Washable Textile Connector With Detachable Watertight Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies in clothing textiles, particularly those with luminous elements, are not washable and can malfunction due to mechanical and thermal stress during industrial washing processes, making them unsuitable for replacement of individual components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable and watertight connector system with interchangeable electrical components, including a plug-in system that allows for the connection and disconnection of electrical consumers, ensuring the system remains intact during washing and drying processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are permanently integrated into the textile, then the electrical assembly maintains stable connection, but the components cannot be replaced and the system cannot withstand washing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical assembly is divided into separate modular components: a first electrical component (light module) and a second electrical component (connector with cable). These segments can be independently replaced, with the light module being detachable from the connector, enabling component replacement while maintaining connection stability through the standardized connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is integrated into the textile structure, with the cable running through the textile and the connector body embedded or attached to the textile. The light module connects to this integrated connector, creating a nested arrangement where the detachable light module interfaces with the permanently integrated connector system.
2Reliability
If electrical components are permanently integrated into the textile, then the electrical assembly maintains stable connection, but the system cannot withstand mechanical and thermal stress during washing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable electrical components (light module and connector) are extracted from the permanent textile structure and made detachable. The connector remains integrated into the textile, but the light module can be removed before washing, allowing the textile and remaining components to withstand washing processes without damage to sensitive electrical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical assembly transitions from a static permanent integration to a dynamic configuration where components can be attached and detached. The connector maintains a permanent connection to the textile while the light module can be dynamically connected or removed based on washing requirements, adapting the system's integrity to different operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows frequent detachment and reattachment, then component replacement is enabled, but the risk of moisture ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with built-in sealing elements (sealing rings, gaskets, or waterproof membranes) that are pre-installed to prevent moisture ingress. The connection interface includes overlapping flanges or interlocking structures that create moisture barriers before detachment occurs, allowing frequent component replacement while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates flexible sealing elements such as elastomeric sealing rings or thin film membranes that conform to the connection interface. These flexible sealing components maintain their sealing function through repeated attachment and detachment cycles while preventing moisture from penetrating the connector interior.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washable electrical plug system for textiles, wherein the plug system (10) is designed for the detachable connection of electrical components and comprises the following: - a first plug (20) with a plug body (21), which has a plug-in section (30) on a first side (22) and a receiving section (40) designed to correspond to the plug-in section (30) on an opposite second side (24), wherein at least one contact socket (32, 34) is provided on one of the plug-in section (30) and the receiving section (40), and at least one contact pin (42, 44) designed to correspond to the contact socket (32, 34) is provided on the other of the plug-in section (30) and the receiving section (40), and wherein an electrically conductive cable (51, 52) projects from the plug body (21), which is electrically connected to the contact socket (32, 34) and/or to the contact pin (42, 44). - a second plug (20'),which is structurally identical to the first plug (20) and which can be releasably inserted into the receiving section (40) of the first plug (20) along an assembly direction with its plug-in section (30'), - a holder (60) which, in an assembly position of the first and second plugs (20, 20'), can be brought into direct or indirect contact with the first side (22) of the plug body (21) of the first plug (20) and with the second side (24') of the plug body (21') of the second plug (20') and is designed to hold or fix the first plug (20) and the second plug (20') in the assembly position.