Method of making an electronically active textile article

摘要

A method of making articles from electrically active textiles. First and second fabric pieces include conductors therein. A seam is established between the first and second fabric pieces. A determination is made, at the seam, based on one or more predetermined factors, which conductors of the first fabric piece intersect or overlap with which conductors of the second fabric piece. At the seam, an electrical and mechanical connection is formed between select conductors of the first fabric piece and select conductors of the second fabric piece.

主权项

1. A method of making an electrically active article, the method comprising:
wrapping one or more insulated wires about a fiber including a polymeric material to render said fiber a conductor; weaving a plurality of said conductors into a fabric; cutting said fabric into pieces according to a pattern; assembling said pieces together via seams to form a garment or article; and electrically connecting at least select conductors at a seam by:
laying the seam on a platen,applying an ultrasonic horn to at least a portion of the seam,applying pressure to the ultrasonic horn,energizing the ultrasonic horn to bare wires and to melt the polymeric material,deenergizing the ultrasonic horn, andallowing the polymeric material to cool encapsulating the wires.