Transceiver network fabric comprising micro-magnets and micro-coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garments with movement sensors lack the ability to seamlessly integrate sensors into the fabric, limiting their functionality and comfort in applications like virtual or augmented reality systems.
Innovation Solution
A fabric with embedded micro-magnets, micro-coils, and switches that generate signals when moved relative to a magnetic field, allowing for bidirectional communication and force feedback, enabling the transmission of movement data and sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movement sensors are integrated into garments, then functionality for virtual/augmented reality is improved, but comfort and seamless integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (micro-magnets, micro-coils, switches, and conductive fibers) directly into the fabric structure itself, creating an integrated textile that functions as both clothing and movement sensor array. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor attachments, thereby improving functionality while maintaining comfort through seamless integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible micro-coils and thin-film micro-magnets that can be woven or knitted into the fabric structure. These flexible components conform to the garment's shape and movement, enabling accurate motion detection without restricting wearer comfort or creating rigid structures that would compromise ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If micro-coils and micro-magnets are integrated into fabric, then movement detection capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into discrete, modular units (individual micro-coils and micro-magnets) that are distributed throughout the fabric. Each unit independently detects local movement, and the collective data from multiple segmented sensors provides comprehensive motion detection capability while simplifying the overall system architecture through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric integrates multiple functional elements (conductive fibers for signal transmission, micro-magnets for magnetic field generation, micro-coils for motion sensing, and switches for signal control) into a single multi-functional textile structure. This universal design achieves enhanced movement detection capability while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If hard wires are woven into fabric for transceiver connection, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signaling function with the fabric structure by weaving conductive fibers directly into the textile during the manufacturing process. This integration combines the structural and signaling functions into a single manufacturing step, improving signal transmission reliability through direct wired connections while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard textile production techniques.
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 enhances the immersive experience by allowing for the detection of a wide range of frequencies and providing directional force feedback, making it suitable for applications in virtual reality and enhancing the sensory experience of wearers.
Implementation Method 1
relative movement of the micro-coils with respect to a local magnet field generates signals
Implementation Method 2
signals received by the transceiver can activate the micro-coils to create a signal that generates movement of the coil with respect to nearby magnets to create tension and compression within the fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric comprising micro-magnets, micro-coils of conductive material within an electric-insulating coating and an array of switches for selectively switching micro-coils on and off, such that relative movement of the micro-coils with respect to a local magnet field generates signals that are transmittable to a receiver, and signals received can switch coils on to detect relative movement of the coil with respect to nearby magnets to create tension and compression within the fabric.