Washable Intelligent Garment Interconnection Patch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensor systems face limitations in connectivity due to clip buttons made of conductive materials, restricting the number and types of interconnections between textile sensors and electronic modules, necessitating improved connectivity solutions for intelligent garments and multi-parameter monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A washable interconnection patch and male-female connector assembly using a textile-covered cable with spring-loaded electrical pins and optical connections, made from materials like silicone and rubber, allowing for flexible and secure connections without heat damage to sensitive textiles, and enabling simultaneous recording and wireless transmission of physiological signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clip buttons made of conductive material are used for connecting textile sensors to electronic modules, then electrical connection is achieved, but the number and types of interconnections are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female components with distinct functions. The female connector remains integrated in the electronic module while the male connector is attached to the textile sensor assembly via a cable, allowing independent optimization of each component and enabling multiple connection types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system is designed to support multiple interconnection types including electrical contacts, optical fibers, and hydraulic conduits within a single integrated assembly. This multi-functional approach allows the same connector structure to handle various signal and power transmission needs simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then connection is achieved, but heat damage occurs to sensitive textiles
Solution Approach 1:
A cable assembly acts as an intermediary between the textile sensor and electronic module, containing the connector components separate from the textile fabric. This isolation prevents heat from manufacturing processes from directly contacting and damaging the sensitive textile sensors while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
3Reliability
If the garment is made washable, then hygiene and durability are improved, but electronic components may be damaged by water
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a washable textile sensor garment and a separate electronic module with waterproof connector. The female connector integrated in the electronic module is designed to be water-resistant, while the male connector on the textile side can be washed. This separation allows the textile portion to be machine-washed while protecting the electronics from water damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more interconnection types are added to the connector, then versatility is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple interconnection types including electrical contacts, optical fibers, and hydraulic conduits are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This consolidation allows diverse signal and power transmission capabilities while maintaining a unified, manageable connector structure rather than requiring separate connectors 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
The solution provides enhanced mobility and quality of signal recording during various activities, reduces power consumption, and allows for simultaneous encoding and transmission of multiple physiological signals, while being washable and resistant to environmental and chemical degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The device starts recording the physiological signals automatically from the sensors upon complete connection of the male connector within the female connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present relates to a washable interconnection patch, a connection assembly, and an intelligent washable garment equipped therewith. The patch receives and interconnects wires to a cable. The patch comprises two matching pieces interlocking together so as to define there between two opposite apertures. One of the apertures is adapted to receive and hold the wires, and the other aperture is adapted to receive and hold the cable. One of the two matching pieces defines on an interior face a channel to interconnect the wires to the cables. The connection assembly comprises a male connector and a female connector. The male connector defines a series of independent connection points along a length thereof. The female connector is adapted to receive the male connector, and defines along a length of an inner surface thereof a series of contact points. When the male connector is inserted within the female connector, the connection points and the contact points are aligned and in contact together.