Rivet Connector Assembly for Hidden Textile Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active garments face challenges in connecting electrical conductors to power units or control units when the conductors are not accessible on the outside of the garment, particularly when they run between layers of fabric.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector comprising a male and female rivet element with a neck washer that forms an electrical connection area, allowing reliable contact with conductors between fabric layers, even if they are not accessible on the outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors are run between two layers of fabrics to connect power unit to functional components, then the electrical connection can be made internally within the garment structure, but the conductors become inaccessible for connection to electrical terminals on the outside of the garment
Solution Approach 1:
A connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the internal conductors and external terminals. The connector includes a first element with contact surface for internal conductor connection, and a second element with terminal for external power unit connection, bridging the accessibility gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is divided into separate components: internal conductor connections within the garment layers, intermediate connector elements, and external terminals. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and accessibility requirements.
2Ease of operation
If electrical terminals are placed on the outside of the outmost layer or inside the innermost layer for easy access, then the power unit can be easily connected, but the electrical conductors must be accessible at those specific locations which limits design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly serves as a mediator that decouples the location of external terminals from the position of internal conductors. The first element contacts the conductor at its location within the fabric layers, while the second element provides the terminal at an externally accessible position.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system extends across multiple dimensions - from the internal layer structure where conductors are embedded, through the connector assembly that bridges layers, to the external surface where terminals are accessible. This multi-dimensional approach allows independent optimization of each location.
3Ease of operation
If a special connection solution is created to connect conductors between fabric layers to external terminals, then conductor accessibility is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and may compromise durability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical fastening of fabric layers, electrical contact with internal conductors, and provision of external terminals. This consolidation simplifies the overall assembly process compared to separate connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different conductor configurations and garment structures. The first element can contact conductors in various positions within the fabric layers, while the second element provides a standardized external terminal interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector comprises a male element (1) and a female element (2) configured to form a rivet for fastening the electrical connector to a piece of material (10); and a neck washer (30), which has a washer portion (31) and a neck portion (32) and which is configured to be placed between the male element (1) and the female element (2) of the rivet. The washer portion (31) is configured to form an electrical connection area for an electrical conductor (11) of the piece of textile and the neck portion (32) is configured to electrically connect the washer portion (32) to at least one of the male element (1) and the female element (2). The electrical connector can be used independently of the position of the electrical conductor in relation to one or more layers of materials in the piece of material.