Stretchable Connector Assembly for Smart Garment Bio-Signal Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart clothing systems require additional operations to both tighten the garment and establish an electrical connection for biological data transmission, which complicates the process and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that integrates both tightening and electrical connection functions by using a counter connector with a housing that retains counter contacts, and a flexible sheet member that stretches to fit the counter connector, generating a shrinking force to establish electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tightening device with self-adherent tapes is used to closely attach electrodes to the body, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit modules and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tightening function and electrical connection function into a single integrated connector structure. The connector includes both the tightening element (hook and loop fastening components) and the electrical contact elements (first and second contacts) within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tightening devices and circuit modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical tightening through the hook and loop fastening system while also establishing electrical connections through the first and second contacts. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate tightening operation and electrical connection operation are required, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening element and electrical contacts are integrated into a single connector component that is manufactured as one unit. This merging of functions into a single component simplifies the user operation to a single step while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production processes for integrated fasteners.
3Reliability
If additional components like circuit modules and connectors are mounted on the garment, then measurement functionality is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are directly integrated into the connector structure itself, eliminating the need for separate circuit modules mounted on the garment. The first and second contacts are built-in components of the connector, reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled and improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as both the fastening mechanism and the electrical connection interface, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one universal element that performs both mechanical and electrical functions, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
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
Enables both the tightening of the garment and the establishment of electrical connections for biological data transmission with a single operation, improving the accuracy and efficiency of data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a first sheet member that has flexibility and an insulating property and is stretchable at least in the predetermined direction... with at least the first sheet member being elastically stretched in the predetermined direction, the connector is fitted to the counter connector, and due to a shrinking force generated at the first sheet member, the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A connector includes a first contact and a second contact spaced from each other, and a first sheet member that has flexibility and an insulating property and is stretchable, a base end of the first sheet member being configured to be mounted on a mounting object at a position opposite from the second contact with respect to the first contact, a distal end of the first sheet member having the first contact retained therein, the second contact being configured to be retained by the mounting object via a flexible second sheet member or directly retained by the mounting object, with at least the first sheet member being elastically stretched, the connector being fitted to the counter connector, the first contact and the second contact being electrically connected to the counter first contact and the counter second contact due to a shrinking force generated at the first sheet member.