Object-Recognizing Clothing With Event-Driven Safety Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of clothing with integrated electronic components for safety features, such as signal lights, suffer from high energy consumption and lack improved protection for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
An article of clothing with integrated seamless fabric parts containing a sensor unit, control unit, and signal generator unit, where the signal generator outputs signals only upon detection of a predefined hazard by the sensor, reducing energy consumption and enhancing wearer protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components (signal lights) are integrated into conventional articles of clothing to improve visibility and safety, then wearer protection is enhanced, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using motion sensors to detect wearer movement and triggering signal lights only during detected motion events. This transforms continuous energy consumption into periodic, event-driven operation, maintaining safety functionality while dramatically reducing overall energy usage. The control unit monitors sensor inputs and activates signal generators only when motion is detected, creating an on-demand operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automatic motion detection and signal activation without user intervention. The sensor units continuously monitor the environment, and the control unit automatically determines when signal generation is necessary based on detected motion patterns. This eliminates the need for manual switching while optimizing energy consumption through intelligent, autonomous control.
2Reliability
If electrical components are integrated into conventional articles of clothing to provide safety features, then wearer protection is improved, but the article of clothing becomes more complex and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: sensor units that detect motion, control units that process signals, and signal generator units that produce visible signals are all combined within the article structure. The conductive yarn serves multiple purposes as both structural element and electrical conductor, further reducing component count and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible, thin-film electronic components that can be seamlessly integrated into fabric structures. The conductive yarns and flexible circuit elements are designed to bend and move with the fabric, maintaining functionality while preserving the flexibility and comfort of the article of clothing. This approach avoids rigid components that would compromise wearability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cut parts are used for articles of clothing, then manufacturing is simplified, but wearing comfort and robustness are reduced due to seams and joins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the article of clothing into multiple cut parts that are joined using conductive yarns serving dual purposes as both mechanical fasteners and electrical conductors. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while the conductive yarn connections maintain both structural integrity and electrical continuity across seams, preserving both comfort and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive yarns perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical connection between fabric pieces, establish electrical pathways for power and signal transmission, and maintain flexibility for movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall construction while improving robustness.
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 effective safety features with minimal energy use, maintaining comfort and durability while ensuring the article of clothing reacts specifically to relevant hazards, thus extending its useful life and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the article of clothing has as electronic components at least a sensor unit for detecting a presence of an external object
Implementation Method 2
the signal generator unit can include a light source that emits light that is particularly perceptible to an external observer
Data Source
AI summary
An article of clothing, in particular a jacket, comprising a plurality of cut parts each cut to size from a fabric and sewn together, the article of clothing including electronic components. As electronic components, the article of clothing comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a presence of an external object, a control unit 4, and an electronic signal generator unit, wherein the control unit is designed to receive measured values from the sensor unit during an operating phase of the article of clothing and to transmit control signals generated as a function of the read measured values to the signal generator unit, the signal generator unit being designed to output a predefined signal which can be perceived by a wearer of the article of clothing and/or by an external observer of the article of clothing on receipt of a predefined control signal.