Strain-Locking Knit Band for Wearable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional softgoods used in artificial reality systems do not adequately account for the deformation of embedded electronic components under stretching conditions, leading to potential damage and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A knitting pattern that strain locks the fabric to a predefined length, ensuring embedded electronic components do not exceed their maximum operating length, thereby preventing overstress and extending their operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional softgoods are stretched to accommodate wearing conditions, then the softgood can be donned and doffed easily, but the embedded electronic components may be damaged due to excessive stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The softgood is divided into two functional segments: a first portion made of stretchable fabric that allows donning and doffing, and a second portion with strain-locking characteristics that limits maximum stretch to protect electronic components. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fabric by incorporating strain-locking mechanisms that alter the fabric's elongation characteristics. The fabric is engineered to have different stretch behaviors in different regions, with the second portion having reduced maximum elongation to protect electronic components while the first portion maintains full stretchability for ease of wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fabric is made highly stretchable for comfort and fit, then the softgood adapts well to body movements, but the embedded electronics exceed their maximum operating length and suffer permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the softgood are assigned different mechanical qualities. The first portion has high stretchability to accommodate body movements and provide comfort, while the second portion has strain-locking characteristics that locally limit stretch to protect electronic components. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall adaptability and local component protection.
3Productivity
If repeated stretching beyond electronic component limits occurs, then the softgood provides flexibility for various activities, but the electronic components experience permanent damage and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strain-locking mechanism acts in advance to prevent the fabric from stretching beyond the maximum operating length of electronic components. By incorporating this protective mechanism before any damage can occur, the patent eliminates the possibility of repeated overstressing, thereby preserving electronic component lifespan while maintaining necessary flexibility for normal activities.
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 strain locking mechanism allows electronic components to operate longer without damage, improving the lifespan of softgoods by controlling mechanical stretch and resisting further elongation through fiber resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The fabric is configured to give up its mechanical slack that exists as a result of the knit pattern, whereby giving up the mechanical slack causes the fabric to be extended up to a length along the axis
Implementation Method 2
The resistance to stretching is provided by fibers of the fabric, and a tension force required to overcome the resistance to stretching the fabric is greater than a force required to cause the fabric to give up its mechanical slack
Data Source
AI summary
An example softgood includes a fabric constructed using a knit pattern, and the fabric being configured to elongate along an axis. The fabric is configured to give up its mechanical slack that exists as a result of the knit pattern, whereby giving up the mechanical slack causes the fabric to be extended up to a length along the axis. The fabric is also configured to resist stretching to a longer length after the fabric has been extended up to the length along the first axis. The resistance to stretching is provided by fibers of the fabric, and a tension force required to overcome the resistance to stretching the fabric is greater than a force required to cause the fabric to give up its mechanical slack. The example softgood also includes an embedded conductive trace configured to have a maximum operating length that is at least equal to the length.