Removable Electronic Module Housing for Athletic Apparel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic apparel is not designed to reliably receive and operate athletic sensing devices, leading to distractions and safety issues for athletes during intense physical activities, while also being restricted by rules and regulations.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure for connecting a housing assembly with a receptacle and contact members to an article of apparel, allowing an electronic module to be removably received and operated within the apparel, with conductive leads connecting the module to the apparel's electrically-powered components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic device is placed in a pocket for operation, then the athlete can access the device, but the athlete may be distracted and drop the device during intense physical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is nested within a housing assembly that is integrated into the wearable article structure. The housing contains the device and provides structural support, while the wearable article layers enclose the housing. This nesting arrangement keeps the device secure during physical activity while allowing access through the access opening in the first layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly acts as an intermediary between the electronic device and the wearable article. It provides a dedicated mounting structure with contact members that electrically connect the device to the article's power and control systems, enabling secure integration without requiring the device to be held or placed in pockets.
2Reliability
If athletic sensing devices are integrated into apparel, then the devices can be continuously monitored, but the apparel must comply with rules and regulations restricting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable article structure is designed with universal components that can accommodate different types of athletic sensing devices. The housing assembly with standardized contact members and the multi-layer construction provide a platform that works with various device types while allowing the article materials and design to comply with different sport regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration system is segmented into distinct functional components: the wearable article layers, the housing assembly, the contact members, and the electronic device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the article can use regulation-compliant materials while the housing provides reliable device mounting and electrical connections.
3Reliability
If contact members are positioned inside the chamber for electrical connection, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the contact members must be precisely positioned during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The contact members are pre-positioned and secured to the housing assembly before the electronic device is installed. The contact pads are attached to the housing at predetermined locations, and the contact members are mounted in fixed positions relative to the housing structure. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the device is later inserted into the housing, the electrical contacts align properly without requiring high-precision assembly at that stage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a wearable article and a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a chamber and having an access opening providing access to the chamber to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber. The housing assembly further includes an interface having first and second electrical contacts exposed to the chamber. First and second conductive leads are connected to the electrical contacts through the bottom side of the receptacle to place the leads in electronic communication with the contacts. The housing assembly is bonded between top and bottom layers of material forming a portion of the wearable article, such that the layers are bonded to the receptacle by a bonding material.