Separable Conductive Cloth for Wearable Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive textile technologies are complex to manufacture, prone to damage, and lack versatility in sensing applications, failing to efficiently measure strain, pressure, and position changes while being energy-inefficient and difficult to repair.
Innovation Solution
A cloth material with separate conductive areas, featuring a first layer with conductive and non-conductive zones, and an extension part with accessories that inductively couple to form a conductive path only under external force, allowing for digital signal transmission and easy replacement of defective parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive textile technologies are used, then electrical circuits can be formed in cloth material, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and the structure is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive textile is divided into separate functional modules: conductive areas (first and second conductive areas), non-conductive areas, extension parts, and accessories. Each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while improving structural integrity. The separation allows each component to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is nested within or attached to the extension part, which itself is connected to the main cloth body. This hierarchical nesting structure reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural robustness through layered integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of conductive and non-conductive materials are used to create switches, then electrical switching function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism utilizes dynamic movement of the accessory relative to the cloth body. When the accessory moves to a specific position (e.g., pulled or pressed), it brings the second conductive area into contact with the first conductive area, creating or breaking the electrical circuit. This dynamic approach replaces complex static multi-layer structures with simple movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching functionality is extracted from the main cloth body and implemented through the movable accessory. This separation allows the switching function to be achieved through simple mechanical movement rather than complex multi-layer material stacking, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive materials are fixed onto zipper or integrated into cloth layers, then electrical function is achieved, but the device cannot be easily repaired by user
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is designed as a separable module that can be easily detached from the extension part and the main cloth body. This segmentation enables users to replace defective accessories or extension parts without needing to repair the entire garment, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining full electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows defective components (accessories or extension parts) to be discarded and replaced with new ones. The modular structure enables users to recover the main cloth body and only replace the faulty module, making repair simple and cost-effective while preserving all electrical functions.
4Reliability
If button-hole interconnect is used as conductor, then electrical connection is established, but it cannot automatically change state and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is designed to move dynamically in response to user actions (pulling, pressing, or positional changes). This movement automatically controls the contact between the first and second conductive areas, enabling automatic state changes (conductive/non-conductive) without manual intervention. The dynamic mechanism translates physical movement into electrical state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory's movement self-activates the switching function by bringing the conductive areas into or out of contact. The system serves itself by using the user's natural movements to control the electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate manual switching operations while maintaining reliable connection stability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors are integrated into cloth, then sensing function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems with a simple mechanical contact-based sensing mechanism. The sensing function is achieved through the physical contact or separation of the first and second conductive areas, which are controlled by the accessory's position. This mechanical substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing while reducing energy consumption compared to active electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical actuator (controlling contact between conductive areas) and a sensor element (its position determines the electrical state). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors and actuators, reducing device complexity and energy requirements while maintaining versatile sensing capabilities for pressure, position, and motion detection.
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 enables a wearable, energy-efficient, and easily repairable textile that can function as a pressure sensor, strain gauge, and position change detector, providing digital signals and avoiding false triggers, suitable for integration into clothing without hindering movement.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the accessory forms a second conductive area, the position of which corresponds to the first layer first conductive area. The first conductive area and the second conductive area are inductively connected (coupled). The inductive coupling conditions can change with an external force.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloth material with separate conductive areas includes at least one first layer comprising at least one first conductive area; and at least one extension part, which includes at least one accessory and at least one connecting part connected to the accessory, wherein the extension part comprises at least one second conductive area, which corresponds in location to the first conductive area on the first layer, wherein the first conductive area and the second conductive area are inductively coupled, a condition of inductive coupling is adapted to be changed by an outside force.