Stretchable Fabric Band with Embedded Sensor Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric-based wearable items with sensing circuitry face challenges in gathering accurate measurements, interacting with external equipment, and maintaining cleanliness, especially when exposed to high temperatures or stretching.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable fabric band with integrated sensor circuitry, supercapacitors, and conductive strands that can withstand high temperatures and stretching, allowing for accurate measurement gathering and wireless communication, while being easy to clean and durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fabric-based items include sensing circuitry and electrical components, then measurement accuracy and functionality are improved, but durability under high temperature and stretching conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the substrate for sensing circuitry, allowing the circuit to bend and stretch with the fabric while maintaining electrical connectivity. The FPC is embedded within layers of stretchable fabric, creating a flexible assembly that can withstand deformation without breaking circuit traces or damaging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials with different properties: stretchable fabric for mechanical flexibility, FPC for electrical connectivity, heat-resistant coatings for thermal protection, and various fastening mechanisms. This composite structure allows each material to address specific requirements while working together to solve the overall contradiction between flexibility and durability.
2Ease of operation
If fabric-based items are designed to withstand high temperatures during laundering, then ease of cleaning is improved, but the risk of damage to electrical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates thermal protection measures before the item undergoes laundering. Heat-resistant coatings are applied to electrical components and the FPC substrate beforehand, creating a protective barrier that cushions against thermal stress during subsequent high-temperature washing cycles, preventing damage while allowing easy cleaning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive strands are provided with more slack than strengthening strands, then flexibility and stretchability are improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different elements within the fabric structure. Strengthening strands are made taut to provide structural support and maintain fabric integrity, while conductive strands are given more slack to allow flexibility and electrical functionality. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the fabric to simultaneously achieve strength and flexibility.
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 solution enables accurate health data collection, reliable wireless communication, and durability, ensuring the fabric-based item can be laundered and reused without damage, while maintaining effective sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A coil formed from conductive strands in the fabric-based item may be used by wireless power receiving circuitry in the fabric-based item to receive wireless power
Implementation Method 2
The stretchable band may be formed from a ring-shaped strip of stretchable fabric having an opening configured to fit around a body part of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric-based item may be provided with a stretchable band. The stretchable band may be formed from a ring-shaped strip of stretchable fabric having an opening configured to fit around a body part of a user. Circuitry may be coupled to strands of material in the stretchable band. The circuitry may include sensor circuitry for making measurements on the body part such as electrocardiogram measurements, blood pressure measurements, and respiration rate measurements. Wireless communications circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to communicate wirelessly with external electronic equipment. A wireless power transmitting device may transmit wireless power. A coil formed from conductive strands in the fabric-based item may be used by wireless power receiving circuitry in the fabric-based item to receive the wireless power. The coil may have one or more turns that run around the ring-shaped strip of stretchable fabric.