NFC-Powered Sensor Apparel Without Wired Moisture Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of apparel incorporating electronics face challenges due to the vulnerability of wired interfaces to moisture, leading to potential mechanical breakdown and reduced comfort and robustness.
Innovation Solution
The integration of wireless-powered sensors within apparel using a near field communication (NFC) antenna system, which derives power and transmits data wirelessly from a mobile device, eliminating the need for internal power sources and direct electrical interfaces, thus ensuring waterproofing and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired interfaces are used to power sensors and transmit data in apparel, then power supply and data transmission are reliable, but the apparel becomes vulnerable to moisture, leading to mechanical breakdown and reduced robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical interfaces with wireless NFC communication. The sensor system uses an NFC antenna to communicate with a mobile device, eliminating physical connectors that are vulnerable to moisture ingress. This substitution maintains reliable power and data transmission while removing the mechanical weakness point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an NFC antenna as an intermediary between the sensor and the mobile device. This intermediary enables wireless power transfer and data communication, allowing the sensor to operate reliably without direct wired connections that would expose the system to moisture damage.
2Ease of operation
If wired interfaces are used for sensor integration, then power and data transmission are established, but the apparel structure becomes more complex and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired interface structures with a simple wireless NFC antenna. This eliminates the need for ports, connectors, and sealing mechanisms, thereby reducing apparel structural complexity while maintaining full sensor integration capability through wireless communication.
3Duration of action of moving object
If internal power sources are used in apparel, then sensors can operate independently, but the apparel becomes bulkier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the apparel itself and places it in the user's mobile device. The NFC antenna in the apparel wirelessly receives power from the mobile device's antenna, eliminating the need for internal batteries or power sources in the apparel, thereby maintaining a sleek form factor while enabling continuous sensor operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If wired interfaces are used, then direct electrical connection is established, but waterproofing becomes difficult and mechanical breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless NFC communication. This eliminates the need for waterproof seals, gaskets, and protective enclosures around electrical interfaces, making the apparel inherently waterproof while maintaining reliable electrical connection for sensor operation through the wireless antenna 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
This solution allows for washable, waterproof, and robust apparel with integrated sensors that can operate without mechanical breakdown, maintaining comfort and functionality even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of wireless-powered sensors within apparel using a near field communication (NFC) antenna system, which derives power and transmits data wirelessly from a mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel, system, and methods optionally include a textile material, a mobile device holder, coupled to the textile material, configured to secure a mobile device with respect to the article of apparel, and an electrical system. The electrical system includes an antenna, configured to communicatively couple with a primary antenna of the mobile device, positioned in relation in the holder, a power supply, coupled to the antenna, configured to output power based on a current as generated in the antenna when communicatively coupled with the primary antenna, a controller, coupled to the power supply, operable based on the power as output by the power supply, and a sensor, coupled to the textile material, communicatively coupled to the controller via a conductor, configured to detect a sensor condition and output a sensor signal when powered by the power output by the power supply.