, heating elements) that can be positioned independently within the garment. Each module has standardized connection interfaces, simplifying the integration process regardless of the final spatial arrangement within the textile article.
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 modular kit allows for the economical integration of heating devices into textile articles, accommodating various spatial configurations and movement amplitudes, making heating technology accessible for sporting, military, and professional purposes without compromising wearer comfort.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements, typically in the form of flexible resistive layers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
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AI summary
The invention relates to a kit for the construction of a device (1) with a tree-like electrical network, suitable for integration into a textile article, such as a garment, the kit having several modules, including: - several electrical energy-consuming elements (2, 2', 2", 3) or, alternatively, several electrical energy-generating elements - an electrical energy source (5), - a control device (4), intended to be connected to said electrical energy source (5) comprising a microcontroller, capable at least of controlling the switching on or off of the electrical energy-consuming elements (2, 2', 2", 3), or alternatively capable of regulating the recharging of the electrical energy source (5) from the electrical energy collected by said electrical energy-generating elements (2b), - one or more flexible tree-like wired connection system(s) (6), each comprising a two-pole connector portion,said upstream connector, electrically connected in parallel to at least two other connector parts, called downstream connectors, each with two poles. The different electrical modules being physically independent, each comprising at least one two-pole connector part, the electrical connector parts of the electrical modules being physically configured to allow the assembly of a tree-like electrical network (7), resulting from at least the use of one or more tree-like wired connection systems (6).