Smart Clothing Connector for Wearable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating electronic components such as processors, batteries, and sensors into flexible objects like garments and textiles is challenging due to durability issues and the difficulty of attaching conductive threads to these components, especially when considering washing cycles and the need for separate power and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An interactive object with multiple electronics modules, where an internal module with sensing circuitry is permanently coupled to conductive threads within the textile, and an external module containing a microprocessor and network interface is removably attached, enabling communication and power transfer through a connector interface, allowing for strain relief and easy replacement or customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into flexible objects like garments, then functionality is improved, but durability and reliability deteriorate due to washing cycles and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic system is divided into separate modules: conductive threads integrated into the textile for sensing, a connector interface for connection, and external electronic components for processing. This segmentation allows the textile to be washed and maintained separately while protecting sensitive electronics in external modules.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized connector interface acts as an intermediary between the conductive threads in the textile and external electronic components. This connector provides strain relief and protects the connection points during washing and mechanical stress, enabling durability while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If conductive threads are attached to electronic components, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to attachment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interface serves as a standardized intermediary component that simplifies the attachment process. Instead of directly attaching conductive threads to complex electronic components, the connector provides a standardized interface that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electronic components are permanently integrated into textiles, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into permanently integrated conductive threads in the textile and separately replaceable external electronic components connected via a connector interface. This allows the textile structure to remain stable while enabling easy replacement of electronic modules for customization or repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface provides a dynamic connection that can be permanently fixed or easily disconnected. This allows the system to transition between stable integration and easy replacement modes, accommodating both structural stability requirements and adaptability needs.
4Device complexity
If all electronic components are integrated into a single module, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and customization options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are segmented into functional modules (sensing circuitry in textile, processing in external modules) connected via standardized interfaces. This modular approach maintains manageable system complexity while enabling customization by swapping different external electronic modules with the same connector interface.
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
This solution enhances durability, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for customization and interoperability by separating electronic components, enabling seamless integration of touch-input data with remote devices while maintaining the flexibility of the textile.
Implementation Method 1
conductive thread woven into the interactive textile to form a capacitive touch sensor that is configured to detect touch-input
Implementation Method 2
The controller can also be configured to communicate the touch-input data to a computing device
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes an interactive object with multiple electronics modules. An interactive object (e.g., a garment) includes a plurality of conductive threads woven into the interactive object, and an internal electronics module coupled to the array of conductive thread. The internal electronics module includes a first subset of electronic components, such as sensing circuitry configured to detect touch-input to the grid of conductive thread. An external electronics module that includes a second subset of electronic components (e.g., a microprocessor, power source, or network interface) is removably coupled to the interactive object via a communication interface. The communication interface enables communication between the internal electronics module and the external electronics module when the external electronics module is coupled to the interactive object.