Stretchable Connector Assembly for Smart Garment Electrode Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart clothing systems require additional operations to both tighten the garment and establish an electric connection for biological data measurement, which complicates the process and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that integrates both tightening and electrical connection functions by using a housing with rigid and insulating properties, featuring flexible sheet members that stretch to fit a counter connector, allowing simultaneous electrical connection and garment tightening through a shrinking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tightening device is attached to the garment to closely attach electrodes to the body, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tightening function and electrical connection function into a single integrated connector. The connector includes both a tightening member that applies force to tighten the garment and contact members that establish electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate tightening devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If separate tightening operation and electrical connection operation are required, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates tightening and electrical connection operations into a single action. When the connector is attached to the counter connector, the tightening member automatically tightens the garment while the contact members simultaneously establish electrical connections, allowing both functions to be achieved in one operation without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to automatically perform both tightening and electrical connection functions when attached to the counter connector. The structural design ensures that the act of attachment itself generates the tightening force and establishes electrical contacts without requiring separate manual operations, making the system self-sufficient and easier to use
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are mounted on the garment, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines multiple functions (tightening and electrical connection) into a single integrated component that can be mounted as one unit on the garment. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be attached and wired during manufacturing, simplifying the production process while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it tightens the garment to ensure electrode contact, establishes electrical connections between the electrodes and external devices, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces manufacturing complexity compared to mounting separate specialized components for each function
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 accurate and efficient acquisition of biological data by simplifying the process of connecting electrodes to a counter connector, ensuring high accuracy and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
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 to the counter first contact and the counter second contact
Data Source
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.