Wearable LED Chain Controller for Modular Fabric Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewable LEDs face challenges in being easily integrated into fabric due to planar layout issues and the difficulty in adding or replacing LEDs, especially with addressable smart LEDs, which require unique identifiers and shared bus systems, making large-scale clothing repairs impractical.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated lighting system with a controller and LEDs arranged in a chain, using shift registers for data management, allowing for easy addition or removal of LEDs without reconfiguration, and utilizing a single input/output wire for simplified assembly and control, enabling flexible and modular LED connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If raw LEDs are multiplexed in a grid arrangement to control a reasonable number of LEDs, then the number of control pins required is reduced, but the planar layout becomes impossible to implement on fabric without overlapping problems
Solution Approach 1:
The LED system is segmented into individual addressable LEDs connected in a chain rather than a grid, with each LED being independently controllable through the chain. This segmentation allows the LEDs to be laid out linearly on fabric without overlapping conductive traces, solving the planar layout problem while maintaining control efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional grid arrangement to a one-dimensional chain arrangement of LEDs. This dimensional change allows the LEDs to be connected in series along a linear path on the fabric surface, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer trace routing and making planar implementation feasible
2Ease of operation
If smart LEDs with unique identifiers are used to enable individual control, then addressing capability is improved, but field repair becomes essentially impossible due to the complexity of reassigning unique identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic LED detection and addressing. When LEDs are added or removed from the chain, the controller automatically detects the new configuration and reassigns addresses without requiring manual intervention or reconfiguration, enabling easy field repair and modification
Solution Approach 2:
The LED addressing system is made dynamic rather than static. The controller can dynamically detect the number of LEDs in the chain and automatically assign addresses based on the current configuration, allowing the system to adapt to changes in the LED chain without manual reconfiguration
3Manufacturing precision
If LEDs are hand-stitched one at a time to the fabric, then individual placement precision is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The LED assembly is segmented into modular units that can be pre-assembled and tested before being integrated into the final garment. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing processes and simplifies quality control while maintaining placement precision
Solution Approach 2:
LEDs and their conductive connections are prepared in advance as pre-assembled modules or strips before being attached to the fabric. This preliminary preparation allows for more efficient assembly during final integration, improving productivity without sacrificing placement precision
4Device complexity
If a shared bus system is used to connect LEDs, then wiring complexity is reduced, but each LED requires a unique identifier that complicates large-scale clothing repair
Solution Approach 1:
The data and control functions are merged into a single serial communication channel that passes through each LED in the chain. This merging eliminates the need for separate data lines to each LED while maintaining individual addressability through time-multiplexed communication, simplifying wiring without compromising repairability
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 allows for seamless integration of LEDs into wearable garments, enabling easy expansion or replacement of LEDs and eliminating the need for complex addressing, thus simplifying the assembly and control of LED systems on fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged as a chain
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinated lighting system capable of affixation to a wearable garment is provided. According to more particular aspects of the invention, the system includes: a controller and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged as a chain, at least one of the plurality of LEDs operatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to: determine at least one of (a) a quantity of the plurality of LEDs and (b) an arrangement of the plurality of LEDs; and generate one or more lighting instructions based on the at least one of (a) the quantity of the plurality of LEDs and (b) the arrangement of the plurality of LEDs. A method for providing a coordinated lighting system is also provided.