Modular Electronics for Washable Wearable Garments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating bulky electronic components into wearable garments is challenging due to durability issues and the need for connectivity to external devices for power and data transmission, as garments are often washed, and existing solutions do not effectively separate electronics for maintenance and customization.
Innovation Solution
An interactive object with multiple electronics modules, where an internal module with sensing circuitry is woven into the garment and an external module containing a microprocessor, power source, and network interface is removably coupled, allowing for communication via a connector interface to enable touch-input detection and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all electronic components are integrated into the garment, then functionality is complete, but durability and ease of maintenance deteriorate due to washing exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic system is divided into two separate modules: an internal module integrated into the garment containing sensing circuitry, and an external module containing the microprocessor, power source, and network interface. This segmentation allows the garment to be washed without exposing sensitive electronics to water while maintaining complete functionality through the communication interface between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable electronic components (microprocessor, power source, network interface) are extracted from the garment and placed in a separate external module. This extraction protects these components from washing cycles while the sensing circuitry remains integrated in the garment to continue detecting touch-input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bulky electronic components are integrated into the garment, then functionality is complete, but ease of manufacture and customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the electronic system into modular components simplifies manufacturing by allowing each module to be produced, tested, and certified independently. The internal sensing module can be woven into the garment using textile processes, while the external module can be manufactured using standard electronics manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The external module serves multiple functions: it contains the microprocessor for data processing, the power source for energy supply, and the network interface for communication. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electronic components are permanently integrated, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of repair and customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The separable connection between internal and external modules allows the external module to be easily removed and replaced without damaging the garment or the internal sensing circuitry. This facilitates repair, upgrading, and customization while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the external module to be easily detached and replaced when needed, enabling users to upgrade components, replace failed parts, or customize the device without discarding the entire garment. The internal sensing module remains permanently integrated while the external module can be exchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes an interactive object with multiple electronics modules. An interactive object (e.g., a garment) includes a grid or array of conductive thread woven into the interactive object, and an internal electronics module coupled to the grid of conductive thread. The internal electronics module includes a first subset of electronic components, such as sensing circuitry configured to detect touch-input to the grid of conductive thread. An external electronics module that includes a second subset of electronic components (e.g., a microprocessor, power source, or network interface) is removably coupled to the interactive object via a communication interface. The communication interface enables communication between the internal electronics module and the external electronics module when the external electronics module is coupled to the interactive object.