Wearable Article Recess for Electronics Module Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable articles with sensing components face issues such as the electronics module sliding out of position due to wearer motion, leading to disrupted communication with sensing components, and lack of effective attachment mechanisms that do not require metal fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A wearable article design featuring a recess in the flexible material to securely seat the electronics module, preventing sliding and using an attachment mechanism like a pressure membrane or magnet to keep it in place, along with conductive regions on opposing surfaces of the sensing component for improved electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronics module is removably coupled to the wearable article, then ease of operation and communication are improved, but the module may slide out of position due to wearer motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of coupling electronics moduleVSAvoidposition stability of electronics module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable article is divided into separate functional layers: a flexible material layer with integrated sensing components and a removable electronics module. This segmentation allows the module to be easily coupled and decoupled while maintaining stable positioning through the recess structure during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronics module is nested within a recess in the flexible material layer, creating a contained space that restricts movement. The interface elements of the module fit into corresponding recesses in the flexible material, providing mechanical containment without permanent attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If metal fasteners are used to secure the electronics module, then position stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stability of electronics moduleVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional metal fasteners with a mechanical interference fit system. The recess in the flexible material layer and the corresponding interface elements create a non-metallic mechanical connection that provides sufficient holding force without requiring screws, clips, or other fastening hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible material layer itself serves as the structural element providing positioning through its recesses. This flexible shell approach eliminates the need for rigid metal fasteners, integrating the positioning function directly into the flexible material structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If separate conductive elements are used for electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity of wearable article

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive pathways are merged directly into the flexible material layer during its manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for separate conductive elements and their associated assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible material layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural flexible substrate, contains the recesses for module positioning, and incorporates the conductive pathways for electrical connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230145601A1Wearable Article, Assembly, and Method of Making the Same

Publication Date: 2023.05.11 PREVAYL INNOVATIONS LIMITED

AI summary

A first layer (301) has an outer surface (302) facing away from the wearer and an inner surface (304) facing towards the wearer. The first layer (301) comprises a recess (303a, 303b). A sensing component (100a, 100b) is attached to he inner surface (304) and comprises fabric base component (101) and first and second conductive regions (109a, 109b, 111a, 111b). The base component (101) has an outer surface (105) facing the inner surface (304) and an inner surface (103) facing towards the wearer. The first conductive region (109a, 109b) is provided on the inner surface (103) and forms an electrode. The second conductive region (111a, 111b) is provided on the outer surface (105). The second conductive region (111a, 111b) is aligned with the recess (303a, 303b) in the first layer of material (301) and forms a connection terminal for connecting with an interface element of an electronics module (200).