Switchable Electromagnetic Shield for Textile Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic shields, such as Faraday cages, can be uncomfortable and complex when used in daily applications, particularly when switching between shielding configurations, and are not easily adaptable to larger spaces like rooms or buildings.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic shield with a switching assembly that allows electrically conductive elements to switch between open and shorted configurations, enabling adjustable electromagnetic shielding effectiveness without physical movement, integrated into fabrics like denim for ease of use and assembly on various articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Faraday cage is used to provide electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and user comfort deteriorate due to rigid structure and inability to switch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the electromagnetic shield to switch between different configurations (shielded and unshielded states) through a switching assembly that can change the electrical connectivity of conductive elements. This transforms a static Faraday cage into a dynamic system that can adapt its shielding behavior based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining shielding effectiveness and reducing structural complexity for daily use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical connectivity parameter of the conductive elements through the switching assembly. By changing the connectivity state (connected vs. disconnected) of the conductive elements, the shield can transition between providing electromagnetic shielding and allowing signal transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining constant shielding and enabling operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If a Faraday cage is used to block electromagnetic radiation, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as devices must be extracted from the shield to function
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly enables dynamic control of the shielding state, allowing users to switch between secured (shielded) and operational (unshielded) modes without physically removing devices. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining data security when needed while enabling seamless device operation when required, eliminating the need to extract devices from the shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality by integrating the switching capability directly into the shield structure, allowing users to control the shielding state through the switching assembly without needing to manually remove or reposition devices. This enhances ease of operation while maintaining security capabilities.
3Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used to enable switching of conductive mesh, then switching reliability is improved, but comfort and adaptability deteriorate due to rigidity and discomfort for pocket placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible conductive elements and a adaptable support structure that can conform to various shapes and be comfortably placed in pockets. The switching assembly is integrated into this flexible framework, maintaining switching reliability while eliminating the discomfort associated with rigid structures. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable switching without compromising user comfort or adaptability to different form factors.
4Reliability
If conductive elements are continuously connected to provide shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly enables periodic or on-demand activation of the shielding function rather than continuous connection. The conductive elements can be electrically connected only when shielding is required, and disconnected when not needed, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining shielding effectiveness when actively used. This resolves the contradiction between continuous shielding and energy efficiency.
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 shield can be easily switched between different shielding behaviors, providing adjustable electromagnetic shielding effectiveness for various frequencies, enhancing comfort and usability while being adaptable to diverse applications from personal items to larger spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic shields are typically used for reducing the electromagnetic field in a space region by blocking the field with a barrier made of an electrically conductive material
Implementation Method 2
The presence of an electrical field, external to the Faraday cage, causes the electric charges within the cage's conducting material to be distributed such that they cancel the field's effect in the cage's interior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
It is disclosed an electromagnetic shield (1) and a related method for providing electromagnetic shielding wherein the shield comprises a shielding surface provided with a plurality of electrically conductive elements (2), said plurality of electrically conductive elements (2) being electrically connected to a switching assembly (3) configured to switch said electromagnetic shield (1) between an open configuration, wherein said electrically conductive elements (2) are electrically insulated from one another, and a shorted configuration wherein said electrically conductive elements (2) are electrically connected to each other at a common node (C). When the electrically conductive elements (2) of the electromagnetic shield (1) are switched between the open and shorted configurations, a change of the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) occurs. The electromagnetic shield (1) can be used for providing a shielding textile fabric (12), or an article that may comprise the electromagnetic shield (1) in form of a pocket preferably made with the shielding fabric (12).