Powered garments, portable devices controlling powered garments, chargers for powered garments, enclosures for storing powered garments, and interconnections of powered garments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for garments that provide protection against extreme temperatures without inconveniencing the wearer and that can monitor physiological and environmental attributes, with a requirement for efficient electrical power management to support integrated heating, cooling, and sensor functions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hanger with magnetic charging interfaces and a garment with corresponding interfaces for inductive charging, allowing for efficient energy transfer and data communication, along with a network of interconnected garments and devices for control and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulation is added to protect against extreme temperatures, then protection against heat and cold is improved, but garment weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal protection function from traditional bulky insulation and relocates it to a separate portable heating device that can be worn in a pocket or attached to the garment. This allows the main garment to remain lightweight while still providing temperature protection through the portable heater.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable heating device as an intermediary between the wearer and the cold environment. This device acts as a mediator that provides thermal protection without requiring the entire garment to be heavily insulated, thus maintaining garment lightness while achieving temperature protection.
2Temperature
If heating and cooling capabilities are integrated into the garment, then temperature control performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control system into separate functional modules: heating elements, cooling elements, sensors, and control circuitry. Each module can be independently controlled and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining advanced temperature control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of heating and cooling capabilities through programmable logic controllers and sensors that automatically adjust system operation based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach simplifies user interaction while achieving sophisticated temperature management.
3Measurement precision
If biometric sensors are integrated into the garment, then physiological monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensor interfaces and data processing systems that can handle multiple types of biometric sensors (temperature, humidity, motion, physiological sensors) through universal communication protocols and processing algorithms. This multi-functionality approach allows the garment to support various sensor types without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each.
4Use of energy by moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used to power garment functions, then energy independence is improved, but charging convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary charging actions by providing external power sources that can charge the garment's battery before use, such as power banks or wall chargers with magnetic connectors. This allows the garment to maintain energy independence during use while simplifying the charging process through pre-prepared power sources.
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
Enables convenient and efficient recharging of garments with rechargeable batteries while facilitating the collection of biometric and environmental data, improving the control and configuration of smart garments for enhanced performance and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a hanger magnet near the hanger interface surface, the hanger magnet having a first pole configured to attract the garment charging interface of the powered garment
Implementation Method 2
hanger circuitry configured to provide charging electric energy to at least two hanger contacts of the plurality of hanger contacts, for charging the rechargeable battery of the powered garment
Data Source
AI summary
In selected examples, a garment includes an article of clothing, a processor, memory storing instructions, biometric and/or environmental sensors configurable and readable by the processor, and a short range radio frequency (RF) transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth® transceiver). When the processor executes the instructions, it may configure the garment to establish an RF link with a communication device, enabling the processor to receive from the communication device sensor configuration information, and configure the sensors accordingly. The processor may also collect sensor data, and transmit the data over the RF link from the garment to the communication device. The communication device may be a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone/tablet. The garment may be a “master” coupled through wired/wireless links to “slave” garments, and allow the communication device to communicate with the slaves. The communication device may connect the master/slaves to various networks and other computing devices.