Stretchable Capacitive Sensor Apparel with Integrated LED Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor-integrated apparel systems face challenges such as significant weight, softness, and flexibility impacts, as well as the need for disassembly for washing, while also lacking efficient methods for providing targeted illumination based on user biometric data.
Innovation Solution
The integration of stretchable capacitive fabric sensors, a control module, and an illumination system, including LED modules and a flexible printed circuit board, into garments to measure biometric parameters and provide adjustable, targeted illumination based on user inputs and detected movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor systems are integrated into apparel to track movement and sense performance data, then enhanced workout experience is provided, but weight, softness, and flexibility of the apparel are significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the substrate for mounting sensors, LEDs, and electronic components. This thin film approach minimizes the added weight and maintains the flexibility and softness of the apparel, resolving the contradiction between reliable performance tracking and minimal impact on apparel properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs stretchable capacitive sensors that change their electrical parameters (capacitance) in response to mechanical deformation. This allows accurate biometric measurement while using minimal material, thus providing reliable data tracking without significantly increasing apparel weight.
2Reliability
If sensor systems are integrated into apparel to track movement and sense performance data, then enhanced workout experience is provided, but the apparel requires disassembly for washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all electronic components (sensors, LEDs, control circuitry) directly onto a flexible printed circuit board that is permanently attached to the apparel fabric. This merging of electronic systems with the apparel structure eliminates the need for separate washable and non-washable components, allowing the entire garment to be machine-washed without disassembly while maintaining performance tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible printed circuit boards with thin film construction allows the electronic components to bend and stretch with the apparel during washing and wear, preventing damage from water exposure and mechanical stress, thus enabling easy washing maintenance while preserving sensor functionality.
3Loss of information
If illumination system is added to provide targeted illumination based on biometric data, then enhanced athletic performance feedback is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural substrate, the electrical connection network, the mounting platform for sensors and LEDs, and the control circuitry carrier. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive athletic performance feedback through integrated illumination and sensing while minimizing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate structural and electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capacitive sensors to detect biometric parameters (such as muscle contraction), processes this information through control circuitry on the FPC, and provides immediate visual feedback through LEDs. This closed-loop feedback mechanism delivers real-time athletic performance information while keeping the system simple through direct integration on the flexible circuit board.
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 enables enhanced athletic performance monitoring and feedback through accurate biometric data collection and adjustable illumination, while maintaining garment flexibility and ease of washing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system includes at least one stretchable capacitive fabric sensor integrated onto the garment so as to measure at least one biometric parameter of the user when the garment is worn
Implementation Method 2
The illumination system includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) module and is configured to provide illumination to a designated area
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrating and using sensor system in articles of apparel are provided. The system may include an apparel piece sized and dimensioned to be worn on a user and a sensor system integrated with the apparel piece. The sensor system may include at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the apparel piece so as to measure a biometric parameter of the user when the apparel piece is worn, an illumination system configured to provide illumination in a specified illumination area based on the measured biometric parameter of the user, and a control module to control one or more settings of the illumination system.