Functional paillette, arrangement comprising such a paillette and method for producing the arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing functional sequins for clothing and textiles face challenges in easy alignment and efficient electrical contacting, particularly when multiple sequins need to be arranged in patterns, due to their non-rotationally symmetric designs and complex contact arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A rotationally symmetric functional sequin with a carrier element featuring multiple rotationally symmetric contact arrangements, where first and second electrical contacts are connected to the same potential, allowing for easy alignment and electrical contact from multiple sides, and optionally including centering elements for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If sequins are arranged in patterns on garments, then the visual effect is improved, but the alignment and positioning becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern arrangementVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it uses symmetry (rotational symmetry of the base) to create ease of alignment. The base is designed with rotational symmetry so that the sequin can be placed in any rotational orientation and still align correctly with the attachment features, eliminating the need for precise angular positioning during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment features and contact arrangements are pre-configured on the base during manufacturing with specific rotational symmetry. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during assembly, the sequin can be quickly positioned without requiring complex alignment procedures, as the symmetric design inherently guides correct placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple contact arrangements are provided for electrical connection, then electrical reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidcontact arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment features serve dual functions: they mechanically attach the sequin to the garment and simultaneously establish electrical contact. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate contact structures, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mechanical attachment function and electrical contact function into a single integrated contact arrangement. The attachment features are designed to both secure the sequin and provide electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate contact elements and reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the base is designed with rotational symmetry, then ease of alignment is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment easeVSAvoidrotational symmetry precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a degree of rotational symmetry that is sufficient for ease of alignment without requiring perfect geometric precision. The symmetric arrangement of attachment features and contact elements provides functional symmetry that facilitates alignment while allowing for practical manufacturing tolerances in the base geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If contact arrangements are arranged rotationally symmetrically, then ease of electrical contacting from multiple sides is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotationally symmetric contact arrangements allow the sequin to be electrically contacted from multiple sides or orientations, providing versatility in assembly. The same contact structure serves multiple contact purposes regardless of the approach direction, reducing the need for additional specialized contact structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4266938B1Functional paillette, arrangement comprising such a paillette and method for producing the arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a functional paillette (1) for a piece of clothing (60) or a textile element (60), comprising at least one carrier element (10) for at least one electronic component (12), wherein the carrier element (10) has a rotationally symmetrical base surface (20) having multiple rotational symmetry, further comprising a plurality of contacting arrangements (30) which are arranged on the carrier element (10) so as to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to one another, which are intended for electrically contacting the at least one electronic component (12), and which each have at least a first electrical contact (31) and a second electrical contact (32), wherein the first electrical contacts (31) of the plurality of contacting arrangements (30) are electrically connected and the second electrical contacts (32) of the plurality of contacting arrangements (30) are electrically connected.