CN116709941A - Apparel with controllable displacement system - Google Patents

Abstract

A support garment may include a textile layer forming a support region configured to adjustably allow or inhibit displacement of a body portion of a wearer located adjacent to or near the support region. The garment may include electro-adhesive clutch means to assist in controlling displacement. In one example, the garment includes an undergarment or a portion thereof.

Description

Apparel with controllable displacement system

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/132265, filed December 30, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/164146, filed March 22, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety here.

Background technique

Apparel such as bras, tops, bottoms, bodysuits, leggings, underwear, hats or other head coverings, etc. may be configured to provide support to the wearer during various activities. Such apparel can be configured to accommodate differences in body size and shape, and can be configured for specific activities. Some apparel may have limited adjustment mechanisms or fit.

Contents of the invention

The present inventors have recognized that there is a need, inter alia, to improve the fit and function of apparel, such as bras, corsets and various other garments, underwear or base layers (also referred to herein as support garments), hats, helmets, head coverings, shoes and other apparel. One example includes adaptive bras, which can provide a customized fit to individual body contours and can be automatically or manually adjusted to accommodate different dynamic conditions (such as changes in activity levels).

For example, an adaptable bra can be variably adjusted across a range of settings from maximum comfort to maximum breast support as the wearer transitions from rest to vigorous activity. Adaptive bras can also be dynamically adjusted using self-adjusting mechanisms coupled to motion sensors to inhibit unwanted movement of the breasts during activities such as running. Adaptive apparel such as adaptive tights, athletic supports, or other items discussed below can also provide dynamic support, with the potential to improve performance or reduce the likelihood of injury. Adjustable compression sleeves can help restore or support the body during certain activities. Many examples of the various support apparel presented herein are discussed in the disclosure below.

The term "support garment" as used herein is intended to include any number of support garments such as bras, sports bras, tank tops, tank tops with built-in support, swimwear tops, tights, base layers, tights, leggings, athletic support and other styles or types of support garments for supporting body tissue (such as breast tissue) and/or other parts of the wearer's body. Support garments may also include undergarments, bodysuits, leggings, base layers (eg, tight tops or bottoms), sleeves, and the like. Additionally, the term "support region" as used herein is intended to include any type of structure that contacts or is intended to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's breasts and/or other parts of the wearer's body when the support garment is worn , including but not limited to reproductive organs. In an example aspect, for a typical wearer, the support garment includes a first breast-contacting surface configured to contact or be adjacent to, for example, the wearer's right breast and a second breast-contacting surface configured to contact or be adjacent to, for example, the wearer's left breast. In an example aspect, the support garment includes separate distinct cups (e.g., molded or unmolded), each cup includes a breast contacting surface, and each cup is configured to cover or wrap a separate breast, or the support garment may include a separate breast A single or continuous strip of material that touches the wearer's breasts. In an example, a support garment may include a male cup-shaped contact surface configured to contact or be adjacent to, for example, a wearer's lower genitalia. While most of the examples discussed here involve adaptive bras, the principles can be applied to a variety of other supportive garments, including but not limited to compression bodysuits, compression sleeves, or athletic supports (often referred to as crotch pads or cups).

The inventors have also recognized that there is a particular need to dynamically modify the support provided by certain types of support garments based on changes in activity levels. The need for modified support stems from long-term comfort and improved function during activity. Accordingly, the systems and methods discussed herein may include an activity sensor, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a global positioning sensor (GPS), or a heart rate monitor, etc., in communication with a control circuit that communicates to the adaptive support including the adaptive engine. The apparel sends commands to facilitate automatic changes in support, for example based on detected changes in activity level or changes in position or acceleration or deceleration. This system provides the wearer with all-day comfort without compromising performance. Without the systems, methods and devices discussed herein, the wearer may otherwise need to change the support garment for different activities, or make multiple manual adjustments.

Activity sensors discussed herein may include any sensor that provides an indication of a user's level of physical activity, as well as any sensor that provides an indication of forces (eg, dynamic or static) exerted on an adaptive support garment during use. Sensors can be embedded in the adaptive support garment to provide data related to the forces exerted on parts of the support structure, such as straps, laces, cables or areas of fabric. Specific sensors such as strain gauges or tensile capacitive sensors are discussed below.

The inventors have recognized that inter alia, problems to be solved include controlling or avoiding substantial charge accumulation in electrostatic or electroadhesive systems. Issues may include driving such systems with relatively large amplitude voltage signals, as well as avoiding dielectric absorption in the electrodes or in dielectric components of the system itself. The concern may also include reducing power consumption and minimizing the risk of stray electric fields or currents at or near the system. The problem also includes providing a clutch system that can be actuated rapidly to prevent or dampen oscillatory, rapidly changing or repetitive body movements. The problem may include charging and discharging the clutch system over thousands or millions of cycles, such as at a rate of at least about 100 cycles per minute or more, without degradation of clutch or shear forces over time. In other words, the problem may include providing a robust clutch system that can be actuated multiple times in rapid succession.

This section is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information.

Description of drawings

For ease of discussion to identify any particular element or act, the most significant digit in a reference number refers to the figure number in which that element was first introduced.

Figure 1A generally illustrates portions of a system that may include an adaptive support garment.

Figure IB generally illustrates portions of a system that may include an adaptive support garment.

Figure 1C generally shows a block diagram of some components of the adaptive support system.

Figure 2A generally shows a schematic top view of an electroadhesive first clutch system.

Figure 2B generally shows a side view of the electroadhesive first clutch system.

FIG. 2C generally illustrates an example of a portion of a first clutch system.

Figure 3 generally illustrates an example of an electroadhesive system, such as may include or include a first clutch system.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates an example of a second clutch system.

FIG. 5 generally shows an example of the first clutch control method.

FIG. 6 generally shows examples of diagrams that graphically illustrate examples of control of the clutch system.

7A, 7B, and 7C generally illustrate examples of cross-sectional views of different electrode assemblies of a clutch system.

8A and 8B generally illustrate examples of top views of different electrode assemblies for a clutch system.

9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D generally illustrate top views of examples of various electrode assembly components or assemblies.

10A, 10B, and 10C include views of examples of encapsulants for electroadhesive clutch devices.

Figure 10D shows an aspect of the tube with a clutch activity indicator.

Figure 10E generally illustrates an example of an electroluminescent display.

FIG. 11 generally shows an example of a wrapping method.

12A and 12B include simplified side view examples of a bonding interface between a conductive member and an encapsulant for a clutch device.

12C-12K generally illustrate an example of a method for interfacing an electrode assembly with a substrate.

13A and 13B generally illustrate views of apparel examples.

Figure 13C generally illustrates an example of a garment control unit.

Figures 13D and 13E generally show views of different apparel examples.

Figure 14 generally illustrates an example of a supportive garment assembly and method of use.

Figure 15 generally shows an example of a first graph displaying tissue displacement and acceleration information.

Figure 16 generally shows an example of a second graph displaying tissue displacement and acceleration information.

Figure 17 includes an electroadhesive system configured for footwear according to some embodiments.

18A-18G generally illustrate examples of articles of apparel having one or more apertures controlled by electroadhesive clutches.

Figure 19 generally shows an example of a ventilation method.

20A and 20B illustrate examples of an article of apparel in relaxed and stretched configurations, respectively.

20C generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an article of apparel with a clutch system.

21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate examples of clutch systems used in or with sleeves of an article of apparel.

22A generally illustrates an example of an article of apparel including a pocket with an access controllable by an electroadhesive clutch device.

Figure 22B generally shows a view of an open pocket showing an electrode configuration for an electroadhesive clutch device.

23 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device capable of performing aspects of the various techniques discussed herein.

Detailed ways

The following description describes systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences and computer program products that illustrate example embodiments of the subject matter. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the subject matter may be practiced without some or other of these specific details. Examples merely represent possible variations. Unless expressly stated otherwise, structure (e.g. structural elements such as modules, devices, systems or parts thereof) are optional and may be combined or subdivided and operations (e.g. in procedures, algorithms or other functions) may be implemented in Variations in sequence are either combined or subdivided.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device, such as may be used as a clutch. In general, clutching refers herein to a device capable of being selectively or controllably actuated to achieve a particular one of a number of different states or configurations, including at least "on" and "off" states. For example, in an "on" state, one or more components of the clutch may maintain a particular orientation, shape or configuration, eg, relative to at least one other component of the clutch. In the "off" state, one or more parts of the clutch can be relaxed or released, thereby providing a relatively compliant configuration in which one or more parts of the device can move relative to another part of the clutch.

In an example, a clutch may be coupled to or integrated with another object, such as a piece of clothing or a machine. In an example, a clutch system or device may include a first electrode assembly including a first conductive portion at least partially covered by a first dielectric insulator and a second electrode assembly including a first conductive portion at least partially covered by a second electrode assembly. The second conductive portion covered by a dielectric insulator. The clutch can include an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to the first and second conductive portions of the electrode assembly, respectively, and the first and second signals can include alternating current (AC) signals. Corresponding opposite polarity part. The first and second electrode assemblies may be arranged in an at least partially overlapping configuration, for example on or along their respective surfaces comprising the first and second dielectric insulators. When an AC signal is applied and provided to the conductive portion of the electrode assembly, relative motion between the electrode assemblies can be inhibited or prevented. Relative motion between the electrode assemblies is enabled when the AC signal is de-energized or removed from the conductive portion of the electrode assemblies.

As a result, technical problems can be solved, including managing or avoiding bulk charge or dielectric absorption in electrostatic or electroadhesive systems, for example by using one or more AC drive signals instead of DC drive signals, which can adversely affect the dielectric Absorption effects, which in turn may adversely affect the performance of the clutch system.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device, such as may include a clutch device having a planar conductive member and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the conductive member. . The housing may include, inter alia, a flexible polymer substrate disposed adjacent to at least a first surface of the conductive member, and a first portion disposed adjacent to an opposite second surface of the conductive member and a first side edge of the conductive member disposed and coupled to the flexible polymer substrate. The dielectric member of the second portion of the substrate.

Technical issues that may include suppressing or preventing stray electric fields or currents from exiting the clutch device may be addressed at least in part through the use of hardware, such as a housing for one or more conductive members of the clutch device. The housing may comprise one or more different materials, for example may have different dielectric properties, and in some examples may partially or fully encapsulate the conductive members.

Electroadhesive devices, or components thereof, can be adapted for use with textiles and other materials that make up articles of apparel. That is, the device or components thereof may conform to a body part, such as a limb, and be configured to bend without breaking. For example, the device or components thereof may be configured to bend, shape and/or conform to various shapes and configurations of the user's body as the user moves. In some embodiments, the flexibility of a device or component thereof is measured by flexural or flexural modulus, which is a standardized measure of stiffness when a force is applied to a material. As described herein, a flexible material is flexible as defined by the ASTM D790 or ISO 178 standards. Flexural modulus expresses the ability of a material to bend, for example in megapascals (N/mm ² ). This is a measure of the material's stiffness when a force is applied perpendicular to the long side of the sample, known as a three-point bend test. Materials that lack rigidity are considered flexible. The flexural modulus is represented by the slope of the initial straight-line portion of the stress-strain curve and is calculated by dividing the change in stress by the corresponding change in strain. The ratio of stress to strain is a measure of flexural modulus. The various components of the electroadhesive devices discussed here can use materials with a flexural modulus between 0.3 and 10 MPa, such as polyethylene terephthalate or acrylonitrile butadiene.

Furthermore, the present inventors have recognized the problem of maintaining the operational integrity of electroadhesion systems, especially where wet environments are involved. Electroadhesive systems used to prevent or dampen body motion oscillations can be placed close to the wearer's body and a protective mechanism can be provided to separate the electroadhesive system from those prone to sweat, tears, environmental moisture such as rain, hail, snow or fog and other water-based fluids from the wearer.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device, such as a clutch having one or more components disposed in a waterproof housing. Electronic devices can benefit from mechanisms that prevent water or moisture from entering or contacting sensitive areas or components of the electronic device. Additionally, the waterproof shell can be flexible to allow for the mobility suggested by electroadhesion, and can be configured to integrate with an item of apparel.

For example, an electroadhesive clutch device in a waterproof housing could be fitted to various items of clothing, including sports bras, tights, and athletic supports that are susceptible to sweat and moisture. These articles of apparel benefit from the flexibility provided by the shell and the selective movement capabilities provided by the electroadhesive clutch.

As a result, technical problems that may include electronic devices that are susceptible to water and moisture, etc., may be at least partially addressed by enclosing the electronic device within a waterproof and flexible package. The housing may comprise one or more different materials and, in some examples, may partially or fully encapsulate the conductive members of the clutch device.

The article of apparel may also include an accelerometer placed within the housing. The accelerometer is configured to measure motion of the body to which the electroadhesive clutch device is coupled, and the electrical signal generator is configured to generate a signal based on the measured motion. The accelerometer may also be configured to measure a magnitude of acceleration of at least a portion of the clutch arrangement, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to generate a signal having a magnitude and/or frequency characteristic based at least in part on the magnitude of acceleration.

The inventors have recognized that another problem to be solved involves managing the periodic up and down movement of body mass in motion. Repetitive motion strains the body, leading to physical damage and associated pain. Specifically, Cooper's ligaments, found in breast tissue, can be strained when the breast undergoes cyclic, repetitive movements without proper support. Also, breast sagging can develop over time when the Cooper's ligament is strained or damaged or fails to support the breast tissue.

In addition, male reproductive organs undergo similar cyclical movements, which can cause damage to the organ after prolonged exercise, which can also lead to pain. Other body parts of a person may experience similar strains, such as feet, knees, elbows, and back.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive clutch, such as an article of apparel having a support region configured to selectively tighten and loosen. The article of apparel may include, among other things, a textile layer for the support area, a strap surrounding the electroadhesive clutch, and a signal generator that provides one or more signals to the electroadhesive clutch.

Thus, technical problems that may include, inter alia, damping or preventing up-and-down movement of body mass (such as when the body is in motion) can be addressed at least in part by using hardware (such as electroadhesive clutches) in conjunction with an article of clothing having a support area that Can be selectively tightened and loosened to provide adjustable support for body mass.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device in a wearer's support garment. The support garment may include a textile layer forming a support region configured to adjustably resist displacement of a wearer's body portion located adjacent the support region. The support garment may also include a hollow strap secured to a portion of the textile layer, the hollow strap surrounding the electroadhesive clutch. The electroadhesive clutch includes a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly different from the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator. The electrical signal generator provides one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies to cause the electroadhesive clutch device to selectively adjust the amount by which the support garment permits displacement of the body portion proximate the support region. The support garment can be a sports bra and the support area can be the cups of the sports bra. In some embodiments, the hollow strap is a first hollow strap encapsulating the first electroadhesive clutch, and the support garment includes a second hollow strap enclosing the second electroadhesive clutch. Each electroadhesive clutch is secured to first and second portions of the textile layer forming the support region.

The support garment may also include a signal generator configured to provide one or more electrical signals to the first and/or second electroadhesive clutch. The first and second clutches selectively adjust the amount the support garment allows or inhibits movement of the body part. In an example, actuation of the first and second clutches may be coordinated such that they are energized or de-energized substantially simultaneously. The support garment may be an athletic support having a hollow strap secured to the right side of the textile layer forming the support area and a second hollow strap secured to the left side of the textile layer. Clutch electrodes such as those provided in each hollow strap can be individually controlled to selectively adjust the amount of body part displacement the support garment allows. In some embodiments, the support garment may include a displacement sensor for each strap configured to measure a change in length or displacement of the strap. In some embodiments, the strap is a waterproof housing.

In some embodiments, the support garment includes an accelerometer configured to measure motion of the electroadhesive clutch or the garment or body to which the clutch is coupled, and generate one or more signals based on the measured motion. The support garment may be configured to actuate or maintain a particular position or orientation when the wearer reaches or exceeds an acceleration or velocity threshold, and may be configured to relax when the wearer falls below the threshold.

Another problem to be addressed involves maintaining an optimal body temperature for the wearer of an article of apparel under various stressful conditions, including exercise, rest, and travel. Swapping between various items of clothing to suit a particular environment can be cumbersome and wasteful. A wearer may be faced with the problem of deciding which article of apparel to wear for each activity and/or environment. A wearer looking to go on a long run and then catch a flight may need to choose between tight-fitting running apparel and comfortable loungewear.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device in an article of apparel. The article of apparel includes a textile having an aperture coupled to an electroadhesive clutch device. That is, the clutch device, or components thereof, may be integrated into the article of apparel and configured to selectively allow the aperture to open and close, or to maintain the aperture in a closed configuration. The article of apparel may include an electrical signal generator configured to send one or more signals to the electroadhesive clutch device to selectively allow the aperture to open and/or close.

Therefore, technical problems such as heat trapping or perspiration in clothing without sufficient air circulation can be solved, for example, using a garment with an electroadhesive clutch system to selectively control the flow of air to the wearer. hole.

Incorporating electronics into wearable items can present various challenges. Wearable items can become wet due to environmental conditions, sweat and washing from the wearer's physical activity, and other sources of moisture. Encapsulating such electronics in a water-resistant sealant can isolate the electronics from moisture, but physically integrating the electronics into wearable items without compromising the water-resistant sealant or damaging the electronics can be challenging.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use electroadhesive clutches secured to textiles. First and second electrode assemblies having first and second conductive members, respectively, are enclosed within an elastic casing. The elastic housing forms a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the elastic housing and forms a second bond with the second conductive member near a second location of the elastic housing different from the first location. Formation of the bond between the first and second conductive members and the resilient housing provides maintenance of the housing without compromising the integrity of the first and second conductive members.

Clothing items such as hats, sleeves, etc. may not be used consistently. For example, hats can be worn during strenuous activities, where a relatively tight or snug fit helps prevent the hat from falling off the wearer's head, or during less strenuous activities, such as walking or sitting, where it is more Need to be comfortable. Additionally, such articles of apparel may be of a "one size fits all" configuration, wherein a single size fits various head sizes. However, this configuration can make the hat uncomfortable, especially for relatively large or relatively small heads.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use a textile forming an opening configured to receive a wearer's body part and an electroadhesive clutch secured to The textile extends around at least a portion of the opening. The electroadhesive clutch is configured to inhibit the opening size from increasing when the one or more signals (eg, the first and second signals) are applied to the clutch's electrode assembly, and to enable the opening size to increase when the one or more signals are not applied. Accordingly, an article of apparel may be adapted to any of a variety of use cases and to a variety of different physical attributes of a wearer of the article of apparel.

In an example, a solution to one or more of the technical problems discussed herein may include or use an electroadhesive device having a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly. The first electrode assembly includes a first conductive member and a first polymer substrate applied to the first conductive member, the first polymer substrate having a hardness greater than that of the first conductive member. The second electrode assembly includes a second conductive member and a second polymer substrate applied to the second conductive member, the hardness of the second polymer substrate is greater than that of the second conductive member, and the first and second conductive members are close to each other, The first and second polymeric substrates are remote from each other.

As a result, technical problems that can be solved include, inter alia, the tendency of the first and second conductive members to bend or fold when sliding relative to each other, for example by applying a polymer substrate to the first and second conductive members. The polymer substrate can also reduce wear on the first and second conductive members by preventing friction of the first and second conductive members on surrounding structures (eg, a watertight enclosure). By applying the first and second polymer substrates such that the first and second conductive members are in close proximity to each other, the first and second conductive members can still function as electroadhesive means while reducing the likelihood of damage to the first and second conductive members sex.

An adaptive supportive garment system dynamically changes the fit and support of an adaptive supportive garment, such as a bra or tights, in response to activity data obtained from one or more sensors worn by a user. Adaptive support systems can also include components integrated into various wearable devices, such as footwear, watches or support garments. In some examples, the adaptive support system may be controlled by a smartphone, smart watch, or similar wearable computing device that communicates wirelessly with other components of the system. In other examples, the adaptive support system is controlled by circuitry built into components integrated into the adaptive support garment and/or footwear. The following figures illustrate example systems and discuss at least some variations contemplated by the inventors.

1A-1B are illustrations of systems including adaptive support garments and associated electronic devices, according to some example embodiments. In this example, adaptive support garment system 1 includes components such as adaptive support garment 10 , shoe assembly 20 and smart watch 30 . Optionally, the adaptive support garment system 1 may also communicate with a smartphone 35 or other handheld or mobile device to control or adjust parameters. In this example, shoe assembly 20 includes activity sensor 25 and adaptive support garment 10 includes adaptive engine 15 . In this example, adaptive engine 15 is coupled to clutch system 16 (also referred to as electroadhesive clutch 16 ) that controls adaptive support structures within adaptive support garment 10 . Optionally, the system 1 may also integrate a second adaptive support garment 40, shown here as an adaptive tights.

In this example, shoe assembly 20 includes activity sensor 25, which may include sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, magnetometers, heart rate sensors, or global positioning sensors (GPS) to detect changes in activity levels. . In one example, shoe assembly 20 includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that incorporates one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other suitable sensors to provide specific force, orientation, or angular velocity changes to the body being monitored. Data from the IMU can be used to detect motion such as foot strikes or cadence. In this example, data from the activity sensor 25 is communicated to a smart watch 30 or smartphone 35 for processing to determine whether an adaptive brace needs to be changed based on the activity data from the activity sensor. In another example, activity data may be sent directly to the adaptive engine 15 for processing and determination of the required level of adaptive support.

Foot impact data may comprise a portion of a broader array of activity metrics that may be determined from sensors such as activity sensor 25 (eg, an IMU and force sensor combination). Step metrics can include individual steps or step counts. Steps may be defined for this metric based on parameters such as minimum vertical force threshold, minimum average vertical force per step, minimum step time, and maximum step time. Step metrics may also include contact time, which is calculated using the force signal per step per foot (eg, time when vertical force >50N). Another step metric is swing time, which uses the force signal to calculate swing time per step per foot (eg, when vertical force <50N until the foot produces >50N of force). Stride metrics also include cadence, which can be defined as the reciprocal of the sum of contact and swing times for each foot using force signals. Step length is another step measure calculated using the force signal (e.g. the sum of contact and swing times multiplied by the average velocity). Another measure is influence, which can be calculated in at least two ways. Shock can be a peak rate of rise in vertical ground reaction forces, or an active peak in vertical ground reaction forces. Impulse is another measure of steps per foot per step calculated using a force signal such as the integral of the magnitude of the ground reaction force. Contact is another step metric derived from motion data. For example, use IMU data sampled at 200Hz to determine the angle of the foot relative to the horizontal plane at the time of foot contact. Contact can include rear foot, mid foot and fore foot angles. Any of the stride measures discussed here can be used as activity data, or in conjunction with other activity data, to help determine activity levels, or directly to determine target support levels for adaptive support garments.

In this example, one or each of adaptability engine 15, smartwatch 30, and smartphone 35, individually or in conjunction with each other or through access to remote computing resources, includes control circuitry that processes activity data and provides The property engine 15 sends commands to change support properties as needed. Adaptive engine 15 receives commands and activates the system to adjust the adaptive support structure through interaction with clutch system 16 coupled to adaptive engine 15 .

Figure IB illustrates a user of the adaptive support apparel system transitioning between different activities that may require or benefit from various levels of support. In this example, the activity sensor 25 illustrated within the shoe assembly 20 is used to detect different activity levels, ranging from relaxed walking to the moderate exertion of doing yoga to the more extreme impact and exertion involved in running. In this example, the activity sensor 25 sends data to the control circuitry in the smart watch 30, which runs an application that determines the current activity level based on the activity data interpreted from the sensor. In some examples, smart watch 30 may also include an activity sensor that also sends activity data to control circuitry operating on smart watch 30 to provide additional activity level information, thereby notifying increases or decreases supported by adaptive The determination of the support provided by garment 10, such as an adaptable bra in this example. For example, smart watch 30 may include an integrated heart rate monitor, which may serve as additional information related to activity levels.

In the comfort zone, the adaptive garment support system 1 detects low levels of physical activity that have been determined to correspond to the level of relaxation required for the adaptive support garment. Accordingly, the control circuit commands the adaptive engine 15 to activate the adaptive support garment 10 and adjust it to a comfortable setting. A control application (eg, an application that operates the control circuitry) may include a user interface that provides the user with access to different settings of the adaptive support garment. In an example, the settings may include associating different support levels with different predefined activity levels, such as rest=comfort support level (eg, low support level) and higher impact=performance support level (eg, high support level). Other maps can be created, and a user interface can be presented to allow the user to generate custom maps, Table 1 shows an example map table for activity level-support level maps.

activity level support level Rest (no force, no impact) Comfort – Minimal Support Walking (moderate exertion, low impact) Entertainment - Moderate Support Yoga (moderate effort and impact) Exercise—enhanced support Running (high effort and impact) Performance - super support

Table 1

As shown, the user can transition from comfort to lower impact by increasing the force and/or impact detected by the activity sensor. Dynamically, control circuitry in smartwatch 30 commands adaptive engine 15 to increase the level of support provided by adaptive support garment 10 when a transition is detected. If the user returns to a comfortable level of activity (such as resting or walking), the control circuitry may command the adaptive engine 15 to relax the support level back to a comfortable support level. Alternatively, if the user increases activity by running, the system may respond dynamically with the adaptive engine 15 increasing the support level to a higher impact (performance) support level.

In some examples, the user can select from a number of different activity-related parameters (eg, heart rate, cadence, impact, etc.) and correlate different levels of each parameter with different support levels. For example, users can create classifications of running activities that use heart rate and cadence as triggers. Running activity can then be mapped to high support levels. Support levels can also be configured by associating different support structure adjustments with specific support levels, such as the clutch force or tension of the support structure.

Figure 1C is a block diagram illustrating components of an adaptive support system according to some example embodiments. Note that in this document, adaptive support systems are also referred to as adaptive support apparel systems. In this example, adaptive support system 1 includes components such as control circuitry 112 , activity sensors 120 , and adaptive engine 104 integrated within adaptive support garment 102 . Adaptive support garment 102 may include an adaptive support region 106 . The adaptable support region 106 includes one or more electroadhesive clutch devices 108 configured to selectively become static and/or elastic, and an electrical signal generator 110 that can generate a control Signal for actuation of the clutch device 108 .

In an example, adaptive support garment 102 may include or use clutch indicator 134 to provide an indication of the state or condition of clutch device 108 . For example, the clutch indicator 134 may include a tactile feedback device, a light source, or other interface device that may indicate whether the clutch device 108 is engaged or disengaged, or indicate the degree to which the clutch device 108 is engaged. The clutch indicator 134 may include circuitry or other components configured to drive the clutch indicator 134 , such as an adjustable power signal source or other signal generator.

Control circuitry 112 includes processor 114 , computer readable storage device memory 116 , and communication circuitry 118 . As noted above, in some examples, control circuitry 112 may be integrated within smart watch 30 or smartphone 35 (FIG. 1A). In those examples, the control circuit 112 is embedded in a software application running on the operating system (eg, iOS or Android) of the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 hardware. Thus, processor 114 and storage device memory 116 will be part of smartphone 35 or smartwatch 30 . In the example shown, the control circuit 112 is a stand-alone device or integrated into the adaptive support garment 102 .

Processor 114 accesses instructions stored in storage device memory 116 to process activity data received via communication circuitry 118 . Activity data may also be stored on storage device memory 116, at least during processing operations. Processor 114 also processes instructions that enable it to generate and send commands to adaptive engine 104 via communication circuitry 118 . Commands communicated to the adaptive engine 104 control the activation of the adaptive engine 104 to change the support properties of the adaptive support garment.

Control circuitry 112 receives activity data from activity sensor 120 . In this example, activity sensors 120 may include IMU 122, accelerometer 124, strain gauge 126 (eg, a capacitive-based strain gauge configured to measure displacement information), global positioning system (GPS 128), temperature sensor 130, and/or heart rate (HR sensor 132) and other sensors capable of producing data indicative of a user's activity level. Activity sensor 120 may include any combination of the listed sensors and communicate via a wireless communication link, such as LE (Low Energy), transmits the generated activity data to the control circuit 112. Furthermore, as noted above, the components of system 1 discussed above may be distributed in any combination across devices including smart watches, smartphones, shoe assemblies, or adaptive support garments (eg integrated into an adaptive engine).

The term "electroadhesion" generally refers herein to the coupling of physical objects using electrostatic forces. The electrostatic force between the objects can be selectively controlled by a controller or processor circuit that can coordinate the generation and delivery of electrical signals to different electrodes in or on the objects that couple using electrostatic forces. Engagement, coupling or adhesion between objects using electroadhesion can be controlled in terms of, for example, coupling or decoupling, or can be controlled in terms of the magnitude of clamping force or the magnitude of shear force between the objects. That is, the engagement between objects in an electroadhesive system can be controlled in a binary on/off fashion, or in terms of the relative magnitude or degree of forces that couple the objects or resist relative motion between the objects.

In an example, electrical control of electrostatic forces can provide controlled attachment or detachment of various objects. For example, electroadhesion can be used to join or hold two or more object surfaces together, and due to electrostatic forces from induced electric fields, the grip, traction or friction between the joined surfaces can be affected. In some examples, a dielectric may be provided between the joined surfaces.

Surfaces joined using electroadhesive connections can have various surface properties or characteristics. For example, surfaces with different planar uniformity or flatness properties, smoothness or roughness properties, continuity or discontinuity properties, electrical conductivity, topography, compliance or flexibility, or other properties can be addressed using electroadhesion. connect. That is, the electroadhesion devices and techniques discussed herein are not limited to specific material properties or surface characteristics, however, some materials may exhibit different electroadhesion properties than others. For example, some materials may be better configured for repeated electroadhesive coupling and decoupling, while some materials may be better configured for relative motion between different materials.

In some examples, an electroadhesive system or device can include at least one compliant or conformable electroadhesive surface that is flexible in one or more dimensions. For example, due at least in part to the compliance of the first component of the electroadhesive system, the first component may bond or cooperate more effectively with the second component, eg, may be or may include a different or less compliant surface of another device.

For example, the first electroadhesive surface may include a compliant surface portion configured to promote electroadhesive attraction substantially independently of the surface roughness of the second electroadhesive surface. That is, the first electroadhesive surface can be configured to conform to discontinuities or other imperfections in the second surface with which the first electroadhesive surface is to mate. In an example, an electroadhesive surface can be configured to conform to microscopic, mesoscopic, and/or macroscopic surface features. Under the influence of an appropriate electrical stimulus, the first electroadhesive surface can be attracted to the second electroadhesive surface, and the first electroadhesive surface can at least partially conform to the second surface by local deformation or bending. In some examples, a variety of different adhesion modes may be provided between the primary and secondary devices or surfaces to further enhance the fit between the surfaces.

In an example, an electroadhesion system can include at least one master device having one or more electrodes. Primary devices can be configured to attach or "clutch" secondary devices or targets. The secondary device may similarly have one or more electrodes. Various device electrodes can be electrically stimulated to induce electrostatic attraction relative to another electrode or device, for example when an appropriate voltage or current signal is applied to one or both devices. In some examples, polarization of the electrodes on the surface of the primary device can induce a corresponding polarization in the target device, and can thereby cause the primary and secondary devices to attach.

In an example, a controllable electroadhesive clutch system may include or use a lightweight electroadhesive film, and generally may use relatively low power electrical signals to form bonds to other surfaces and substrates, such as to other films. Many of the examples herein include or use electroadhesive clutch devices that include one or more pairs of membranes that can be electrically charged to create a force that connects the membranes together. Other electroadhesive materials may include materials other than films, or different types of electroadhesive materials (eg, films, fabrics, liquids, plastics, etc.) may similarly be used to provide the same or similar results.

FIG. 2A generally shows a schematic top view of an electroadhesive first clutch system 200 . FIG. 2B generally illustrates a side view of the electroadhesive first clutch system 200 . The side view of FIG. 2B is a partially exploded view to better illustrate the various components and features of the first clutch system 200 . An example of a first clutch system 200 includes a first electrode assembly 202 that can be selectively and controllably coupled to or decoupled from a second electrode assembly 208 using electrostatic forces. In FIG. 2B , the first electrode assembly 202 is shown proximate to, but decoupled from, the second electrode assembly 208 . That is, in FIG. 2B , the figure shows the electrode assemblies separated from each other and, for example, unaffected by electrostatic attraction.

The first electrode assembly 202 includes an electrode having a first conductive surface 204 and the second electrode assembly 208 includes an electrode having a second conductive surface 210 . The conductive surfaces may have respective portions which may be at least partially adjacent to each other. In the example of the first clutch system 200, the corresponding surface portions are shown as planar surfaces, however, other surface shapes or features (eg, rounded surfaces, sloped surfaces, etc.) may similarly be used.

In an example, an electrical signal or signals can be applied to the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 of the respective electrodes, thereby inducing an electrostatic force that can connect the surfaces together and thus the second conductive surface 204. An electrode assembly 202 and a second electrode assembly 208 are connected together. The strength of the force connecting the components depends, inter alia, on the surface area of the adjacent conductive surfaces, the magnitude of one or more electrical signals applied to the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210, the distance between the surfaces, and the distance between the conductive surfaces. The dielectric constant of any dielectric element or gap.

An example of the first clutch system 200 includes a dielectric layer between the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 . In the example of the first clutch system 200, each conductive surface is at least partially coated or covered with a dielectric insulator. In the first clutch system 200 , the first dielectric layer 206 may be disposed along a portion of the first conductive surface 204 , which may be adjacent to the second electrode assembly 208 in some orientations. The second dielectric layer 212 may be provided along a portion of the second conductive surface 210 that is adjacent to the first electrode assembly 202 , or may be adjacent to the first electrode assembly 202 at certain orientations.

In other examples, one of the conductive surfaces includes or uses a dielectric insulator and the other does not include or use a dielectric insulator. The dielectric insulator may be applied or deposited uniformly, or may be deposited in a pattern or quasi-randomly (eg, with a specific coverage per unit area) to achieve different adhesion characteristics of the first clutch system 200 . In other examples, an air gap may be provided between conductive surfaces and may include a dielectric insulator. Various spacers may be used to control the uniformity or non-uniformity of the air gap between the conductive surfaces of the first clutch system 200 . Similarly, spacers may be used to control compressive forces on dielectric members that may be provided between conductive surfaces.

In the example of the first clutch system 200 , the first electrode assembly 202 includes a first support 214 and a second support 216 at opposite lengthwise ends of the first conductive surface 204 . The supports may be configured to hold the first conductive surface 204 in a generally planar configuration, however, differently shaped or differently configured supports may similarly be used, eg, depending on the particular geometry or application of the clutch system. Similarly, the second electrode assembly 208 includes a third support 218 and a fourth support 220 at opposite lengthwise ends of the second conductive surface 210 . In examples, the supports include carbon fiber, aluminum, or other materials.

In an example, one or more supports may include conductive or non-conductive portions. In an example, the first support 214 is coupled to a first lead 224 or electrical terminal. The first support 214 may include a conductive portion, or may provide a base for a conductor that may receive an electrical signal from the first lead 224 and provide it to the first conductive surface 204 . Similarly, the third support 218 may be coupled to a second lead 226 or electrical terminal. The third support 218 may include a conductive portion, or may provide a base for a conductor that may receive an electrical signal from the second lead 226 and provide it to the second conductive surface 210 . In an example, the various supports may be coupled to their respective conductive surfaces using insulators, and electrical leads may be coupled to the conductive surfaces, eg, with or without any intermediate conductors, materials, or signal busses. For example, first support 214 may be coupled to insulator 228 , and insulator 228 may be coupled to first conductive surface 204 to electrically decouple first conductive surface 204 from first support 214 . In some examples, electrically decoupling or isolating a conductive surface from its supports may help to concentrate available electrical energy in the conductive surface rather than distributing it over a larger area, such as may include supports. In an example, insulator 228 may be an adhesive member or layer that couples the supports to their respective conductive surfaces.

An example of the first clutch system 200 includes an alignment device 222 . Alignment device 222 may be configured to couple the electrode assemblies together, eg, maintain a particular orientation or alignment of first electrode assembly 202 and second electrode assembly 208 . In some examples, alignment device 222 may include a spring, resilient member, or other extendable and retractable member that may be configured to bias first electrode assembly 202 and second electrode assembly 208 toward a particular orientation. In the example of first clutch system 200 , alignment device 222 may bias respective surface portions of first electrode assembly 202 and second electrode assembly 208 into a substantially adjacent and at least partially overlapping orientation. As used herein, substantially adjacent may mean coupled, or may mean near but not coupled or decoupled, or may mean partially coupled, or may mean close enough that electrostatic forces can be generated between surfaces, such as between surfaces There may or may not be physical contact between one or more dielectric layers provided between or between surfaces. Multiple instances of the alignment device 222 or multiple differently oriented alignment devices may be used together, for example, to help avoid bowing or warping of the conductive portion of the electrode assembly.

In an example, the conductive portion of first conductive surface 204 or second conductive surface 210 may include a conductive material that is printed, deposited, or sputtered onto a flexible or compliant substrate. For example, the conductive portion may comprise a mylar substrate coated or sputtered with aluminum. In an example, one or both electrode assemblies in the first clutch system 200 may include an insulating dielectric layer, such as a ceramic-polymer composite, disposed on aluminum sputtered biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate film or BOPET film.

In an example, a dielectric layer and/or other insulating or partially insulating dielectric portion such as first dielectric layer 206 or second dielectric layer 212 may be printed, deposited, sputtered, or otherwise applied to a film or other substrate. For example, the dielectric may comprise a substantially non-conductive printable dielectric ink or similar material, or the conductive portion may comprise a conductive printable ink or similar material. In an example, the dielectric may include a flexible or physically compliant material.

In an example, the aluminum-covered membrane can provide a conductive surface for the electrode assembly, and the polymer portion can provide a backing for the aluminum and can help strengthen the membrane to withstand forces from supports, such as when the electrode assembly is under physical strain or load . The thickness of the conductive surface or component can be varied by using different films, different amounts of polymer per unit area, or different amounts of conductive material.

The size and shape of the first electrode assembly 202 and the second electrode assembly 208 can be adjusted to suit various applications. In the example of the first clutch system 200 , the first electrode assembly 202 is shown having a first conductive surface 204 having a width that is smaller than a second conductive surface 210 of the second electrode assembly 208 . In some examples, the difference in width can be used to prevent shorts or other electrical coupling near the edges of the electrodes.

In operation, an electrical signal, such as an alternating current (AC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal, may be applied to the electrodes using the first lead 224 and the second lead 226 . In response to the applied signal, opposite charges can accumulate on the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210, and in turn, electrostatic forces (such as attractive or repulsive forces) can be generated between substantially adjacent portions of the surfaces. , such as at or along overlapping length portions of surfaces. In the event of an attractive force, the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 and thus the first electrode assembly 202 and the second electrode assembly 208 may adhere or bond. The resulting electrostatic adhesion and friction at the interface between adjacent surfaces prevents relative motion and resists shear forces. That is, when the first clutch system 200 is actuated and an electrostatic attraction exists between the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210, any applied shear stress (such as a force applied parallel to the surface, such as moving one surface relative to another).

When the electrical signal is removed or turned off, then the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 can discharge and any electrostatic attraction at the surface interface can dissipate. That is, first conductive surface 204 and second conductive surface 210 may be disengaged and may slide relatively freely relative to each other, such as within any limits established by alignment device 222 or any other displacement limiter.

The present inventors have recognized that the force between the conductive surfaces of the first clutch system 200 can be expressed as a function of various geometric parameters and the electrical constant ε ₀ . For example, under the theoretical condition of an infinite conductive surface, each plate can generate an electric field of magnitude E=σ/ _2ε0 =Q/ _2Aε0 , where the surface charge density on the surface is ±σ and σ=Q/A, since Both surfaces contribute equally to the electric field, so the electric field between the surfaces is E _total =Q/Aε ₀ , and the potential difference is V=E _total d, where d is the distance between the surfaces. The inventors also realized that since the surfaces can be oppositely charged, the attractive force between the surfaces equals the electric field generated by one plate multiplied by the charge on the other plate. that is The equations used to model the attractive forces can be used to determine the shear or holding or clutching forces of the first clutch system 200 . For example, where μ is the coefficient of friction between the surfaces, ε is the relative permittivity of the dielectric between the surfaces, _ε0 is the electrical constant, A is the area of the interface between the surfaces (e.g. the area of the overlapping portion), V is the applied voltage, d is the thickness of the dielectric between the surfaces or the separation distance between the surfaces. In an example, the maximum shear force F _shear can be expressed as a function of the constant and normal force F _N between the surfaces in the absence of applied voltage, or F _shear = kF _N .

Based at least in part on a theoretical or ideal equation for the forces in the first clutch system 200, the inventors have realized that the shear force between surfaces is a function of the square of the applied voltage, so the polarity of the voltage is practically irrelevant . Accordingly, the present inventors have realized that an AC drive signal can be used such that undesired dielectric absorption in electroadhesive systems can be minimized.

An example of a portion of the first clutch system 200 is generally shown in FIG. 2C . In FIG. 2C, a first electrode assembly 202 is adjacent to a second electrode assembly 208, and a voltage signal is applied to each electrode assembly. In the illustration, the "+" symbol represents a positive voltage signal applied to the first conductive surface 204 of the first electrode assembly 202, while the "-" symbol represents a negative voltage signal applied to the second conductive surface 210 of the second electrode assembly 208. Signal. An electric field 230 is generated as a result of applying a signal of opposite polarity. In the illustrated example, the first electrode assembly 202 includes a positively charged portion that attracts a negatively charged portion of the second electrode assembly 208 . The electric field 230 causes electrostatic forces to hold the electrode assembly together and resist the shear force F _shear . The maximum shear force F _shear that the first clutch system 200 can withstand is given by the above equation and is a function of the area over which the electric field 230 exists, the square of the applied voltage and the properties of the dielectric between the conductive parts of the assembly, among others.

In an example, multiple instances of the first clutch system 200 may be used together to provide enhanced clutching. For example, multiple instances may be provided in parallel or serially. In general, the applications discussed herein are presented with reference to a single instance of the first clutch system 200 , however, depending on size constraints, power constraints, and/or performance goals, multiple instances may generally be used.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an example of an electroadhesive system 302 , such as may include or include first clutch system 200 . Electroadhesion system 302 may include processor circuit 304 , signal generator 306 and clutch electrode array 322 . In an example, electroadhesion system 302 may include energy source 308 , user interface 310 and sensor 314 . In an example, one or more components of electroadhesion system 302 may include or include components from adaptive support system 100 of the example of FIG. 1C .

In the example of FIG. 3 , one or more components of electroadhesion system 302 may receive energy from energy source 308 . Energy source 308 may include a battery or other source of AC or DC electrical power. In an example, energy source 308 includes energy harvesting circuitry, such as may be used to harvest energy from, for example, a motion source, RF or other electromagnetic source, or elsewhere.

Processor circuitry 304 may include a general or special purpose processor as discussed elsewhere herein. Processor circuit 304 may be configured to receive information from one or more of signal generator 306, energy source 308, user interface 310, sensor 314, or clutch electrode array 322, and in response, control one or more of electroadhesion system 302. multiple operations.

Signal generator 306 may include an electrical signal generator configured to provide a DC or AC signal to clutch electrode array 322 . In an example, signal generator 306 is configured to generate an electrical signal having characteristics specified by processor circuit 304 . For example, signal generator 306 may be configured to generate an electrical signal having a specified amplitude, frequency, pulse width, pulse or waveform morphology, or other characteristics in accordance with instructions received from processor circuit 304 .

Clutch electrode array 322 may be configured to receive electrical signals from signal generator 306 and provide signals to one or more electrodes, and may include, for example, part of a clutch system or device. In an example, the clutch electrode array 322 includes a first electrode 324 , a second electrode 326 , or other electrodes, such as an nth electrode 328 . Different electrodes in clutch electrode array 322 are individually addressable and can receive respective different signals from signal generator 306 . In an example, each electrode in clutch electrode array 322 may comprise a portion of an electrode assembly. For example, first electrode 324 may include or include first conductive surface 204 from first electrode assembly 202 of the example of FIG. 2A , and second electrode 326 may include or include first conductive surface 204 of second electrode assembly 208 from example of FIG. Two conductive surfaces 210 .

In an example, user interface 310 may include various systems or devices or modules that can be configured to provide information to a user or receive information from a user. A user may include a human operator or an auxiliary device or other controller for the electroadhesion system 302 . In an example, user interface 310 is configured to receive instructions or information from a user regarding desired behavior or operating characteristics of electroadhesion system 302 , which may include, for example, clutch force, clutch sensitivity, power consumption characteristics, or other information. User interface 310 may be configured to provide feedback or other information to the user regarding the same or other features of the system. For example, user interface 310 may be configured to receive a user-specified indication of clutch force to provide, and user interface 310 may be configured to report to the same or a different user an indication of actual clutch force applied or provided or available in the system.

In an example, user interface 310 may include tactile elements 312 . Haptic elements 312 may be configured to generate or provide a tactile sensation to convey information to a user. For example, the information may include an indication of clutch status, an indication of clutch force, or other information about electroadhesive system 302 .

In an example, electroadhesion system 302 may include or use one or more sensors 314 . Processor circuit 304 may receive sensor signal information from one or more sensors 314 and, in response, control clutch behavior or other actions of electroadhesive system 302 . Various types of sensors may be used, including physiological sensors 316, motion sensors 318, or displacement sensors 320. In an example, physiological sensor 316 is configured to sense physiological information about a user of electroadhesion system 302 . For example, physiological sensor 316 may include one of a heart rate sensor, an oxygen saturation sensor, an ECG sensor, a pulse sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ectodermal or galvanic skin response sensor, a muscle oxygen sensor, or other sensors configured to measure physiological information about a user. or more.

In an example, motion sensor 318 may include a single-axis or multi-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, strain sensor, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, or be configured to provide information about electroadhesive system 302, components of electroadhesive system 302, or Other sensors to which the adhesion system 302 is coupled or configured to affect information about the motion or movement of the body or object. In an example, multiple instances of motion sensors 318 may be provided, such as at different locations around the body, such as to monitor motion (eg, absolute or relative) of different segments or portions of the body. In an example, information from motion sensor 318 may be used to determine a body's activity level, posture, position, or other characteristics.

In an example, displacement sensor 320 may include a device configured to measure distance or displacement information. For example, displacement sensor 320 may be configured to measure the relative positions of various portions of first clutch system 200 . For example, the displacement sensor 320 may be configured to measure or provide information about the overlapping portion of the first electrode assembly 202 and the second electrode assembly 208, or information about the extension characteristics of the alignment device 222, or about components of the electroadhesion system 302 other information on the direction or location of

Sensors 314 may include other sensors not specifically listed here, such as environmental sensors, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, light sensors, proximity sensors, or other sensors.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates an example of a second clutch system 400 . The second clutch system 400 may include or use components of the first clutch system 200 and/or the electroadhesion system 302 . For example, the second clutch system 400 may include a reference electrode assembly 402, such as may correspond to one of the first electrode assembly 202 and the second electrode assembly 208 from the example of the first clutch system 200, and the second clutch system 400 may include The movable electrode assembly 414 , for example, may correspond to the other of the first electrode assembly 202 and the second electrode assembly 208 .

Reference electrode assembly 402 may include a first clutch frame 404 that anchors or references at least one electrode of second clutch system 400 relative to another. The movable electrode assembly 414 may include a second clutch frame 416 coupled to a different electrode of the second clutch system 400 . In the example of FIG. 4 , the reference electrode assembly 402 includes a first polymer base 406 coupled to a first clutch frame 404 , a first conductive member 408 coupled to the first polymer base 406 , and a first conductive member 408 coupled to the first conductive member 408 . The first dielectric member 410 . The movable electrode assembly 414 similarly includes a second polymer substrate 418 , a second conductive member 420 and a second dielectric member 422 .

In various examples, the first and second polymeric substrates 406, 408 are configured to provide stiffness to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the first and second electrode assemblies 202, 208 bending or folding in use, but are also flexible, This enables the first clutch system 200 to be used in the wearable articles disclosed herein. In various examples, the first and second polymeric substrates 406, 418 are or include polyolefin foams. In various examples, the polyolefin foam is applied to the respective first and second conductive members 408, 420 using an adhesive layer between the first and second conductive members 408, 420 and the polyolefin foam, in which case In this case, the adhesive layer may be understood as part of the first and second polymeric substrates 406,418. In various examples, the polymeric substrate has a thickness of about 0.25 millimeters, although greater or lesser thicknesses are also contemplated. In various examples, the first and second polymeric substrates 406, 418 are formed from 5703LE pressure sensitive adhesive foam tape.

Various components of reference electrode assembly 402 or movable electrode assembly 414 may include or correspond to components of first electrode assembly 202 or second electrode assembly 208 from the examples of FIG. 2A , 2B, or 2C. For example, first polymer substrate 406 may correspond to first support 214 or second support 216 , or second polymer substrate 418 may correspond to third support 218 or fourth support 220 . The first conductive member 408 may correspond to the first conductive surface 204 , or the second conductive member 420 may correspond to the second conductive surface 210 . The first dielectric member 410 may correspond to the first dielectric layer 206 , or the second dielectric member 422 may correspond to the second dielectric layer 212 . Examples of the second clutch system 400 include multiple examples of resilient aligners 428 , such as may correspond to the alignment device 222 of the first clutch system 200 , among others. As similarly explained above in the discussion of the first clutch system 200, a resilient aligner 428 may be provided to arrange or hold the reference electrode assembly 402 and the movable electrode assembly 414 in place such that the first conductive member 408 and An electric field is generated between the second conductive members 420, thereby inducing electrostatic force to hold the electrode assembly together.

In use, the second clutch system 400 includes the first dielectric member 410 of the reference electrode assembly 402 disposed substantially adjacent the second dielectric member 422 of the movable electrode assembly 414 at or along the interface 430 . When the electrode assemblies are arranged in this manner, an electric field can be induced between the first conductive member 408 and the second conductive member 420 , which in turn can cause electrostatic forces to bond the reference electrode assembly 402 and the movable electrode assembly 414 at the interface 430 together. Movable electrode assembly 414 may be configured to move relative to reference electrode assembly 402 in the absence of an electric field. In an example, movable electrode assembly 414 may move in a plane, eg, parallel to the plane of reference electrode assembly 402 .

The example of FIG. 4 includes a first displacement sensor 426 , such as may include or correspond to displacement sensor 320 from the example of FIG. 3 . The first displacement sensor 426 may be coupled to the second clutch frame 416 and may move with the second clutch frame 416 . The first displacement sensor 426 may be configured to measure a distance _dx between the sensor and a reference point, for example along a particular axis. The reference point may be provided by, for example, a displacement sensor reference element 412 , which may be provided on or coupled to the first clutch frame 404 , for example, or may be provided elsewhere in the second clutch system 400 . In an example, first displacement sensor 426 may be configured to measure displacement or position information in more than one dimension or along multiple axes. For example, first displacement sensor 426 may be configured to measure the position of the sensor relative to displacement sensor reference element 412 in x, y, and/or z directions.

The example of FIG. 4 includes an accelerometer 424 , such as may include or correspond to motion sensor 318 from the example of FIG. 3 . Accelerometer 424 may be configured to measure acceleration of second clutch frame 416 of movable electrode assembly 414 . As explained elsewhere herein, information from the accelerometer 424 may be used to determine or control actuation of the second clutch system 400 , or to control the clutch force applied by the second clutch system 400 .

In practice, the assembly forms a capacitor that can be charged and discharged when first conductive member 408 and second conductive member 420 are coupled to electrical terminals and driven by an electrical signal, such as from signal generator 306 . When a voltage is applied across the terminals, the capacitor charges and creates an electrostatic attraction. Attractive forces drive the conductive members together, increasing friction and inhibiting any relative motion. When the voltage is removed or reduced, the electrostatic attraction is removed or reduced, and the conductive members are effectively released and allowed to slide more freely relative to each other.

FIG. 5 generally illustrates an example of a first clutch control method 500 . The first clutch control method 500 may include or use various elements of the first clutch system 200 , the electroadhesion system 302 , or the second clutch system 400 , or other systems or devices discussed herein.

At block 502 , the first clutch control method 500 may include receiving user control commands for an electroadhesive clutch system. In an example, block 502 may include receiving control instructions from a user using user interface 310 . In an example, block 502 may include receiving control instructions from a user using one or more sensors 314 . For example, user control instructions may include user instructions to enable or disable a clutch system, or to control the degree or magnitude of the operating system. That is, the user control instructions may indicate the amount (eg, a relative amount or an absolute amount) of clutch force or shear resistance to be provided by the system.

At block 504 , the first clutch control method 500 may include detecting or determining a state of the electroadhesive clutch system. In an example, block 504 may include using one or more sensors 314 to determine a condition, position, or other state of the clutch system. In an example, block 504 may include determining a relative position of the electrodes in the clutch system, such as using displacement sensor 320 , and providing information regarding the relative position to processor circuit 304 . In an example, block 504 may include determining an acceleration of the clutched system, or an acceleration of an object to which the clutched system is coupled, or an acceleration of an object that the clutched system is configured to control, and providing the acceleration information to the processor circuit 304 .

In an example, block 504 may include measuring one or more properties of electroadhesion system 302 or components thereof. In an example, block 504 may include applying a filter (e.g., a smoothing filter or a noise reduction filter) or otherwise processing the measured properties to determine the position, orientation, configuration, or relationship to components or systems of the electroadhesion system 302 other information about itself. In an example, block 504 may include determining the alignment, location, and/or orientation of one or more electrode assembly components.

At block 506 , the first clutch control method 500 may include generating a clutch control signal based on the detected state of the electroadhesion system from block 504 . For example, block 506 may include using processor circuit 304 to process information from user interface 310 or from sensor 314 or from other sources to generate signals that may control system clutching. In an example, block 506 may include generating a binary on/off indication of the clutch system, or block 506 may include generating a signal indicative of a magnitude of clutch force to be provided by the system. For example, block 506 may include generating different control signals corresponding to different magnitudes of clutch force to be provided.

At block 508 , the first clutch control method 500 may include providing a clutch electrode drive signal to an electrode in an electroadhesive clutch system. For example, block 508 may include providing a DC or AC signal to clutch electrode array 322 using signal generator 306 . In an example, block 508 includes providing different electrical signals to different electrodes in clutch electrode array 322 . In an example, block 508 includes providing opposite polarity components of the same AC signal to respective different electrodes in the clutch system, thereby inducing an electrostatic force between the electrodes and producing a clutch force.

In an example, block 506 and/or block 508 may include using processor circuit 304 or using another local or remote controller to perform various calculations regarding the detected state, using calibration information, using information about previously detected or Stored state information, use previously defined control parameters, or use other information to control various aspects of the electroadhesion system 302 . The results of the calculations can cause the electroadhesion system 302 to implement one of a number of different responses or controls, eg, depending on the application or control algorithm. In examples, the processor circuit 304 or other controller may include a state machine, a feedback loop, a feed-forward controller, a look-up table (LUT), a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, a parametric controller, a model-based controller, Motion model based controller or state space controller etc. Various parameters of the controller can be trained or optimized. In an example, various parameters or algorithms may include or use machine learning or deep learning to better understand and respond to input, such as using information from multiple different users. In an example, the controller of the electroadhesion system 302 may be configured to improve, adapt, or otherwise reconfigure to improve or update the behavior or performance of the system, such as based on usage patterns, properties of the system itself or its components (including degradation or wear) or other information.

In an example, a model-based controller for an electroadhesive clutch system may facilitate adaptation of the system to different users, who may have, for example, different body sizes, or may facilitate adaptation of the system to different environments or different conditions, such as with or without training data or training cycles. For example, a priori information about users or use cases can be used to specify or set control model parameters. In an example, the model may be updated based on detected changes or attributes of the system or users. For example, model parameters may be updated based on, for example, the shape or weight of the wearer's body part, or the compliance of the system or the user's body. In an example, a change or deviation in a model parameter may indicate a change in a component of the clutch system or a change in the user. For example, a parameter change may indicate failure or wear of a system component, and a user may be notified (eg, using user interface 310). Additionally or alternatively, notifications may be provided to a remote operator or system, such as an alternate manufacturer or supplier may be automatically offered, thereby enhancing the user experience. In an example, a change in a model parameter may indicate a change in the user's gait or posture, which may indicate injury or fatigue, for example. The user interface 310 may be used to notify or alert the user of such changes.

FIG. 6 generally shows an example of a number of diagrams 600 illustrating an example of control of a clutch system. Graph 600 includes acceleration signal graph 602 , clutch signal graph 604 , and voltage signal graph 606 . Graph 600 includes a common time axis to generally illustrate an example of how acceleration information, clutch control, and electrode drive voltage signals correspond.

The example acceleration signal graph 602 includes an acceleration signal 608 , such as may be received or derived from the example motion sensor 318 from the electroadhesion system 302 . Acceleration signal 608 may be indicative of a magnitude of acceleration of the body, electroadhesive system 302 , or a component of electroadhesive system 302 . For example, the acceleration signal 608 may be indicative of the acceleration of a particular electrode or electrode assembly of a clutch system, such as described herein in the example of FIG. 4 . In the example of FIG. 6 , the acceleration signal 608 is generally shown as an oscillating signal having a moderately constant frequency and varying amplitude. In this example, a first or early portion of acceleration signal 608 includes an oscillating acceleration-indicating signal having a first acceleration magnitude characteristic, while a second or later portion of acceleration signal 608 is indicative of a second, greater acceleration magnitude characteristic.

The acceleration signal graph 602 includes a first acceleration magnitude threshold 610 having a fixed magnitude A _th1 and a second acceleration threshold magnitude 612 having a fixed magnitude A _th2 . The acceleration threshold represents an amplitude threshold that, if exceeded, indicates a control state or a change in control state of the electroadhesion system 302 . For example, if the acceleration signal 608 indicates an acceleration magnitude less than a first acceleration magnitude threshold 610, the system may have a first control state, and if the acceleration signal 608 indicates an acceleration greater than the first acceleration magnitude threshold 610 and less than a second acceleration magnitude threshold 612 magnitude, the system may have a second control state, and if the acceleration signal 608 indicates an acceleration magnitude greater than the second acceleration threshold magnitude 612 , the system may have a third control state. Although the example of FIG. 6 illustrates the magnitude threshold condition as a fixed or static value, other magnitude threshold conditions may be used, such as based on the morphology of the acceleration signal 608 , or based on an absolute or relative change in the acceleration signal 608 . Similarly, fewer or more than two threshold conditions may be used; for purposes of illustration, two threshold conditions are used in the example of FIG. 6 .

The example of FIG. 6 shows that various control states may be specified or determined based on an acceleration magnitude threshold of the acceleration signal 608 . Similarly, other acceleration based changes or triggers may be used. For example, the frequency of the acceleration signal 608 may be used to trigger a change in control state, or a change in frequency of the acceleration signal 608 may be used.

An example of a clutch signal map 604 includes a clutch control signal 614 . In the example of FIG. 6 , clutch control signal 614 is a binary signal that indicates whether the control signal for electroadhesive clutch is on or off. In the ON state, the clutch control signal 614 may indicate that an electrical signal is provided to one or more electrodes in the clutch system, while in the OFF state, the clutch control signal 614 may indicate that the electrical signal is removed or changed to a different value. In an example, when the clutch control signal 614 is high or open, the processor circuit 304 may be configured to provide the first control signal to the signal generator 306, and in response, the signal generator 306 may send a signal to one of the clutch electrode arrays 322. One or more electrodes provide electrical signals. When the clutch control signal 614 is low or off, the processor circuit 304 can be configured to provide a second control signal to the signal generator 306, and in response, the signal generator 306 can change the output signal provided to one or more of the clutch electrode array 322. The value of the electrical signal of each electrode, or the signal generator 306 can stop providing the electrical signal. In an example, one or more electrodes in clutch electrode array 322 may be coupled to ground or a reference voltage source when clutch control signal 614 is low or off.

In an example, the clutch control signal 614 may be a multivalued signal having more than two states or values. That is, the clutch control signal 614 may have states or values indicative of different levels of clutch control provided by the system. For example, in a first state, clutch control signal 614 may indicate zero clutch or no electrical signal being provided to electrodes in clutch electrode array 322 . In a second, different state, the clutch control signal 614 may indicate a moderate clutch or a moderate magnitude electrical signal provided to the electrodes in the clutch electrode array 322 . In a different third state, the clutch control signal 614 may indicate a high clutch or high amplitude electrical signal provided to the electrodes in the clutch electrode array 322, thereby inducing a greater electric field and electrostatic force than in the second state. Similarly, more states with correspondingly different clutch forces can be used.

An example of voltage signal graph 606 includes clutch voltage signal 616 . In the example of FIG. 6 , clutch voltage signal 616 represents a portion of a first AC signal that may be provided to one or more electrodes in clutch electrode array 322 , eg, using signal generator 306 . For example, clutch voltage signal 616 may represent a first AC signal that may be provided to first electrode 324 and a complementary, opposite polarity second AC signal may be provided to second electrode 326 , eg, substantially simultaneously. When an AC signal is provided, an electrostatic force can be induced between the first electrode 324 and the second electrode 326, thereby providing a clutching force that holds the electrodes together. The magnitude of the AC signal affects the magnitude of the resultant clutch force. For example, an increase in the voltage magnitude of the AC signal results in a corresponding increase in clutch force, while a decrease in the voltage magnitude results in a corresponding decrease in clutch force. In an example, the duty cycle of the AC signal affects the magnitude of the resultant clutch force. For example, an increase in on-duration (eg, providing an AC signal) may result in a corresponding increase in clutch force, while a decrease in on-duration may result in a corresponding decrease in clutch force.

For example, during a first clutch period between t ₁ and t ₂ , clutch voltage signal 616 may include an AC signal having a first AC signal magnitude v ₁ . During a subsequent second clutch period between _t3 and _t4 , the clutch voltage signal 616 may include an AC signal having the same first AC signal magnitude _v1 . In an example, the AC signal magnitude may be based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 during the same clutch period, or may be based on a relationship between the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 and one or more acceleration magnitude thresholds. In other words, in the example of FIG. 6 , the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may depend on or may be based in part on the relationship between the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 and the first acceleration magnitude threshold 610 and the second acceleration threshold magnitude 612 . Since the acceleration signal 608 did not exceed the second acceleration threshold magnitude 612 during the first and second clutch periods, the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may be set to v ₁ .

The example of FIG. 6 includes examples of a third clutch period between t5 _{and t6} , a fourth clutch period between _t6 and _t7 , and a fifth clutch period between _t8 and _t9 . In an example of the third clutch period, the acceleration signal 608 exceeds the first acceleration magnitude threshold 610 at time t ₅ , thereby triggering a state change of the clutch control signal 614 from off to on. Since the acceleration signal 608 exceeds the first acceleration threshold 610 but not the second acceleration threshold 612 during the third clutch period, the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may be set or maintained at the first AC signal magnitude v ₁ . In this example, the acceleration signal 608 may exceed the second acceleration threshold magnitude 612 at time t ₆ , and in response, the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may change from the first AC signal magnitude v ₁ to the second AC signal magnitude v ₂ . That is, the magnitude of the voltage signal provided to one or more electrodes in the clutch system may increase in response to a corresponding increase in information about acceleration. In the example of FIG. 6 , the clutch voltage signal 616 exhibits a gradual change from the third clutch period to the fourth clutch period, for example, due to a change in the acceleration signal 608 within the same time interval corresponding to the third and fourth clutch periods.

In an example, the clutch voltage signal 616 may be controlled or varied in a manner other than a stepwise manner. For example, the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may be more directly or similarly dependent on the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 . That is, since the acceleration signal 608 may indicate or may substitute for clutch force demand (e.g., due to motion or changes in motion of the body or other object), the processor circuit 304 and signal generator 306 may vary the clutch electrodes based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608. The magnitude of one or more drive signals for the clutch electrodes in array 322 . In the example of FIG. 6 , the fifth clutch period shows an example of a clutch voltage signal 616 having an amplitude envelope or shape characteristic that generally corresponds to that of the acceleration signal 608 at the corresponding time. In other words, the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may increase corresponding to an increase in the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 . In the example of FIG. 6 , the magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 increases to about a third AC signal magnitude v ₃ , which may correspond, for example, to the peak value of the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608 . In an example, the change in magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may more or less immediately track the change in the acceleration signal 608 , or the change in magnitude of the clutch voltage signal 616 may be a function of the change in the acceleration signal 608 . For example, magnitude of change information from acceleration signal 608 may be smoothed, and the smoothed information may be used to control the magnitude of clutch voltage signal 616 .

In examples, the frequency of the clutch voltage signal 616 may be fixed or dynamic. For example, the frequency of the clutch voltage signal 616 may depend, inter alia, on the magnitude of the acceleration signal 608, the frequency of the clutch control signal 614, the power or battery status of the clutch system, user preference, or other frequency control indicators. In the example of FIG. 6 , the frequency of the clutch voltage signal 616 is substantially the same during the first, second, third, and fourth clutch periods, and the frequency of the clutch voltage signal 616 decreases during the fifth clutch period. Other clutch voltage signal 616 frequencies or frequency variations may similarly be used, eg, depending on desired behavior or power consumption characteristics of the clutch system.

The inventors have recognized that the problem to be solved involves quickly actuating the clutch system between the on and off states. For example, the problem may include cycling the clutch system between on and off (eg powered and unpowered) states at a rate of at least about 60 Hz or 120 Hz or higher. That is, issues may include providing effective clutching that can be changed between an electrostatically activated or clamped state and an electrostatically deactivated or relaxed state, eg, multiple times per second. This issue may include managing dielectric absorption in an electroadhesive system, such as in first clutch system 200, electroadhesive system 302, or second clutch system 400, etc., which may develop, for example, in capacitance or capacitor-like components of the system. The phenomenon of dielectric absorption can be understood in practice as representing the undesired accumulation of charge on or between electrodes in a system. Dielectric absorption in clutch systems occurs especially when a relatively high voltage excitation signal is applied to the clutch electrodes for a relatively long period of time.

For example, the first clutch system 200 may include a first electrode assembly 202 and a second electrode assembly 208 configured to be susceptible to dielectric absorption. The first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 may function like the plates of a capacitor, and the capacitor is understood to exhibit the effect of dielectric absorption. If a clutch system is charged, such as by actuating the clutch, and then discharged and opened, a voltage will develop between conductive surfaces due to dielectric absorption. That is, even without reconnecting the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 to a voltage source such as the signal generator 306, the "capacitor" comprising the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210 will be The voltage memory is exhibited by the influence of voltage excitation or excitation signal on the dielectric molecular dipoles of different components. In other words, clutched systems are susceptible to dielectric absorption, or residual voltage, which can impair the efficacy of the system and can impair the rate at which the system can cycle between on and off states. For example, if there is a residual voltage between the first conductive surface 204 and the second conductive surface 210, the clutch can be prevented from fully disengaging between clutch cycles, or the system or its components can be actuated inadvertently or intermediately, such as at Intermediate clutch positions, which may be detrimental or detrimental to the desired behavior of the system, and thus may be detrimental to the user experience.

The inventors have realized that a solution to the rapid actuation problem may include addressing dielectric absorption in the clutch system. For example, the solution may include actuating the system using a voltage excitation signal that varies in polarity over time, ie using an alternating current (AC) signal, such as the clutch voltage signal 616 in the example of FIG. 6 . The present inventors have realized that the shear force F _shear of the clutch system is a function of the square of the applied voltage and therefore the shear force is independent of the polarity of the applied drive voltage. In other words, the inventors have recognized that using an AC clutch voltage signal 616 to energize a clutch system is beneficial over a DC drive signal because an AC signal can help reduce the effects of bulk charge or dielectric absorption without adversely affecting the maximum Shear force.

Electrical drive signals for electroadhesive clutch systems can range from a few volts to hundreds of volts. Various mechanical features can be used to help physically isolate the electrodes of the clutch system, thereby preventing electrical contact between the electrodes and another object. For example, mechanical features can help prevent contact between two or more active electrodes that could cause a short circuit, or can be used to help prevent contact between electrodes and other sensitive objects or surfaces such as body tissue .

7A, 7B, and 7C generally illustrate examples of cross-sectional views of different electrode assemblies of a clutch system, and the electrode assemblies may include various isolation features. For example, FIG. 7A includes a cross-sectional view of a first example assembly 702a. The first example assembly 702a can include or correspond to one or more other electrode assemblies discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 7A , a first example assembly 702a includes a first conductive member 706a surrounded by a first electrode housing 710a. In an example, the first electrode housing 710a hermetically seals the first conductive member 706a and insulates it from the environment.

The first electrode casing 710a may include at least a first polymer substrate 704a and a first dielectric member 708a. In the example of FIG. 7A, the bottom surface of the first conductive member 706a is coupled to the top surface of the first polymer substrate 704a. The first conductive members 706a may be deposited or otherwise attached to the first polymeric substrate 704a, for example along their respective adjoining or adjacent surfaces. In the example of FIG. 7A, the first dielectric member 708a may be coupled around other sides or surfaces of the first conductive member 706a. For example, the first dielectric member 708a can be disposed around or coupled to the top and sides of the first dielectric member 708a, and the first dielectric member 708a can be coupled to the first polymer substrate 704a such that the first conductive member 706a Enclosed between the first dielectric member 708a and the first polymer substrate 704a.

The first example assembly 702a includes a first lead 712a extending through the first polymer substrate 704a to provide an electrical signal communication path between the first conductive member 706a and an access terminal in the first electrode housing 710a. In an example, the resulting signal communication path may be used to couple the first conductive member 706a to the signal generator 306 .

Figure 7B includes a cross-sectional view of a second example assembly 702b. The second example assembly 702b can include or correspond to one or more other electrode assemblies discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 7B , the second example assembly 702b includes a second conductive member 706b surrounded by a second electrode housing 710b. In an example, the second electrode housing 710b hermetically seals and insulates the second conductive member 706b from the environment.

The second electrode casing 710b may include at least a second polymer substrate 704b and a second dielectric member 708b. In the example of FIG. 7B, at least a portion of the side and bottom surfaces of the second conductive member 706b can be coupled to or embedded in the second polymer substrate 704b. In the example of FIG. 7B, the second dielectric member 708b may be coupled around other sides or surfaces of the second conductive member 706b. For example, the second dielectric member 708b may be disposed around or may be coupled to a top surface of the second dielectric member 708b, and may be coupled around all or a portion of a side surface of the second dielectric member 708b. The dielectric member and the polymeric substrate can be coupled such that the second conductive member 706b is enclosed between the second dielectric member 708b and the second polymeric substrate 704b.

The second example assembly 702b includes a second conductive lead 712b extending away from the second conductive member 706b to or through the second electrode housing 710b. In the example of FIG. 7B, a second conductive lead 712b is disposed on or between the second polymer substrate 704b and/or the second dielectric member 708b to form a connection between the second conductive member 706b and the second electrode housing 710b. An electrical signal communication path is provided between the input terminals. Other conductive lead configurations or attachments may similarly be used to provide electrical communication between, for example, the signal generator 306 and conductive members of an electrode assembly in a clutch system.

7C includes a cross-sectional view of a third example assembly 702c. The third example assembly 702c can include or correspond to one or more other electrode assemblies discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 7C, the third example assembly 702c can include at least a third conductive member 706c coupled between a third polymer substrate 704c and a third dielectric member 708c. In the example of FIG. 7C, the bottom surface of the third conductive member 706c is coupled to the top surface of the third polymer substrate 704c. The third conductive member 706c can be deposited or otherwise attached to the third polymeric substrate 704c, for example along their respective adjoining or adjacent surfaces. In the example of FIG. 7C , the third dielectric member 708c may be coupled to an opposite second side of the third conductive member 706c, eg, not coupled to or along a side surface of the third conductive member 706c. Sides of the third conductive member 706c may be uncovered or exposed, eg, to facilitate coupling with external circuitry such as the signal generator 306 .

The example of FIG. 7C includes a smoothing agent 714 disposed on or coupled to the third dielectric member 708c. Smoothing agent 714 may include a material configured to smooth or fill any irregularities in the surface of third dielectric member 708c, thereby providing a surface with a low coefficient of friction. In an example, the clutch system may include a pair of electrode assemblies, and at least one assembly may include a smoothing agent. When components are placed face-to-face next to each other and are subjected to repetitive stresses where surfaces slide or move relative to each other, smoothing agents can help extend system life and reduce wear on electrode components. In an example, smoothing agent 714 may comprise an ink-based, polymer-based or other printable material that may be deposited in a relatively thin layer on third dielectric member 708c. In an example, smoothing agent 714 may have similar dielectric constant properties as third dielectric member 708c.

In an example, the meniscus of the smoothing agent 714 can reduce the surface energy properties of the dielectric member 708c, and the meniscus can help initiate electroadhesion. The smoothing agent 714 can help fill pores or voids (eg, defects) in the dielectric member 708c that can be shorted by the lower dielectric constant air. In an example, smoothing agent 714 may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other silicone hydraulic oil or grease.

In the examples of the first example assembly 702a, the second example assembly 702b, or the third example assembly 702c, the corresponding dielectric or polymer materials may be pre-existing materials or subassemblies, or they may include printed components at the point of assembly of the electrode assembly. , deposited or otherwise formed material. For example, an electrode assembly can include a film-based polymer substrate on which the conductive member can be printed or deposited. The dielectric member may include a dielectric material that may be deposited or printed or blanket printed on the conductive member and the polymeric substrate. By blanket printing, the dielectric material can be attached to a polymer substrate or other intervening material, as shown in the examples of Figures 7A and 7B. In an example, the dielectric material or smoother 714 may include a printed material that is deposited in multiple passes or layers to help maximize uniformity of coverage. In some examples, the smoothing agent 714 or dielectric material may be printed or deposited in a patterned or irregular fashion to provide different frictional or clutching behavior.

In example clutch systems, electrode assemblies within a particular pair of electrode assemblies may be configured similarly or differently. For example, the height, length, or width characteristics of an assembly or parts of an assembly may be similar or different. In an example, different electrode assemblies in the same pair may have different length or width characteristics, e.g., to facilitate or accommodate a relatively wide range of relative motion between the assemblies (e.g., in multiple directions, such as along different axes) . Providing some clearance or room for lateral movement of one component relative to another helps reduce repetitive wear, which can create grooves or depressions in the surface of the component.

Figures 8A and 8B generally illustrate examples of top views of different electrode assemblies for clutch systems, and electrode assemblies may include various isolation features or components that may help minimize or prevent contact between conductive parts and other objects . For example, FIG. 8A includes a top view of a fourth example assembly 802a. The fourth example assembly 802a can include or correspond to one or more other electrode assemblies discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 8A , a fourth example assembly 802a includes a fourth conductive member 806a at least partially surrounded by a housing that includes a fourth polymer substrate 804a and a fourth dielectric member 808a. In the example of FIG. 8A , a fourth dielectric member 808a is deposited on the top and sides of a fourth conductive member 806a , such as similarly shown in the cross-sectional view examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B . The example of FIG. 8A includes a third conductive lead 810 that provides an electrical signal path between a drive signal source (eg, signal generator 306 ) and fourth conductive member 806a.

FIG. 8B includes a top view of a fifth example assembly 802b. The fifth example assembly 802b can include or correspond to one or more other electrode assemblies discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 8B, a fifth example assembly 802b includes a fifth conductive member 806b partially surrounded by a housing that includes a fifth polymeric substrate 804b and a fifth dielectric member 808b. In the example of FIG. 8B, a fifth dielectric member 808b is deposited on the top and longitudinal side surfaces of the fifth conductive member 806b. Lateral side surfaces of the fifth conductive member 806b may be exposed or exposed by the fifth dielectric member 808b. The examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B generally illustrate that the side surfaces may be partially or fully covered or encapsulated by the substrate and dielectric, and that other arrangements and configurations than those shown may similarly be used.

9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D generally illustrate top views of examples of various electrode assembly components or assemblies. As similarly explained elsewhere herein, when conductive components of different electrode assemblies are positioned adjacent to each other in a clutch system, electrostatic forces may be created to hold the assemblies together. The magnitude of the force may depend on the electrical signal used to drive the electrode assembly, and may depend on the configuration of the conductive member itself. That is, the present inventors have recognized that the magnitude of the clutch force in a clutch system can be controlled, at least in part, by the geometry or shape of the conductor, when the conductor receives an electrical signal, such as from signal generator 306, the The geometry or shape, in turn, can affect the density of the electric field distribution around the conductor.

For example, Figure 9A generally illustrates an example of a sixth example assembly 902a that includes a base component, a conductive member, and a dielectric component, eg, similar to that shown in the example of Figure 8B. In the example of FIG. 9A , the dielectric component includes a dielectric gradient member 904 . The dielectric gradient member 904 may include a dielectric material that is unevenly or irregularly deposited around the top surface of the conductive member. In an example, the gradient may represent a variable thickness of the dielectric gradient member 904, or may represent a variable permittivity characteristic of a dielectric component. The variable thickness or dielectric constant properties of the dielectric gradient member 904 may affect the behavior or power consumption of a clutch system including the sixth example assembly 902a.

FIG. 9B generally illustrates an example of a seventh example assembly 902b that includes a base member and a conductive member. A dielectric component may optionally be included in an electrode assembly including the seventh example assembly 902b, but such a dielectric is omitted from illustration. The seventh example assembly 902b includes an irregular conductive member 906 . That is, irregular conductive member 906 may include a conductive member similar to one or more other conductive members or components discussed elsewhere herein, however, irregular conductive member 906 includes side features, surface features, or other irregularly shaped members. feature. In the example of FIG. 9B , notches are cut out from the longitudinal side surfaces of the conductive members.

When irregular conductive member 906 receives a drive signal, eg, from signal generator 306 , irregular conductive member 906 may provide an electric field around its surface area. Since the surface area is irregular, the resulting electric field may be non-uniform. As a result, a clutch system including the seventh example assembly 902b may behave differently than a system with more uniform conductive members.

In some examples, the seventh example component 902b may be used where the clutch system has different, discrete "stops" or clutch positions. These positions may correspond to specific electrode orientations. For example, clutch systems may be configured to stop where relatively wide portions of respective adjacent conductive members in different electrode assemblies overlap, for example because, due to their relatively large surface area, large magnitude electric fields can be generated between these areas . A narrower section can present a smaller field and can cause the component to "slip" or move to one of discrete positions.

FIG. 9C generally illustrates an example of an eighth example assembly 902c that includes a base member and a conductive member. Dielectric components may optionally be included in electrode assemblies including the eighth example assembly 902c, but such dielectrics are omitted from illustration. The eighth example assembly 902c includes a tapered conductive member 908 . In this example, the tapered conductive member 908 has a larger conductive surface area characteristic per substrate unit area near a first side of the eighth example component 902c, and has a larger conductive surface area characteristic near an opposite second side of the eighth example component 902c. Small conductive surface area per substrate unit area characteristic. Similar to the example of FIG. 9B , the clutching behavior of the clutch system including the eighth example assembly 902c can be affected or altered by the shape and orientation of the tapered conductive member 908 .

FIG. 9D generally illustrates an example of a ninth example assembly 902d that includes a base member and a conductive member. Dielectric components may optionally be included in electrode assemblies including the ninth example assembly 902d, but such dielectrics are omitted from illustration. The ninth example assembly 902d includes a perforated conductive member 910 . The perforated conductive member 910 may be configured with perforations or vias of various sizes, shapes or orientations, which in turn may affect an electric field when the example component is driven by an electrical signal. In an example, the perforations may be regularly or irregularly distributed to provide different electric fields.

In examples, a clutch system may include similar or different configurations of electrodes or conductive members or conductors. For example, a seventh exemplary assembly 902b may be provided as a first electrode assembly in a clutch system opposite the eighth exemplary assembly 902c. In another example, two separate instances of the seventh example assembly 902b may be provided in a clutch system. In another example, the sixth example assembly 902a may be configured as a first electrode assembly in a clutch system opposite the ninth example assembly 902d. Other combinations and arrangements of different electrode conductor types, shapes, sizes and orientations can similarly be used to provide different types of clutch behavior and different amounts of clutch force.

FIG. 10A includes a first view of an example encapsulant 1000 , such as for an electroadhesive clutch device, for an article of apparel. The encapsulant example 1000 can be made from a flexible or compliant material and can form a protective housing including the electrodes or electrode assemblies of the clutch device. Other components or devices of the clutch system, such as electrical signal generators, accelerometers or other devices, may be located inside the housing.

In FIG. 1OA, the sealant example 1000 includes an elongated sleeve or hollow tube 1008 in which the electrodes of a clutch device can be provided. The electrodes may be configured to slide laterally relative to each other when the clutch is disengaged, and the tube or sleeve may be configured to expand or contract accordingly such that the electrodes are retained therein. In an example, encapsulant example 1000 includes a first end 1004 and a second end 1006 . Sealant example 1000 can be attached to a textile or apparel item at each of first end 1004 and second end 1006 . One or both of the first end or the second end may help form a watertight seal to protect the contents of the hollow tube 1008 (as shown in Figure 10C). The tube 1008 or elongated flexible housing may be made of a resilient material and may also include a ribbed texture. The ribbed texture is made of rubber material. The housing may include a waterproof coating on an outwardly facing surface of the housing.

In an example, the first electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch can be secured to the first end of the elongated flexible housing, and the second electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch can be secured to the second end of the elongated flexible housing. A central or middle portion of the elongated flexible housing is configured to move relative to the first and second electrode assemblies. An elongated flexible housing can form an airtight fit around the first and second electrode assemblies.

In an example, the flexible shell is made of thermoplastic polyurethane coated stretch knit material. The flexible shell may be made of polyurethane coated 4-way stretch material, such as spandex, for example of tricot polyester (eg 85% polyester, 15% spandex blend). The flexible shell can be basically windproof and waterproof, and can be made of stretchable fabric, such as a thin neoprene material with a black polyurethane coating.

In another example, the housing is made water-tight, waterproof, water-repellent, or any variation thereof. Enclosures can be made to comply with various standards related to water ingress. For example, the housing may comply with consumer electronics water ingress standards described by the Ingress Protection Code (IPC), such as IPX2, IPX7, IPX8, or other suitable water ingress protection rating. IPC test IPX2 involves dripping water when tilted up to 15° and states that vertical dripping of water will have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position. The test lasted 10 minutes and involved an amount of water equivalent to 3 millimeters of rainfall per minute.

The IPC test IPX7 involves immersion to a depth of 1 meter and states that when the enclosure is submerged in water under specified conditions of pressure and time, no harmful amount of water should enter (for example up to 1 meter of immersion). The test duration is 30 minutes, with an immersion depth of up to 1 meter measured at the bottom of the device and at least 15 cm measured at the top of the device.

The IPC test IPX8 involves immersion in excess of 1 meter, eg at 3-5 ATM, which may for example correspond substantially to a water depth of 30 or 50 metres. This test helps determine whether a device is suitable for continuous submersion in water under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60529 (or the European equivalent EN 60529 standard) classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical and electrical enclosures against ingress, dust, accidental contact and water. Other standards by which water ingress can be measured or evaluated include IEC Standard 60529, MIL-STD-810, and/or DIN 40050-9.

In an example, an electroadhesive device including a housing can be made to drape with similar or the same drape properties as the fabric to which the housing is applied. Drape usually refers to the shape or contour of a fabric at the edges, or to the way a fabric covers an object when used as a tablecloth or a skirt, in the latter case it usually refers to the fabric's formability, which may be due to the material being targeted under its own weight caused by the response to gravity. In an example, an electroadhesive device (eg, an electroadhesive clutch and housing) can have substantially the same drapability as the fabric on which the device is used. For example, electroadhesive device components and housings can be manufactured to correspond to the drape coefficient of the fabric or other textile with which they are used, which can be determined using the techniques described in ISO Standard 9073-9:2008 for the determination of drape coefficient.

Figure 10B includes a second view of the encapsulant example 1000 viewed from the rear side of the device. In some examples, the body of sealant example 1000 may include ribs 1002 or other suitable textures to visually conform to the item of apparel. Ribs 1002 may also serve as a functional mechanism to provide frictional retention between sealant example 1000 and the textile of the article of apparel. The ribs 1002 may be made of rubber, silicone, or other compliant material with a relatively high coefficient of friction. Additionally, all or portions of the outer surface 1014 of the sealant example 1000, such as including the portion with the ribs 1002, may be coated with a water-repellent or water-repellent coating. The ribs 1002 may be located on the body of the sealant instance 1000, on one side of the sealant instance 1000, on both sides of the sealant instance 1000, or any other suitable combination.

For example, the ribbed material may be formed by bonding a 4-way stretch material, such as spandex or other suitable material, to the elastic webbing material. A heat activated film (eg NASA-T from Sampo Corporation) may be used to bond the elastic strip material to the housing (eg to Sealant Example 1000). By bonding, the shells gather and form a ribbed pattern.

FIG. 10C shows a third side view of encapsulant example 1000 . The first and second electrode assemblies may be inserted into the encapsulant example 1000 at the opening 1010 . That is, electrode assemblies can be incorporated into encapsulant example 1000 such that they can be encapsulated laterally within or within hollow tube 1008 . Other components such as signal generator 110 , accelerometer 124 or sensor 120 may additionally or alternatively be inserted and encapsulated within encapsulant example 1000 . The encapsulant example 1000 can form a hermetic fit or hermetic seal around the first and second electrode assemblies and any other components that are also enclosed. The sealant can be configured to stretch in the transverse and/or longitudinal directions.

In an example, the encapsulant or housing facilitates biasing the surrounding first and second electrode assemblies toward each other to force the assemblies into intimate contact while still maintaining sufficient separation so that the assemblies can move laterally relative to each other or slide.

In an example, hollow tube 1008 may comprise a transparent or translucent material. In this example, the electrodes of the clutch device arranged inside the tube are visible to the user. In an example, the tube may be fluid filled (eg, with translucent oil or other fluid). The tube may optionally be illuminated, for example with an illumination intensity or color indicative of the clutch state of the clutch means, or the magnitude of the clutch force provided by the clutch means, eg may be enclosed in the tube. In an example, the tube itself or material inside the tube may be electroluminescent, ie configured to emit light in response to an electrical signal or field (eg, from a clutch or from another source).

FIG. 10D generally illustrates an example of a hollow tube 1008 of a sealant example 1000 with a clutch indicator 134 that can provide information about the clutching activity of a clutch device in, near, or coupled to the tube. In the example of FIG. 10D , clutch indicator 134 includes one or more light sources embodied as LED circuitry 1018 , such as light emitting diodes or LEDs. LED circuitry 1018 may be coupled to hollow tube 1008, eg, inside or outside the tube. The tube may optionally comprise a transparent or translucent material. LED circuit 1018 may include one or more LED devices, which may be distributed or positioned along the length of hollow tube 1008, for example. LED devices including LED circuitry 1018 may be configured to emit light at the same or different wavelengths or colors, or each device may be configured to emit light at multiple different wavelengths or colors.

LED circuitry 1018 may be coupled to lighting driver circuitry 1016 configured to provide power signals to one or more LED devices including LED circuitry 1018 . The lighting driver circuit 1016 may receive lighting instructions from, for example, the signal generator 110 . In an example, the lighting driving circuit 1016 may control the brightness or color of the light emitted by the LED circuit 1018 based on the characteristics of the clutch driving signal provided by the signal generator 110 . For example, when the signal generator 110 provides a relatively large amplitude clutch drive signal to the clutch device 108 (e.g., corresponding to a strong actuation of the clutch device disposed in the hollow tube 1008), then the lighting driver circuit 1016 may provide a signal to the LED circuit 1018. A relatively large power signal is provided to brightly illuminate the LED device including LED circuit 1018 . When the signal generator 110 provides a clutch drive signal of a lower amplitude to the clutch device 108 (eg, corresponding to weak or no actuation of the clutch device disposed in the hollow tube 1008), the lighting drive circuit 1016 may provide a signal to the LED circuit. 1018 provides a relatively low power signal, dimly illuminating the LED device. Similarly, lighting driver circuit 1016 may be used to control LED circuit 1018 to, based on characteristics of one or more signals from signal generator 110, or based on information from one or more other sensors 120 in adaptive support system 100, emit light of different colors. Clutch indicator 134, for example including LED circuitry 1018, can thus provide a user or wearer of adaptive brace system 100 with visual feedback regarding system behavior or status. This feedback can be used, for example, to provide verification that the system is working, or to help train the user, for example to use a different gait or cadence.

Although LED devices are mentioned, other illumination sources may similarly be used in or with hollow tube 1008 . For example, liquid crystals, electroluminescent or phosphorescent materials, lamps or other light sources may similarly be used. In an example, the hollow tube 1008 may include or may be filled with a fluid, and the fluid may be illuminated. The fluid may optionally include a liquid, and in an example, the clutch device may be submerged in the liquid. In an example, the fluid may have viscosity or other characteristics that contribute to increased clutch device life, such as over thousands of clutch actuation cycles.

Figure 10E generally illustrates an example of a pair of electrode assemblies that may comprise an electroluminescent display electroadhesive clutch, or ELD EAC. This example can include a first ELD electrode assembly 1020 and a second ELD electrode assembly 1030 . In the example of Figure 10E, each ELD assembly is shown in an exploded view to better illustrate the multiple layers. In use, the first and second ELD electrode assemblies 1020 and 1030 may be provided in an at least partially overlapping manner, similar to that shown in the example of the electroadhesive first clutch system 200 . During use, as shown between the dotted lines in Figure 1OE, the overlapping regions may emit light. In an example, one or both of the electrode assemblies may be configured to emit light.

An example of the first ELD electrode assembly 1020 may include a film substrate 1021 , a conductive layer 1022 , a phosphor layer 1023 and a dielectric layer 1024 . An example of the second ELD electrode assembly 1030 may include a film substrate 1034 , a conductive layer 1033 , a phosphor layer 1032 and a dielectric layer 1031 . In an example, the film substrates 1021 and 1034 may comprise a PETE film, such as may be a transparent polymer film, such as may have a thickness of about 50 microns. Phosphor layers 1023 and 1032 may include electroluminescent materials, which may be configured to emit light, such as white or colored light. In an example, the phosphor layer may include DuPont 8150L/8152B material. Each phosphor layer can be deposited or printed and can have a thickness of about 5000 Angstroms. In an example, the conductive layer 1022 of the first ELD electrode assembly 1020 may include an aluminum coating or other conductive material, and may have a thickness of about 5000 Angstroms, for example. In an example, the conductive layer 1033 of the second ELD electrode assembly 1030 may include indium tin oxide (ITO) material or a conductive polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The conductive layer may thus comprise a substantially translucent material, and may have a thickness of about 2000 Angstroms in some examples. Providing at least one conductive layer with a translucent or transparent material helps maximize the amount of light emitted from the system. In other examples, the conductive layers may be perforated or otherwise irregularly shaped such that at least one conductive layer does not block light emitted from the phosphor layer. In the example of FIG. 10E , dielectric layers 1024 and 1031 may comprise a dielectric ink, such as DuPont LuxPrint 8153. Dielectric layers 1024 and 1031 may have a thickness of about 32 microns. The various thickness information are provided as examples only, and other dimensions may similarly be used.

FIG. 11 generally illustrates an example of assembly of an electroadhesive system for an article of apparel by encapsulation method 1100 . Packaging method 1100 may include or use various elements of first clutch system 200 , electroadhesion system 302 , or second clutch system 400 or other systems or devices discussed herein.

At block 1102, the packaging method 1100 may include assembling an electroadhesive clutch device for an electroadhesive clutch system. In an example, block 1102 may include assembling an elongated flexible housing to form a watertight housing to accommodate first and second electrode assemblies of a clutch device. Block 1102 may also include assembling or providing an electrical signal generator to provide the first and second drive signals to the first and second electrode assemblies to actuate the clutch system.

In an example, an accelerometer may be placed within the housing. The accelerometer may be configured to measure motion of the body to which the electroadhesive clutch device is coupled, and the electrical signal generator configured to drive the electrode assembly may be configured to generate a drive signal based on the measured motion from the accelerometer. When the housing accelerates at a high rate, the accelerometer measures the rate, and the measured rate information may be sent to the processor to determine whether the rate meets a specified threshold indicating that the electroadhesive clutch will be activated. Based on the determination that the rate satisfies the threshold, the processor may then send instructions to the electrical signal generator to provide one or more signals to the electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch device.

At block 1104, the assembled electroadhesive clutch device can be inserted into a flexible housing, and the housing can provide a watertight housing around the first and second electrode assemblies. An electrical signal generator may also be inserted into the flexible housing along with the first and second electrode assemblies, or signal leads may be coupled at or through a portion of the flexible housing. In an example, the shell may be attached to the textile material of the article of apparel at at least a first end of the shell. The shell allows the item of apparel to be selectively static (ie, clutched) or flexible.

In an example, the first electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch within the housing may be substantially fixed relative to the first end of the housing. The second electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch can be fixed relative to the second end of the housing, and the middle portion of the housing can be configured to move relative to the first and second electrode assemblies.

At block 1106, the electroadhesive clutch in the flexible housing may be secured to the textile material. For example, the flexible shell may include the first strap of a dual strap system for a sports bra. The flexible shell can be sewn, attached, embedded or otherwise secured to the straps of the sports bra.

In an example, an electrical signal generator may provide a signal to the electroadhesive device. Continuing with the example given at box 1106, a sports bra may be worn by a wearer for running. A sports bra strap includes a flexible shell housing an electroadhesive clutch device. The accelerometer 424 can measure the acceleration of the wearer, and when the acceleration meets a threshold condition, the electrical signal generator can provide a signal to the electroadhesive device to open it, causing the overlapping portions of the first and second electrode assemblies to become opposite. stationary or fixed to each other. This static positioning, or locking, feature of sports bras prevents the wearer's body from accelerating and decelerating at painful or harmful rates.

In an example, the accelerometer may be configured to measure a magnitude of acceleration of at least a portion of the electroadhesive device or a body part to which the electroadhesive device is coupled. An electrical signal generator, such as signal generator 306, may be configured to generate a signal having amplitude and/or frequency characteristics based at least in part on the magnitude of the acceleration.

In an example, the effective elasticity or compliance of a textile or wearable item can be adjusted using a clutch system and based on information about body motion. For example, if the wearer of the article accelerates at a high rate (such as while running), the measured wearer acceleration can be used to enable the clutch system (such as in an article of apparel) by applying one or more specific signals to the electroadhesive clutch device. or integrated with) harden (e.g. remain or become stationary). The rigidity or staticity of the article of apparel allows the article to support the wearer as the wearer moves.

12A and 12B include simplified side profile examples 1200a , 1200b , respectively, of a thermally bonded interface between a portion of a clutch device (eg, first conductive member 408 ) and a sealant example 1202 . Note and emphasize that the examples 1200a, 1200b are simplified for purposes of illustration and that any and all components of the first clutch system 200, the second clutch system 400, or any clutch system disclosed herein may be similarly combined. However, to provide clarity of the bond between the first conductive member 408 and the encapsulant instance 1202, other components have been omitted. Examples 1200a and 1200b differ in that in example 1200a, encapsulant example 1202 is disposed on (eg, only on) the first major surface of first conductive member 408, while in example 1200b, the encapsulant The agent instance 1202 surrounds the first conductive member 408 and is in contact with the first major surface and the opposing second major surface.

Examples 1200a, 1200b are presented with respect to perforated conductive member 910 . However, it should be appreciated and understood that any particular implementation of first conductive member 408, including but not limited to all of the examples of FIGS. Applies to any first conductive member 408 . Furthermore, while the first conductive member 408 is presented for purposes of example 1200a, 1200b, it should be recognized and understood that the same principles apply to the second conductive member 420 and any conductive member of any system or device described herein.

In the examples 1200a, 1200b, the encapsulant example 1202 has been bonded to the first conductive member 408 by any suitable mechanism, such as thermal fusion, radio frequency or ultrasonic welding, or any other technique known in the art. Heating of encapsulant instance 1202 has caused encapsulant instance 1202 to flow into a hole or opening, such as opening 1204 , such as may be formed in any one or more of first conductive member 408 , dielectric member 410 , polymer substrate, or other component. While the presence of holes can promote bonding and a strong and resilient interface between the first conductive member 408 and the encapsulant instance 1202, the instance of the first conductive member 408 without holes can still provide the first conductive member 408 and the encapsulant Example 1202 of combinations between. In some examples, a portion of the electrode assembly to be bonded does not include a through-hole, but instead includes a rough or uneven surface configured to enhance adhesion-based coupling with adjoining members.

Heating or otherwise applying energy to first conductive member 408 and/or encapsulant instance 1202 may cause the materials of first conductive member 408 and/or encapsulant instance 1202 to melt and flow together, thereby creating bonded region 1206 . Bonding region 1206 is a region where molecules of conductive member 408 or 910 and encapsulant instance 1202 intermingle or mix. After the conductive member 408 or 910 and the encapsulant instance 1202 cool, a bond is formed in the bond region 1206, tending to secure the encapsulant instance 1202 to the conductive member, and vice versa.

The materials of the first conductive member 408 and the encapsulant instance 1202 can be selected to be compatible with heating the two materials such that a strong bond can be formed in the bonding region 1206, e.g., without damaging or destroying the first conductive member 408 and the encapsulant instance 1202. underlying integrity. In an example, the first conductive member 408 proximate the bonding area 1206 is composed of Mylar. In an example, the encapsulant example 1202 is formed from a knitted textile having elastic fibers that have a melting temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the polyester film.

As discussed in detail herein, the first conductive member 408 and the second conductive member 420 are configured to slide laterally relative to each other. Thus, examples 1200a, 1200b illustrate first conductive member 408 bonded to encapsulant instance 1202 at or near a first end of encapsulant instance 1202 . In such examples, second conductive member 420 may be bonded to encapsulant instance 1202 at or near a second end of encapsulant instance 1202 opposite the first end. As a result, when movement of the conductive members is not inhibited by operation of the clutch 200, the first and second conductive members 408, 420 are adapted to slide laterally along the interior of the middle portion of the housing comprising the encapsulant example 1202, as described in detail herein .

By securing the encapsulant instance 1202 to the wearable article, the resulting combined article including the first conductive member 408 and the housing containing the encapsulant instance 1202 can be incorporated into a wearable article or apparel disclosed herein. In various examples, sealant example 1202 may be stitched, fastened, bonded, or otherwise secured to the wearable article without requiring such a mechanism to pass through a clutched conductive member, such as first conductive member 408 . Doing so may help maintain the structural integrity of the clutch's conductive members, as well as maintain the water-resistant properties of the encapsulant instance 1202 . However, it should be appreciated and understood that fastening techniques contacting the first conductive member 408, such as stitching or the like, may be used without compromising the functionality of the clutched conductive members or without compromising the durability of the clutched device or system.

12C-12K generally illustrate examples of methods for attaching electrodes of a clutch device to a substrate or other conductor, such as may be used to couple the electrodes to a power source or controller. First, a thermally active film (such as NASA-T from Sampo Corporation), for example having a thickness of about 200um, can be cut to match the exposed conductive portion of the electrode (for example comprising aluminum; labeled "AL" in FIG. 12C ), optionally A protrusion with a specific depth or width (see Figure 12C). A dielectric coated portion of the electrode (eg, coated with a dielectric ink such as DuPont LuxPrint 8153) may be adjacent to an exposed conductive portion of the electrode. Next, the ends of the multi-wire conductor (eg, 28AWG) can be flared or fanned (FIG. 12D). The ends may be cut to approximately the same length as the depth of the exposed portion of the conductor. Scalloped wires can then be placed on the exposed conductive portion (such as the portion labeled "AL" in the example of FIG. 12C ), and optionally centered. The insulation of the wires can be placed at or near the edge of the mylar (see Figure 12E) in order to minimize the thickness or bulk of the assembly.

Next, the liner or backing can be removed from one side of each of the two thermally activated films. A strip can be used to attach a multi-wire conductor and mylar by sandwiching the conductor and mylar (see Figure 12F, showing the strip spaced apart from the conductor/mylar assembly such as prior to attachment) . Next, strips of masking or protective material such as masking tape or other non-permanent adhesive material can be applied to the edges of the film and to the sides of the conductors to temporarily hold the assembly in place for further processing (See Figure 12G showing a strip of tape in place on the assembly).

Next, the assembly can be aligned or adjusted to fit just within the edges of the opposing plates of the double sided heat press. In the example of Figure 12H, the plates of the heat press are shown as blocks labeled "Hot". Each side of the press platen can be covered with a release agent (eg, parchment, etc.). Conductors may pass between the release agent and not contact the platen, and the dielectric (eg, ink-coated) portion of the electrode assembly may optionally be disposed outside the area of the platen. Next, a press can be used to hold the membrane and conductor in place, for example, so that the wires in the conductor make electrical contact with the conductive portion of the electrode. The press can be adjusted or optimized to ensure optimal bonding (eg set at about 190 degrees Fahrenheit, heat at about 6 PSI for about 6 seconds). After the press cycle, the masking agent and release agent can be removed or cut (FIG. 12I).

Next, a polymeric webbing (eg, stretchable or non-stretchable) can be provided, eg, with a uniform weave or comprising a nonwoven material. The webbing may have a width of about W/2, or half the width of the electrode assembly. In an example, the webbing may be cut to a length of approximately 6D such that the folded portion may have a width of approximately 3D (FIG. 12J). Next, tape or other adhesive can be used to hold the webbing in place against the mylar with the wire section positioned between the two webbings (FIG. 12K). Next, the assembly can be aligned with a release agent in a heat press and reheated (eg, at about 240 degrees Fahrenheit at about 6 PSI for about 11 seconds). After heat pressing, the assembly can be removed, the tape or other release agent can be removed, and the assembly can be trimmed to the desired dimensions or any excess material removed. Next, the sensor can optionally be attached and can optionally be heat pressed to secure it to the assembly. Other means for coupling sensors can be used. The sensors may include, for example, stretch sensors or other sensors configured to measure displacement of the electrode assembly or webbing. Another sensor, or another portion of the same sensor, may similarly be attached to the oppositely oriented electrode to provide a complete electrode assembly for clutching.

FIG. 13A generally illustrates an apparel example 1300 . A female front view of support garment 1302 is shown with left front view of left shell 1304 , right front view of right shell 1306 , left anchor point 1308 , right anchor point 1310 , right cup 1312 , and left cup 1314 .

Apparel example 1300 is an example of a support garment for a wearer having a textile layer forming a support area configured to adjustably resist displacement of a wearer's body portion located adjacent to the support area. Apparel example 1300 may also include hollow straps secured to a portion of the textile layer. A hollow strap surrounds an electroadhesive clutch device having a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly. The first and second electrode assemblies at least partially overlap and are configured to slide laterally relative to the other. Example of apparel 1300 may also include an electrical signal generator, such as signal generator 110, to provide one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies, and the electroadhesive clutch device may be configured to selectively adjust the example of apparel 1300 to allow The amount of displacement of the body part close to the support area.

The apparel example 1300 is a sports bra, and the support areas are the right cup 1312 and the left cup 1314 of the sports bra. The hollow straps, referred to as the left shell and the right shell, are shown in FIG. 13A as a front view of the left shell 1304 and a front view of the right shell 1306 . Each hollow strap can be individually addressed or controlled by a controller (eg, by control circuit 112) to selectively adjust the absolute or relative amount by which the support garment allows body part displacement. For example, if the wearer has a larger left breast, the left shell 1304 may provide a different level of support than the right shell 1306 provides for the right breast.

FIG. 13B shows a rear view of apparel example 1300 . The rear view of support garment 1320 shows a rear view of left shell 1316 and a rear view of right shell 1318 . The support garment may include a garment control unit 1322 embedded within or coupled to the support garment. Garment control unit 1322 may include a system or processor configured to control clutch actuation.

The support garment may also include a signal generator configured to provide one or more electrical signals to the first and second electrode assemblies. The signal generator may be affixed to the example of apparel 1300 , such as within apparel control unit 1322 . Alternatively and/or additionally, a signal generator may be embedded within the housing together with the first and second electrode assemblies.

The support garment is configured to inhibit displacement of the wearer's body part when the wearer or the wearer's body part is measured at an acceleration rate above a threshold. The support garment is configured to relax or allow the support garment to flex.

In some embodiments, the support garment is an athletic support having a right hollow strap secured to the right side of the textile layer forming the support area (such as a flexible shell for an electroadhesive clutch device) and a The left hollow strap on the left side of the textile layer. The left hollow strap and the right hollow strap cooperate to selectively prevent or allow movement of the corresponding body part of the wearer.

While the illustrated embodiment includes support garments for women, other garments are also contemplated herein, including joint braces (such as knee braces), athletic supports, athletic belts, shin guards, soccer pads, weightlifting support straps, Athletic shoes for sports (eg golf, mountain biking, skiing, mountaineering), and other suitable garments that have supportive features for the wearer. Additionally, other garments including underwear, vests, socks, sleeves, protective gear (eg helmets, pads, shields) have also been considered and are within the scope of the solutions discussed here.

In some embodiments, an electroadhesive clutch device may comprise part of a modular apparel system. For example, a support garment (or other garment or article of apparel) may be configured to optionally include or use an electroadhesive or other type of clutch or one or more other systems or devices. In an example, the clutch device may include a modular attachment mechanism disposed on the front, side, or rear of the garment. For example, the device may be configured to be attached to the front of the support garment, such as between the breasts, or may be configured to be attached to the rear of the support garment, such as between the shoulder blades. The modular nature of the system can provide users with different levels or types of control or support (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. or otherwise permanently fixed). In an example, a garment with support for modular attachment of clutches may also include one or more straps, or hollow conduits through which the straps may pass, to selectively couple the garment, thereby providing - Function described in 13B. In some embodiments, the support garment may include a male athletic support configured to include or use a modular clutch.

An example of a garment control unit 1322 is shown in FIG. 13C . This example shows a rear view of left housing 1316 and a rear view of right housing 1318 . Garment control unit 1322 may be a modular device configured for attachment to support garment 1302 and may include an electroadhesive clutch. The electroadhesive clutch device may be disposed within right housing 1318 , left housing 1316 , and/or positioned near control unit base 1336 .

Garment control unit 1322 may include left strap 1324 and right strap 1326, which may include, for example, adjustment straps, an electroadhesive clutch, or one or more sensors. Straps 1324 and 1326 can be physically coupled to base 1336 and can be attached to support garment 1320 by various attachment mechanisms 1338 , 1340 , 1342 , 1344 , 1346 , and 1348 . Attachment mechanisms may include O-rings, D-rings, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, sewing, or any other type of suitable attachment mechanism for coupling garment control unit 1322 to a portion of a supporting garment. In an example, garment control unit 1322 is coupled to a support garment and/or is attached to a subcomponent of the support garment via right connector 1332 and/or left connector 1334 . Right connector 1332 and left connector 1334 may be used to attach additional modular units, including sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS, heart rate monitors, EKG monitors, or other sensors. In the example of FIG. 13C , garment control unit 1322 includes controller 1350 , which may include, for example, control circuit 112 , or may include processor circuit 304 , or may include another dedicated controller to selectively actuate the electroadhesive clutch. device.

In some embodiments, the garment control unit 1322 may be placed at a location on the front of the support garment, such as between the breasts, or at a location behind the support garment, such as between the shoulder blades. The modular units can help provide dynamic support to the user's body as described herein, for example, without being integrated with or permanently affixed to the support garment (eg, sewn in or otherwise permanently affixed). The modular unit may include one or more hollow straps (eg, right hollow strap 1326 and left hollow strap 1324 ) for selective coupling to a support garment to provide functionality as described with reference to FIGS. 13A-13B .

The clutch device or system or modular components thereof may be provided for various other support garments, for example for female or male use. FIG. 13D generally illustrates a front view of first male support garment 1350 . Male support garment 1350 includes left leg portion 1352 , right leg portion 1354 , cup portion 1356 and waistband portion 1358 . The male support garment 1350 may include a clutch system to selectively constrain or loosen various areas of the garment, including around the waist, legs, or crotch. Figure 13E generally illustrates an example of a second male support garment 1360 or crotch pad. In some examples, first and second male support garments 1350 and 1360 may be used together.

An example of second male support garment 1360 includes waistband 1364 , cup portion 1366 , left leg strap 1368 with left hollow strap 1370 , and right leg strap 1372 with right hollow strap 1374 . In an example, second male support garment 1360 may include garment control circuitry 1362 coupled to waist belt 1364 . Cup portion 1366 may include various textile layers and corresponding shells (eg, plastic cups) to provide support and protection for the wearer's penis and testicles.

In the example of FIG. 13E , hollow straps (eg, left hollow strap 1370 and right hollow strap 1374 ) can be coupled to or embedded in the textile layers of left leg strap 1368 or right leg strap 1372 . In some embodiments, a hollow strap, such as may include a flexible shell or tube for an electroadhesive clutch device, may be secured to a leg strap, and may include one or more clutch electrode assemblies. The electrode assembly can be selectively energized or de-energized to selectively inhibit or allow displacement of the cup portion 1366 . Examples of second male support garment 1360 may additionally include an electrical signal generator, such as signal generator 110, to provide one or more signals to the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, clutches disposed in right hollow strap 1370 and left hollow strap 1374 are configured to work independently to provide a unique fit, or may be configured to work in tandem to selectively inhibit or allow displacement in a coordinated manner .

FIG. 14 generally illustrates an example of a support garment assembly and method of use 1400 . The support garment may include or utilize various elements of the first clutch system 200, the electroadhesive system 302, or the second clutch system 400, or other systems or devices discussed herein.

At block 1402, the support garment assembly and method of use 1400 includes forming a textile layer for a support garment, eg, having a support area. The support garment may be a sports bra, sports support, or another support garment having a support area. The support area may be the cups of a sports bra or the cups of a sports support. The support area may have a defined area molded into a specific shape, or may be an area of flexible or compliant material.

At block 1404, the support garment assembly and method of use 1400 includes forming a hollow strap encapsulating the electroadhesive clutch. The hollow strap may be a flexible encapsulation produced by encapsulation method 1100 in the example of FIG. 11 . In an example, the hollow strap may include first and second electrode assemblies.

At block 1406, the support garment assembly and method of use 1400 can include securing the textile layer and the hollow strap together. A textile layer (eg, having a support area) may be coupled to the hollow straps to provide selective support to the body part in contact with the support area. The straps are conceived in close proximity to the support area to provide maximum support.

At block 1408, the support garment assembly and method of use 1400 can include providing a signal to the electroadhesive device. The signal may be from an electrical signal generator indicating that the electroadhesive device is about to engage so that the support garment retains its shape. For example, when a user wears a sports bra, the material has been pre-selected to provide the wearer with a snug fit. However, when the user runs, the material can stretch and move around, stopping to provide the adequate support that only a snug fit can provide. Intended Support Garments provide mechanisms that limit material stretching and flexing, providing the user with the form-fitting support originally intended.

FIG. 15 includes an example of a first graph 1500 . The first map 1500 includes a first position signal 1502 and a first acceleration signal 1504, the first position signal 1502 representing the strain experienced by the runner's connective breast tissue over time. The first position signal 1502 is based on the displacement of breast tissue of the same runner over the same time period. That is, the first graph 1500 shows the relationship between the changing position of breast tissue relative to the runner's core or torso and the corresponding vertical acceleration of the runner's core or torso during a run.

The present inventors have recognized that strains of the Cooper's ligament in breast tissue can be painful or uncomfortable, especially during repetitive movements, such as during running. From the example of Fig. 15, it can be observed that there is a spike in the first position signal 1502, indicating significant strain on the ligament. The timing of maximum strain typically corresponds to an inflection point of the first acceleration signal 1504, which may, for example, represent a lower limit of tissue travel, such as may correspond to a rapid change in direction of motion of the torso.

For example, when a person runs, the natural rhythm of running motion causes breast tissue to move up and down. When a person runs, this action is repeated with each step. This repetitive bouncing action can strain ligaments, especially the Cooper's ligament, and can lead to long-term damage and pain. Also, repetitive strain injuries to the ligaments can cause breasts to sag over time.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a second graph 1600 showing the performance of a support garment according to some embodiments. Second graph 1600 includes second acceleration signal 1604 , second position signal 1602 , and clutch control signal 1606 . In this example, the second acceleration signal 1604 generally corresponds to the first acceleration signal 1504 and may, for example, represent a change in the position of the torso, for example during running. Clutch control signal 1606 may represent actuation of a clutch system, such as a clutch system for a bra, such as for example of apparel 1300 . A runner represented by second position signal 1602 may be wearing a bra from apparel example 1300 .

In the example of FIG. 16 , the second position signal 1602 indicates reduced strain compared to the first position signal 1502 from FIG. 15 . The reduction in strain is attributable to the use of a system comprising an electroadhesive device having at least two electrode assemblies configured to clutch and release. Such an electroadhesive clutch system may be embedded in an article of apparel, such as example 1300 of apparel. The article of apparel can be selectively clutched and released to reduce strain on the ligaments in coordination with the movement of the wearer.

For example, a runner could wear a supportive sports bra with an electroadhesive system embedded in the sports bra. When the system recognizes that the person is running, the system sends a signal to the electroadhesive clutch to energize and de-energize at intervals corresponding to the person's running speed. During upward and/or downward acceleration, the clutch can be activated to statically hold the item of apparel in a stable, non-resilient position. An electroadhesive clutch provides support for a person in motion. When the system recognizes that the person is no longer running, the system signals the electroadhesive clutch to close or go to sleep, allowing the garment to return to a flexible, compliant or relaxed state.

Figure 17 includes an electroadhesive system configured for footwear according to some embodiments. In an example, article of footwear 1702 includes base 1704 and lace 1706 . In some embodiments, base 1704 is made of a knitted material for maximum comfort and flexibility. In some embodiments, lace 1706 includes an electroadhesive system (eg, electroadhesive system 302 ) that allows the lace to be selectively fixed, stationary, or rigid. In an example, shoe 1702 may be worn as a casual, fashion shoe option while still having support elements provided by the selective support system of the electroadhesive system.

For example, a slip-on sneaker that is comfortable for casual wear but also comfortable for running allows the wearer to wear a pair of sneakers for multiple purposes. As shown in FIG. 17 , shoe 1702 includes a strap portion that covers an upper portion of shoe 1702 . The strap may include a mechanical adhesive system as well as an electroadhesive system for securing the strap to the shoe and providing further support, such as by rigidly encasing the foot during a portion of the stride cycle when the wearer is running, And loosen the wrap around the foot during the other part of the stride cycle.

Footwear 1702 may be configured to support multiple activity modes, including athletic, relaxed, or dynamic. The shoe may adjust the level or timing of clutch actuation based on sensed input, such as from foot movement within the shoe, from accelerometer readings, or other suitable sensors. Sport mode provides the wearer with the highest level of support to protect the wearer from jarring contact with the ground. Cool mode provides a relaxed fit when the user is not in a highly active state. Dynamic mode can offer a hybrid fit between sport and cool modes. In some embodiments, each mode may be manually selected based on input from the wearer. In some embodiments, each mode is automatically configured by the footwear or by another sensor in or coupled to the electroadhesive system. Other articles of apparel may include electroadhesive systems that may be similarly configured to include or use different modes of activity.

In an example, motion of the shoe 1702 may be sensed from the clutch system itself, such as by monitoring the relative motion of the electrodes, or from a motion sensor such as an accelerometer. Motion information can be used to selectively actuate clutch systems for foot support.

Figure 18A includes an article of apparel, such as a first cooling jacket 1800a, having one or more apertures coupled to an electroadhesive clutch system, according to some embodiments. First cooling jacket 1800a may include one or more apertures, such as first aperture 1802 and second aperture 1804 . Each of the first well 1802 and the second well 1804 may include or use an electroadhesion system. For example, opposite sides of the bore may include corresponding electrodes of the clutch system. When the electrodes are actuated, the pores can be selectively opened or closed. That is, the electrodes may be coupled or integrated with corresponding portions of the cooling jacket 1800 on opposite sides of the aperture such that the electrodes may be used to open or close the aperture.

As shown by first aperture 1802 , first quadrature clutch device 1806 and second quadrature clutch device 1808 may be positioned adjacent the opening provided by first aperture 1802 . In some embodiments, a single orthogonal device or multiple orthogonal devices may be used, depending on the size of the aperture. Each orthogonal device may include an electroadhesive system, such as electroadhesive system 302 . Each device may be embedded or coupled into the textile or other material of the first cooling outer shell 1800a for functional and/or aesthetic purposes, or may be placed on top of the top layer of the article of apparel.

As shown by the example of the second aperture 1804 , the first parallel clutch device 1810 and the second parallel clutch device 1812 may be positioned adjacent the opening provided by the second aperture 1804 . The first parallel clutch device 1810 and the second parallel clutch device 1812 may be positioned parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second bore 1804 .

FIG. 18B illustrates a view of an article of apparel, such as second cooling outerwear 1800b, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 18B, first and second side apertures 1822 and 1828 may extend toward the torso region of cooling jacket 1800b at the respective underarm regions. Oppositely oriented or orthogonal electrodes 1824 and 1826 of the clutch device may be positioned adjacent the opening provided by the first side hole 1822 on the first side of the housing. On a second side of the housing, parallel electrodes 1830 and 1832 may be positioned adjacent the opening provided by second side hole 1828 . Additional apertures such as torso apertures 1834 and 1838 may be provided with respective electrodes of respective clutch devices 1836 and 1840 . Electrodes of the clutch device adjacent or proximate to the aperture may be configured to selectively open or close the aperture, thereby allowing or preventing air flow through the aperture and thus through the article of apparel to the wearer. Control assemblies for the various clutches or electrodes may be located anywhere on the cool jacket 1800b and are not shown in the illustrated example. The conductors that control the behavior of the electrodes may pass through or be adjacent to the textile or other material that makes up the casing.

FIG. 18C illustrates a view of an article of apparel, such as third cooling outerwear 1800c, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 18C , side holes 1816 pass through the back of cooling jacket 1800 at the upper back of the jacket. One or more clutch devices may be coupled adjacent the bore. In the example shown, plurality of upper electrodes 1814 of one or more clutch devices may be positioned perpendicular to side aperture 1816 and plurality of lower electrodes 1818 of one or more clutch devices may be positioned perpendicular to side aperture 1816 . Pairs of upper and lower electrodes may be configured to be cooperatively and/or independently clutched.

In an example, third cooling jacket 1800c includes an embedded temperature sensor, such as temperature sensor 130, to determine the wearer's temperature. The various upper and lower electrodes may be energized to close side aperture 1816, or a portion thereof, when the temperature of the wearer is below a specified threshold temperature. When the wearer's temperature is above a specified threshold temperature, the upper and lower electrodes can be de-energized to allow the textile material to relax and allow more air flow through the side holes 1816 to the wearer.

In some embodiments, third cooling jacket 1800c includes a flap 1820 to cover side aperture 1816 . The flap 1820 may include a manual securing mechanism to physically couple the flap to the aperture. Some articles of apparel may include more than one aperture and a corresponding flap or clutch for each aperture.

FIG. 18D illustrates a view of an article of apparel, such as fourth cooling outerwear 1800d , in accordance with some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 18D , side holes 1842 pass through the rear side of cooling jacket 1800 at the lower back portion. A clutch may be provided to selectively open and close side aperture 1842 . For example, the clutch may include an upper clutch electrode 1844 positioned along a first side of side aperture 1842 and may include a lower clutch electrode 1846 positioned along an opposite second side of side aperture 1842 . In other words, the electrodes may include elongated electrodes disposed substantially parallel to side holes 1842 . Upper and lower clutch electrodes 1844 and 1846 can be selectively energized to close aperture 1842 or de-energized to open aperture 1842 . An example of a fourth cooling jacket 1800d may include a flap 1848 for covering the clutch. In an example, a combination of orthogonal and parallel placement of electrodes may be used. Other orientations, including acute and obtuse orientations relative to the aperture, may similarly be used. Although the examples of FIGS. 18A-18D present different cooling jackets, the various features of the cooling jackets may be used together or combined in various permutations.

18E-G illustrate an example 1850 comprising an article of apparel, such as a pair of cooling pants 1851, according to some embodiments. The article of apparel may be lower body apparel, such as a pair of leggings or pants 1851 . Leggings or pants 1851 may include leg panels with holes. Sides or portions of the aperture may be coupled to electrodes of one or more electroadhesive clutch devices to selectively open or close the aperture in the leggings or pants. Possible locations for holes include the inner thigh region 1854 or the outer thigh region 1852 .

As shown in FIG. 18F , cooling pants 1851 may include panels with holes behind knee regions 1858 and/or at ankle regions 1856 . Apertures may be provided at any other location on the pants, for example corresponding to areas of the body that typically generate significant body heat or wick away perspiration. As shown in Figure 18G, cooling pants 1851 may include slits at textile seams or pockets, and may include mesh layers at or below the holes to provide a flexible, breathable, yet continuous article of apparel, such as hole 1860 is shown in the mesh layer.

Clutch devices or clutch systems in articles of apparel discussed herein may be configured to operate in such a way that the clutch electrodes are attracted to each other, or may be configured to disengage or loosen. In examples, other features may be included such that clutch electrodes or portions of clothing that include electrodes may repel each other. That is, the clutch electrodes may include a portion of an aperture control mechanism that may be configured to open apertures (eg, slits or pockets) to provide selective ventilation of body heat or to aid in perspiration. Optional mechanical means, such as resilient means, can be used to bias the aperture to achieve a normally open or normally closed configuration without electrical signal actuation.

FIG. 19 generally illustrates an example of a ventilation method 1900 . Ventilation method 1900 may include or use various elements of first clutched system 200 , electroadhesive system 302 , or second clutched system 400 , or other systems or devices discussed herein, such as to selectively ventilate an item of apparel.

At block 1902, the ventilation method 1900 may include sensing an item condition or a body condition. Block 1902 may include sensing information about a wearable item or about a body near or wearing the item, eg, using one of the sensors 120 . In an example, block 1902 may include sensing information about the motion of the wearable item, or information about the temperature or moisture content of the wearable item. In an example, block 1902 may include sensing information regarding an activity level of a wearer of the article or a temperature of the wearer of the article.

At block 1904, the ventilation method 1900 may include comparing status information, such as status information about an item or body, to a specified threshold condition. For example, block 1904 may include comparing the body temperature information obtained at block 1902 to a threshold body temperature. In another example, block 1904 may include comparing the motion information obtained at block 1902 to a threshold motion condition.

At block 1906, ventilation method 1900 may include selectively actuating the clutch to ventilate the article of apparel. For example, block 1906 may include actuating one or more clutch devices in cooling jacket 1800 based on item state or body state information sensed at block 1902 .

In an example, ventilation method 1900 may be applied to a variety of different items including, but not limited to, shorts, leggings, pants, athletic pads, sweatpants, or other articles of apparel that have a ventilation system. In an example, ventilation method 1900 may include coordinating ventilation among a plurality of different items or devices, eg, based on one or more inputs. For example, vents on a coat and vents on pants could activate together, for example in response to the same information from a body temperature sensor. Articles of apparel that may include or utilize a ventilation system are not limited to, but include, articles of apparel that are configured to be worn on high temperature areas of the body, including the armpits, chest, and back, or on parts of the body prone to sweating.

20A and 20B illustrate an example 2000 of the cap 2002 in relaxed and extended configurations, respectively. FIG. 20C is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a portion of hat 2002 to illustrate the positioning of first clutch system 200 relative to the remainder of hat 2002 . While the first clutch system 200 is described, it should be appreciated that any of the clutch systems described herein may additionally or alternatively be incorporated.

Hat 2002 is formed from textile 2004, such as knit, woven, canvas, or other fabric or material that can be used as a hat. Textile 2004 and hat 2002 more generally form opening 2006 sized to receive and cover the top of the wearer's head. The wearer's ability to increase the size of the opening 2006 may be limited due to securing the first clutch system 200 near the opening (invisibly). The first clutch system may be stitched, fastened, or otherwise secured to textile 2004 such that operation of first clutch system 200 disclosed herein inhibits stretching of textile 2004 disclosed herein.

The first clutch system 200 is shown extending around some, but not all, of the circumference of the opening 2006 . However, it should be recognized and understood that the first clutch system 200 may extend around the entire circumference of the opening 2006 . Furthermore, while only one first clutch system 200 is shown, it should be recognized and understood that multiple first clutch systems 200 may be included in the cap 2002 . Additional first clutch assemblies 200 may surround other portions of opening 2006, or may be positioned at other locations about cap 2002 to selectively inhibit elasticity or stretchability at those locations, consistent with the principles disclosed herein.

Textile 2004 may be elastic or capable of stretching in one or more dimensions, allowing opening 2006 to increase in size from first width 2008 to second width 2010 that is greater than first width 2008 . It should be noted that only two widths are shown for purposes of illustration, but it should be recognized and understood that the width of opening 2006 may be increased or decreased within a range of widths up to the ability of textile 2004 to stretch without breaking. Accordingly, first width 2008 and second width 2010 are for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

Operation of the first clutch system 200 may inhibit the wearer's ability to increase the size of the opening 2006 from the first width 2008 to the second width 2010 . For example, when the processor circuit 304 causes the signal generator 306 to energize the first and second electrode assemblies 202, 208, the first clutch system 200 is inhibited from expanding and thus, the opening 2006 cannot increase from the first width 2008 to the second width 2010 . Note that due to the operation of the first clutch system 200 , the cap 2002 may not be inhibited from relaxing from the second width 2010 back to the first width 2008 when the signal generator 306 energizes the first and second electrode assemblies 202 , 208 . Accordingly, the first clutch system 200 may be configured to set a maximum width of the opening 2006 , but not necessarily a minimum width of the opening 2006 .

As shown in Figure 20C, the textile 2004 of the hat 2002 can form a cavity 2012 in which the first clutch system 200 or one or more components thereof are located. Alternatively, first clutch system 200 may be affixed to one side of textile 2004, or may be affixed between layers of textile 2004, or according to any suitable configuration or mechanism.

The first clutch system 200 may operate according to the same control system as described herein. Accordingly, one or more sensors may detect the orientation or use of the hat 2002 and engage or disengage the first clutch system 200 depending on the environment in which the hat 2002 is used.

21A-21C illustrate the incorporation of the first clutch system 200 into the sleeve 2102 in an example embodiment. Although the sleeves 2102 are presented as a single wearable item, the principles disclosed herein can be applied to any wearable item that incorporates sleeves or other holes or openings, such as neck, waist, or arm holes in a shirt or coat, or holes in pants. Waist or ankle or other leg opening holes, or any other suitable wearable. Sleeve 2102 is provided to illustrate the operation of a system having multiple first clutch systems 200A, 200B operating together. The sleeve 2102 may be formed from a textile or other elastic or stretchable material and is formed into a generally tubular shape with an opening 2106 at a first end 2108 and a second end 2110 opposite the first end.

Sleeve 2102 includes a first example clutch system 2116 and a second example clutch system 2118 positioned about opening 2106 near first end 2108 and second end 2110, respectively. The first example clutch system 2116 and the second example clutch system 2118 can be independently controlled to allow the openings 2106 near the first end 2108 and the second end 2110 to independently expand or not expand in the same manner as the opening 2006 of the cap 2002 . Accordingly, the sleeve 2102 can have a first width 2112 or a second width 2114 at either or both of the first end 2108 and the second end 2110 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 21B, if the first example clutch system 2116 is active and the second example clutch system 2118 is inactive, the opening 2106 near the first end 2108 remains at the first width 2112, while the opening 2106 near the second end Opening 2106 of 2110 is allowed to expand to a second width 2114 . If the first example clutch system 2116 is deactivated, the opening 2106 near the first end 2108 is also allowed to expand to the second width 2114, as shown in FIG. 21C. FIG. 21A shows sleeve 2102 in a relaxed state with opening 2106 at first width 2112 adjacent the first and second ends.

22A and 22B generally illustrate an example of apparel 2202 that includes a pocket assembly 2204 having a pocket opening 2206 that may be controlled by an electroadhesive clutch or pocket clutch. Figure 22A generally illustrates a top view of a garment example 2202, and Figure 22B generally illustrates a view of pocket assembly 2204 in a partially open configuration. In the example of FIG. 22B , various portions of the clutch are visible, and the clutch can control access to interior portions of the pocket assembly 2204 .

In the example of FIG. 22B , pocket assembly 2204 is partially open, with pocket edge 2216 away from apparel fabric 2214 or base of pocket assembly 2204 . When the pocket assembly 2204 is open, objects may be easily inserted into or removed from the interior region 2208 of the pocket assembly 2204. Pocket assembly 2204 may include an outer clutch electrode 2210 disposed adjacent pocket edge 2216 and pocket assembly 2204 may include an inner clutch electrode 2212 disposed at or on garment fabric 2214 . When the pocket assembly 2204 is closed, the outer clutch electrode 2210 and the inner clutch electrode 2212 may be substantially aligned and adjacent to each other, eg, due to mechanical or elastic biasing or actuation due to electroadhesive forces between the electrodes. For example, in the top view of FIG. 22A , when pocket assembly 2204 is closed, the electrodes may be partially hidden by the textile or fabric of apparel example 2202 .

In an example, the aperture control mechanism may be configured to operate such that areas of the textile corresponding to the clutched electrodes repel each other, thereby opening an aperture (eg, a slit or pocket). The aperture can be biased towards an open or closed configuration using a mechanical means such as a resilient means so that when in repelling mode the aperture can assume the opposite configuration. In one embodiment, the pocket assembly 2204, such as comprising an outer clutch electrode 2210 and an inner clutch electrode 2212 containing a clutch device at the opening of the pocket, may be biased toward an open or loose pocket configuration, and may optionally include the use of a mechanical devices, such as elastic devices. The pocket opening 2206 of the pocket assembly 2204 may be effectively sealed closed when the electrodes of the pocket clutch are energized with an attractive signal (eg, a signal of opposite polarity). That is, when power is applied, the user will have to overcome the electrostatic force generated between the electrodes in order to insert or remove objects into or from the interior region 2208 of the pocket. The pocket opening 2206 of the pocket assembly 2204 can be forced into an open configuration when the pocket aperture control mechanism is configured to repel.

In an example, the pocket clutch may include or use the first clutch system 200, or may include a portion of the adaptive support system 100 or a component thereof. Pocket clutches that are controllable through apertures into interior region 2208 of pocket assembly 2204 may optionally be automatically controlled using information from sensors, such as one or more sensors 120 included in the example of adaptive support system 100 . For example, when the accelerometer 124 detects motion (e.g., motion that meets or exceeds a specified activity level threshold) or detects a particular orientation (e.g., an orientation or position that may cause an object within the pocket to fall out, such as an upside-down or inverted orientation), the pocket The clutch can be actuated to seal or close the pocket.

In an example, under certain orientation or motion conditions, or in response to a user command, the pocket clutch may be actuated to release pocket assembly 2204 . Thus, the hole or pocket opening 2206 can help prevent theft by selectively locking access unless or until the user allows access through appropriate controls or commands. In an example, a user may use gesture-based lock or unlock commands to control pocket access or clutch behavior, and may use one or more sensors 120 to detect the gesture commands.

In an example, the pocket clutch may include an exposed (or nearly exposed or partially exposed) electrode portion configured to be selectively energized. The exposed electrodes may optionally include a portion of one of the outer clutch electrodes 2210 or inner clutch electrodes 2212 at or near the clutch at the aperture, such as at the pocket edge 2216, or the apparel fabric 2214 at or near the pocket opening 2206 on the outer facing surface of the , or may include separate electrodes. Exposed electrodes can be configured to deliver a deterrent shock when touched. For example, when the pocket clutch is activated to hold the pocket assembly 2204 in the closed configuration, the exposed electrode portions can increase or enhance theft deterrence by delivering an electrical shock to the hand of an unsuspecting pickpocket. The exposed electrode portion may be discharged by the user, or may be automatically discharged based on, for example, a designated sensor signal, to allow access to the pocket. In an example, a shock deterrent circuit may be provided to drive exposed electrodes. The circuit may include a power supply, capacitors, and an optional transformer, eg, may be configured to generate a relatively large voltage with a small current.

23 is an illustration of a machine 2300 within which instructions 2308 (e.g., software, programs, applications, applets, apps, or other executable code). For example, instructions 2308 may cause machine 2300 to perform any one or more of the methods described herein, such as controlling a clutch system. Instructions 2308 transform a general-purpose, unprogrammed machine 2300 into a specific machine 2300 programmed to perform the described and illustrated functions in the described manner. Machine 2300 may operate as a stand-alone device, or may be coupled (eg, networked) to other machines, eg, to coordinate the action or actuation of a number of different clutch devices or clutch systems. In a networked deployment, machine 2300 can operate as a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Machine 2300 may include, but is not limited to, server computers, client computers, personal computers (PCs), tablet computers, laptop computers, netbooks, set-top boxes (STBs), PDAs, entertainment media systems, cellular phones, smart phones, mobile devices, A wearable device (such as a smart watch), a smart home device (such as a smart appliance), other smart device, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions 2308 sequentially or otherwise, instruction 2308 specifies Actions to be taken by the machine 2300. Additionally, while a single machine 2300 is shown, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include a collection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions 2308 to perform any one or more methodologies discussed herein.

Machine 2300 may include processor 2302 , memory 2304 and I/O components 2342 , which may be configured to communicate with each other via bus 2344 . In an example embodiment, a processor 2302 (eg, a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor ( A DSP), an ASIC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, processor 2306 and processor 2310 that execute instructions 2308 . The term "processor" is intended to include multi-core processors, which may include two or more separate processors (sometimes referred to as "cores") that can execute instructions concurrently. Although FIG. 23 shows multiple processors 2302, the machine 2300 may include a single processor with a single core, a single processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), multiple processors with a single core, a Multiple processors or any combination of them.

The memory 2304 includes a main memory 2312 , a static memory 2314 and a storage unit 2316 , which can be accessed by the processor 2302 through a bus 2344 . Main memory 2304, static memory 2314, and storage unit 2316 store instructions 2308 that embody any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. During execution of instructions 2308 by machine 2300, instructions 2308 may also reside wholly or partially within main memory 2312, within static memory 2314, within machine-readable medium 2318 within storage unit 2316, within at least one processor 2302 (e.g., in processor's cache memory) or any suitable combination thereof.

I/O components 2342 can include a wide variety of components to receive input, provide output, generate output, transmit information, exchange information, capture measurements, and the like. The particular I/O components 2342 included in a particular machine will depend on the type of machine. For example, a portable machine such as a mobile phone may include a touch input device or other such input mechanism, while a headless server machine may not include such a touch input device. It should be understood that I/O assembly 2342 may include many other components not shown in FIG. 23 . In various example embodiments, I/O components 2342 may include output components 2328 and input components 2330 . Output components 2328 may include visual components (e.g., a display such as a plasma display panel (PDP), light emitting diode (LED) display, liquid crystal display (LCD), projector, or cathode ray tube (CRT)), acoustic components (e.g., speakers), Haptic components (eg, vibration motors, resistance mechanisms), other signal generators such as signal generator 110 or signal generator 306 , and the like. Input components 2330 may include alphanumeric input components such as a keyboard, a touch screen configured to receive alphanumeric input, a photographic optical keyboard, or other alphanumeric input components, point-based input components such as a mouse, touchpad, trackball, joystick , a motion sensor or another pointing tool), a tactile input component (such as a physical button, a touch screen or other tactile input component that provides the location and/or force of a touch or touch gesture), an audio input component (such as a microphone), etc.

In a further example embodiment, I/O component 2342 may include sensor 120, and may include, for example, one or more of biometric component 2332, motion component 2334, environmental component 2336, or location component 2338, among various other components. For example, the biometric component 2332 includes detecting expressions (such as hand expressions, facial expressions, voice expressions, body posture, or eye tracking), measuring biosignals (such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweating, muscle oxygenation, or brain waves), recognizing Components for people (such as voice recognition, retinal recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or EEG-based recognition), etc. The moving part 2334 includes an acceleration sensor part (such as an accelerometer), a gravity sensor part, a rotation sensor part (such as a gyroscope), and the like. For example, environmental components 2336 include lighting sensor components (such as a photometer), temperature sensor components (such as one or more thermometers that detect ambient temperature), humidity sensor components, pressure sensor components (such as a barometer), sound sensor components (such as detecting one or more microphones for background noise), proximity sensor components (such as infrared sensors to detect nearby objects), gas sensors (such as gas detection sensors to detect the concentration of dangerous gases for safety or measure pollutants in the atmosphere), or can provide Other components that correspond to indications, measurements, or signals of ambient noise. Location components 2338 include position sensor components (eg, GPS receiver components), altitude sensor components (eg, an altimeter or barometer that detects air pressure from which altitude can be derived), orientation sensor components (eg, magnetometers), and the like.

Communications may be accomplished using a variety of techniques. I/O component 2342 also includes communication component 2340 operable to couple machine 2300 to network 2320 or device 2322 via coupling 2324 and coupling 2326, respectively. For example, communications component 2340 may include a network interface component or another suitable device for interfacing with network 2320 . In further examples, the communication part 2340 may include a wired communication part, a wireless communication part, a cellular communication part, a near field communication (NFC) part, widget (eg /> low energy), /> components and other communication components that provide communication by other means. Device 2322 may be another machine or any of a variety of peripheral devices (eg, a peripheral device coupled via USB).

Additionally, the communication component 2340 may detect an identifier or include means for detecting an identifier. For example, communication components 2340 may include radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader components, NFC smart tag detection components, optical reader components (e.g., to detect An optical sensor for a 1D barcode), or an acoustic detection component (such as a microphone that recognizes the audio signal of the mark). In addition, various information can be derived via the communication component 2340, such as location via Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation, via Location of signal triangulation, location of NFC beacon signals via detection that may indicate a particular location, etc.

Various memories (e.g., memory 2304, main memory 2312, static memory 2314, and/or memory of processor 2302) and/or storage unit 2316 may store one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software) that A structure embodies or is used by any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. When executed by processor 2302, these instructions, such as instructions 2308, result in various operations to implement the disclosed embodiments.

Instructions 2308 may be transmitted over network 2320, using a transmission medium, via a network interface device (such as a network interface component included in communication component 2340), and using any of a variety of well-known transport protocols (such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). type to send or receive. Similarly, instructions 2308 can be sent or received via coupling 2326 (eg, a peer-to-peer coupling) to device 2322 using a transmission medium.

Various aspects of the present disclosure may help provide solutions to the active apparel or apparel related or clutch system problems identified herein. For example, various aspects of the present disclosure relate to flexible and stretchable waterproof packages for integrating actuators into apparel.

In an example, Aspect 1 may include or use a subject matter, such as an article of apparel that may include or use an electroadhesive clutch device comprising an elongated housing forming a waterproof housing, a first electrode positioned within the waterproof housing assembly and a second electrode assembly positioned within the waterproof housing, the second electrode being different from the first electrode and at least partially overlapping and configured to slide relative to the first electrode, an electrical signal generator configured to move toward the first and second electrodes, respectively The electrode assembly provides first and second signals, wherein the first electrode assembly can be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied, and relative to the first electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied. The two electrode assemblies remain stationary, and the textile material to which an elongated flexible housing can be attached at least at a first end of the elongated flexible housing, wherein actuation of the clutch device is configured to selectively cause a portion of the article of apparel to be Fixed (eg, remains stationary or in a fixed configuration or orientation) or moved (eg, is movable or flexible, or capable of moving a clutch or at least a portion of a garment or housing).

Aspect 2 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 1 to comprise, the elongated housing being a flexible housing made of or comprising a resilient material.

Aspect 3 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1 or 2 to comprise, a lateral portion of the shell having a ribbed texture.

Aspect 4 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 3 to comprise, a ribbed texture comprising rubber.

Aspect 5 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1-4 to comprise, a waterproof coating on the outer facing surface of the housing.

Aspect 6 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1-5 to include, that the first electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch is substantially fixed relative to the first end of the elongate flexible housing, the electroadhesive The clutched second electrode assembly is substantially fixed relative to the second end of the elongated flexible housing, and the middle portion of the elongated housing is configured to move relative to the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 7 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1-6 to comprise, forming a gas-tight fitting elongate housing around the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 8 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1-7 to include, an accelerometer disposed within or within the housing, the accelerometer being configured to measure the velocity of the body to which the clutch device may be coupled. motion, and the electrical signal generator can be configured to generate a signal based on the measured motion.

Aspect 9 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 8 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure a magnitude of acceleration of at least a portion of the clutch arrangement, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to generate a magnitude having a magnitude based at least in part on the magnitude of acceleration. and/or frequency characteristic signals.

Aspect 10 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 1-9 to comprise, a light source configured to provide light to illuminate at least a portion of the elongate housing.

Aspect 11 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 10 to include, that the brightness of the light provided by the light source is based on a characteristic of at least one of the first and second signals provided to the electrode assembly.

Aspect 12 may comprise, or may alternatively be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, a method comprising assembling an electroadhesive clutch device comprising an elongated flexible housing forming a housing, positioned at a first electrode assembly in the housing, a second electrode assembly in the housing, the second electrode being different from the first electrode and at least partially overlapping and configured to slide relative to the first electrode, and an electrical signal generator configured to To provide the first and second signals to the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly may be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied, and when the first electrode assembly is applied and the second signal while remaining stationary relative to the second electrode assembly. The method of aspect 12 may include securing the textile material to at least a first end of an elongated flexible housing of the electroadhesive clutch device, the elongated flexible housing allowing the textile material to selectively remain stationary or become flexible.

Aspect 13 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 12 to include, that the elongate flexible housing includes a water resistant resilient material configured to provide a housing for the clutch device.

Aspect 14 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12 or 13 to comprise, that the lateral portion of the housing has a ribbed texture.

Aspect 15 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12-14 to comprise, that the ribbed texture is of or comprises a rubber material.

Aspect 16 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12-15 to comprise, a waterproof coating on the outer facing surface of the housing.

Aspect 17 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12-16 to include, that the first electrode assembly of the electroadhesive clutch is substantially fixed relative to the first end of the elongate flexible housing, the electroadhesive The clutched second electrode assembly is substantially fixed relative to the second end of the elongated flexible housing, and the middle portion of the elongated flexible housing is configured to move relative to the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 18 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12-17 to include, the elongate flexible housing forming a gas-tight fit around the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 19 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 12-18 to comprise, an accelerometer in or coupled to the housing, the accelerometer being configured to measure the The detected motion of the subject, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to generate a signal based on the measured motion.

Aspect 20 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 19 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure a magnitude of acceleration of at least a portion of the clutch arrangement, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to generate a signal having a magnitude and and/or frequency-specific signals.

Aspect 21 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, an electroadhesive clutch device for an article of apparel comprising an elongated flexible shell forming a watertight housing, located A first electrode assembly within the waterproof housing, a second electrode assembly within the waterproof housing, the second electrode being different from the first electrode and at least partially overlapping and configured to slide relative to the first electrode, and an electrical signal generator, the configured to provide first and second signals to first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly may be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied, and the first electrode The assembly is configured to be substantially stationary (eg, held in a stationary or non-moving position) relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied.

Aspect 22 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 21 to include, an accelerometer located within the elongate flexible housing, the accelerometer configured to measure motion of the body to which the clutch device may be coupled, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to Generate signals for measurement-based motion.

Aspect 23 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with, any one or more of aspects 21 or 22 to comprise, an illumination or light source configured to provide light to illuminate at least a portion of or a portion of the elongated flexible housing. part.

Aspect 24 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 23 to comprise, a driver for the light source, wherein the driver may be configured to operate based on the magnitude of at least one of the first and second signals provided by the electrical signal generator Controls the amplitude or amount of light provided by a light source.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for minimizing bulk charge accumulation in electroadhesive actuators. For example, aspect 25 may include, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to include, an electroadhesive clutch device comprising a A first electrode assembly covered by a first conductive portion, a second electrode assembly including a second conductive portion that may be at least partially covered by a second dielectric insulator, and an electrical signal generator configured to provide feedback to the first and second electrodes of the electrode assembly, respectively. Two conductive portions provide first and second signals, wherein the first and second signals comprise respective opposite polarity portions of an alternating current (AC) signal. In aspect 25, the first and second electrode assemblies may at least partially overlap and be configured to slide relative to each other on their respective surfaces comprising the first and second dielectric insulators.

Aspect 26 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-17 to comprise, that at least one of the first and second electrode assemblies is configured to move linearly relative to the other.

Aspect 27 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25 or 26 to comprise, that the electrical signal generator is configured to generate the AC signal as a pulse width modulated signal with a duty cycle of about 50%.

Aspect 28 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-27 to comprise, the electrical signal generator configured to generate the AC signal as a pulse width modulated signal having an average duty cycle of about 50%. .

Aspect 29 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-28 to comprise, that the AC signal has a frequency of at least about 10 Hz.

Aspect 30 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 29 to comprise, that the AC signal has a frequency of less than about 50 Hz.

Aspect 31 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-30 to comprise, an accelerometer configured to measure motion of a body to which the clutch arrangement may be coupled, and the signal generator may Configured to generate an AC signal based on measured motion.

Aspect 32 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-31 to include, an accelerometer configured to measure motion of the clutch device, and the signal generator may be configured to measure based on Motion generates an AC signal.

Aspect 33 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 32 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure a magnitude of acceleration of at least a portion of the clutch arrangement, and the signal generator may be configured to generate a signal having a magnitude dependent on the measured acceleration. AC signal with amplitude and/or frequency characteristics.

Aspect 34 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 32 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure a frequency of change in acceleration of at least a portion of the clutch arrangement, and the signal generator may be configured to generate a signal having a measured frequency dependent on the change in acceleration. AC signal with amplitude and/or frequency characteristics.

Aspect 35 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-34 to comprise, a processor circuit configured to, based on acceleration from the accelerometer with respect to the clutch device or with respect to the clutch device The information of the acceleration of the subject can be coupled to control the signal generator to generate the AC signal.

Aspect 36 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 35 to comprise, an accelerometer, and the processor circuit may be configured to receive an acceleration-indicative signal from the accelerometer, identify an oscillatory motion based on the acceleration-indicative signal from the accelerometer, and The signal generator is controlled based on the identified oscillatory motion.

Aspect 37 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 36 to comprise, the processor circuit configured to identify a magnitude or frequency characteristic of the oscillatory motion and, in response, update the magnitude characteristic of the AC signal, thereby updating the shear force of the clutch means Resistance properties.

Aspect 38 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 25-37 to comprise, a processor circuit configured to receive the clutch force indication and, in response, control the electrical signal generator The frequency or amplitude characteristics of the AC signal are updated based on the clutch force indication.

Aspect 39 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 38 to include, a displacement sensor configured to provide an indication of clutch force based on information about relative displacement of the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 40 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, a wearable garment having a controllably expanding and contracting portion, the wearable garment comprising a clutch coupled to the expandable and contracting portion, The clutch device includes a substantially planar first conductive portion at least partially covered by a first dielectric insulator and a substantially planar second conductive portion at least partially covered by a second dielectric insulator, and an electrical signal generator configured to respectively First and second signals are provided to first and second conductive portions of the clutch device, wherein the first and second signals include alternating current (AC) clutch control signals. In aspect 40, the first and second conductive portions of the clutch device may at least partially overlap at respective surfaces comprising the first and second dielectric insulators.

Aspect 41 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 40 to include, a sensor configured to sense motion or orientation of the wearable garment. In aspect 40, the electrical signal generator may be configured to update a frequency or amplitude characteristic of the AC clutch control signal based on a sensor signal from the sensor, and the sensor signal may include information about a sensed motion or orientation of the wearable garment.

Aspect 42 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 40 or 41 to comprise, a displacement sensor configured to measure a dimensional change of the expandable and contractible portion, and the electrical signal generator may be configured to The frequency or amplitude characteristics of the AC clutch control signal are updated based on the measured changes in the dimensions of the expandable and contractible portions.

Aspect 43 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 40-42 to comprise, the electrical signal generator configured to generate the AC clutch control signal as a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle of about 50%. .

Aspect 44 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 43 to include, that the AC clutch control signal has a frequency of at least about 10 Hz and less than about 50 Hz.

Aspect 45 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, an electroadhesive clutch device comprising a first electrode assembly comprising a planar first conductive portion, A second electrode assembly comprising a planar second conductive portion, a first dielectric member disposed between the first and second conductive portions, configured to provide first and second signals to the first and second conductive portions of the electrode assembly, respectively wherein the first and second signals comprise respective opposite polarity portions of an alternating current (AC) clutch control signal, and the first and second electrode assemblies may be along a surface comprising the first and second conductive portions overlap at least partially.

Aspect 46 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 45 to comprise, a device housing, wherein the first electrode assembly may be substantially fixed relative to the device housing, and wherein the second electrode assembly may be configured relative to the device housing and The first electrode assembly moves.

Aspect 47 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 45 or 46 to comprise, a first dielectric member coupled to the first conductive part and disposed between the first and second conductive parts of the device .

Aspect 48 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 47 to include, a second dielectric member coupled to the second conductive portion and disposed between the first dielectric member and the second conductive portion of the second electrode assembly.

Aspect 49 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 45-48 to include, the electrical signal generator configured to generate the AC clutch control signal as a pulse width having an average duty cycle of about 50%. Modulated signal.

Aspect 50 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 49 to include, the AC clutch control signal having a frequency of at least about 10 Hz and less than about 50 Hz.

Aspect 51 may include, or may optionally be combined with, any one or more of aspects 45-50 to include, an accelerometer configured to measure motion of the clutch device, and a signal generator configured to generate an accelerometer based on the measured motion. AC clutch control signal.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to minimizing wear in electroadhesive actuators. For example, aspect 52 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an adaptable wearable article comprising a textile and an electroadhesive clutch forming an opening configured to receive a wearer's body In part, the electroadhesive clutch is secured to the textile and extends around at least a portion of the opening. In Aspect 52, the electroadhesive clutch can include a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly including a first conductive member and a first polymeric substrate applied to the first conductive member, the first polymeric substrate The hardness is greater than that of the first conductive member, the second electrode assembly includes a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, the second electrode assembly includes a second conductive member and a second polymer substrate applied to the second conductive member, the second electrode assembly includes a second conductive member and a second polymer substrate applied to the second conductive member, The hardness of the second polymer substrate is greater than that of the second conductive member. In this example, the first and second conductive members may be closer to each other, while the first and second polymeric substrates are farther away relative to each other. Aspect 52 may include or use an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to first and second conductive members of the electrode assembly, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly may be configured to The signal slides laterally relative to the second electrode assembly and remains stationary relative to the second electrode assembly while the first and second signals are applied. In aspect 52, the electroadhesive clutch can be configured to inhibit the opening size from increasing when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and to enable the opening size to increase when the first and second signals are not applied. Increase.

Aspect 53 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 52 to include, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a watertight housing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are located.

Aspect 54 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 53 to comprise, the waterproof housing as an elastic waterproof housing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the slack position.

Aspect 55 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 52-54 to comprise, the first polymeric substrate applied to the first conductive member with a first adhesive layer, the second polymeric substrate A second adhesive layer is applied to the second conductive member.

Aspect 56 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 55 to include, that the first and second polymeric substrates are polyolefin foams.

Aspect 57 can include, or can optionally be combined with aspect 56 to include, that the first and second polymeric substrates have a thickness of about 0.25 millimeters.

Aspect 58 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 52-57 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch comprising a controller operably coupled to the electrical signal generator and configured to The electrical signal generator is caused to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 59 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 58 to include, the electroadhesive clutch including a sensor operatively coupled to the controller, configured to output a sensor signal based on a detected condition of the adaptive article of apparel, and to control The converter is configured to receive sensor signals as input.

Aspect 60 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 59 to comprise, the sensor being at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor.

Aspect 61 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 52-17 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a user input operably coupled to the controller configured to receive commands from the user and outputs a signal indicative of the commands that may be received as input by the controller.

Aspect 62 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, a method of manufacturing an adaptable wearable article comprising forming a textile comprising an opening configured to receive a body part of a wearer, and securing the electroadhesive clutch to the textile and extending around at least a portion of the opening. In an example, an electroadhesive clutch includes a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly includes a first conductive member and a first polymer substrate applied to the first conductive member, the hardness of the first polymer substrate is Greater than the stiffness of the first conductive member, the second electrode assembly includes a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, the second electrode assembly includes the second conductive member and a second polymer substrate applied to the second conductive member, the second The stiffness of the two polymer substrates is greater than the stiffness of the second conductive member, wherein the first and second conductive members are closer to each other and the first and second polymer substrates are farther away from each other. Aspect 62 can include an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to first and second conductive members of the electrode assembly, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly can be configured to slides laterally relative to the second electrode assembly and remains stationary relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied, and the electroadhesive clutch can be configured such that when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second An increase in size of the opening is suppressed when the two-electrode assembly is performed, and the opening may be allowed or capable of increasing in size when the first and second signals are not applied.

Aspect 63 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 62 to include, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a watertight housing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are located.

Aspect 64 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 63 to comprise, the watertight housing as a resilient watertight housing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the relaxed position when force cannot be exerted on the resilient watertight housing.

Aspect 65 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 62-64 to comprise, applying the first polymeric substrate to the first conductive member with a first adhesive layer, and may utilize a first adhesive layer. A second adhesive layer applies a second polymeric substrate to the second conductive member.

Aspect 66 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 65 to comprise, that the first and second polymeric substrates comprise polyolefin foam.

Aspect 67 can include, or can optionally be combined with aspect 66 to include, that the first and second polymeric substrates have a thickness of about 0.25 millimeters.

Aspect 68 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 62-67 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch comprising a controller operably coupled to the electrical signal generator and configured to The electrical signal generator is caused to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 69 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 68 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the controller, configured to output a sensor signal based on a detected condition of the adaptive article of apparel, and The controller is configured to receive the sensor signal as input.

Aspect 70 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 62 to include, that the sensor is at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a pressure sensor.

Aspect 71 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 62-70 to comprise, that the electroadhesive clutch comprises a user input operably coupled to a controller configured to receive a commands and outputs a signal indicative of commands that may be received by the controller as input.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to electroadhesive systems for apparel. For example, aspect 72 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, a support garment for a wearer comprising a textile layer forming a support region configured and a hollow strap secured to a portion of the textile layer to adjustably restrain displacement of a portion of the wearer's body located near the support area. In Aspect 72, a hollow strap encloses an electroadhesive clutch device having a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly distinct from the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator, the second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping and configured to Sliding laterally relative to the first electrode assembly, the electrical signal generator provides one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies. In aspect 72, the electroadhesive clutch device may be configured to selectively adjust an amount by which the support garment permits displacement of the body part proximate the support region.

Aspect 73 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 72 to comprise, the support garment as a sports bra and the support region as cups of the sports bra.

Aspect 74 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 73 to comprise, the hollow strap comprising a first hollow strap, the electroadhesive clutch as the first electroadhesive clutch, the cup as the first cup, and the support garment may comprise A second hollow strap secured to a second portion of the textile layer forming a second support region, the second hollow strap enclosing the second electroadhesive clutch means, the second support region acts as a second cup of the sports bra.

Aspect 75 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 74 to include, that each of the first and second hollow straps is individually controllable to selectively disengage or tighten and loosen or disengage.

Aspect 76 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 74 to include, the signal generator configured to provide one or more electrical signals to the first and second electroadhesive clutches.

Aspect 77 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 76 to include, that the first clutch and the second clutch selectively adjust an amount by which the support garment allows the body parts to displace at substantially the same time as each other.

Aspect 78 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 72-77 to include, a support garment as an athletic support, wherein a hollow strap may be secured to the right side of the textile layer forming the support area The support garment can also include a left hollow strap secured to the left side of the textile layer forming the support area, and the right hollow strap and the left hollow strap can be configured to selectively restrain the wearer's body part displacement.

Aspect 79 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 78 to include, a displacement sensor for each of the first and second hollow straps configured to measure when the straps are tightened and/or relaxed. Strap changes.

Aspect 80 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 72-79 to comprise, that the first and second electrode assemblies partially overlap at their respective surfaces.

Aspect 81 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 72-80 to comprise, a signal generator configured to provide one or more signals to the electroadhesive clutch to select Clutch or tighten and relax.

Aspect 82 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 72-81 to include, an accelerometer configured to measure motion of the electroadhesive clutch and generate a or multiple signals.

Aspect 83 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 82 to include, that the support garment is configured to tighten when the wearer may be at an acceleration above a threshold, and to relax when the wearer may be at an acceleration below a threshold. That is, aspect 83 may include the clutch device configured to immobilize the first and second electrode assemblies when the measured motion indicates that the wearer exceeds a threshold acceleration, and otherwise configured to allow movement of one or both of the first and second electrode assemblies .

Aspect 84 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 72-83 to comprise, the first and second hollow straps as a watertight enclosure.

Aspect 85 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, a method comprising forming a textile layer of a support garment having support regions, and forming a textile layer to be secured to the textile layer. A portion of a hollow strap enclosing an electroadhesive clutch device having a substantially planar first conductive portion and a substantially planar second conductive portion, the electroadhesive clutch device selectively inhibits or allows the support region to Layers the movement of the wearer's body parts.

Aspect 86 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 85 to comprise, the support garment as a sports bra and the support region as cups of the sports bra.

Aspect 87 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 86 to include, the hollow strap as the first hollow strap, the electroadhesive clutch as the first electroadhesive clutch, and the support garment may include a second strap secured to the textile layer. A second hollow strap of two parts, the second hollow strap encloses a second electroadhesive clutch device having a substantially planar first conductive portion and a substantially planar second conductive portion.

Aspect 88 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 87 to comprise, the signal generator configured to provide one or more electrical signals to the first and second electroadhesive clutches.

Aspect 89 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 88 to include, that the first clutch and the second clutch are configured to selectively tighten and loosen substantially simultaneously, ie simultaneously with each other. That is, the first and second clutch arrangements may be configured to actuate or disengage substantially simultaneously.

Aspect 90 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 85-89 to include, the support garment as the athletic support, the hollow strap as the right side of the right side secured to the right side of the textile layer forming the support area. The hollow straps, and the support garment may further include a left hollow strap secured to a left side of the textile layer forming the support area, the right and left hollow straps configured to selectively inhibit displacement of the wearer's body part.

Aspect 91 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 85-90 to include, an accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration rate of the electroadhesive clutch, and the support garment may be configured to when Tense when the wearer is at a jerk above the threshold, and relax when the wearer is at a jerk below the threshold. In other words, aspect 91 may include measuring an acceleration of the body part, and the electroadhesive clutch device may be configured to actuate when the measured acceleration is greater than a threshold acceleration, otherwise configured to disengage.

Aspect 92 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 85-91 to include, actuating the electroluminescent portion of the clutch device in coordination with the selective tightening and loosening of the support region.

Aspect 93 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an article of apparel comprising modular panels for selectively coupling to a supporting garment, the modular panels comprising a An electroadhesive clutch device of a first electrode assembly, different from the first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping and configured to slide laterally relative to the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator configured to move toward the second electrode assembly The first and second electrode assemblies provide one or more signals, and the electroadhesive clutch device is configured to selectively adjust the amount the support garment allows a body part proximate to the support region to displace when coupled to the support garment.

Aspect 94 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 93 to include, that the modular panel further includes an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the electroadhesive clutch, and the clutch device may be configured to The relationship between the threshold acceleration to actuate.

Aspect 95 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 93 or 94 to include, that the electroadhesive clutch device includes an electroluminescent component configured to interface with the clutch device. The actuation glows in unison.

Aspect 96 may include, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to include, a modular apparatus for an article of apparel, the apparatus including an interface configured to mechanically couple with a corresponding interface on the article of apparel, and having An electroadhesive clutch device of a first electrode assembly, different from the first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping and configured to slide laterally relative to the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator configured to move toward the second electrode assembly The first and second electrode assemblies provide one or more signals.

Aspect 97 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 96 to include, an interface of the modular device including hook and loop fasteners to couple the modular device to an article of apparel.

Aspect 98 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 96 or 97 to comprise, an interface of the modular device comprising one or more magnetic fasteners to attach the modular device to the Clothing item coupling.

Aspect 99 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 96-98 to include, the electroadhesive clutch device configured to, when an interface of the modular device is coupled to a corresponding interface on the article of apparel, select Controls the amount that the garment allows the wearer's limb to displace within the support area of the article of apparel.

Aspect 100 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 99 to include, an accelerometer, and the clutch arrangement may be configured to be selectively actuated in response to information from the accelerometer.

Aspect 101 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an article of apparel comprising a support portion configured to support a limb of a user, coupled to the support portion and configured to be worn around the waist or torso of a user. A surrounding strap portion, an extendable member coupled to the support portion and the strap portion, and an interface configured to connect the clutch device to the extendable member.

Aspect 102 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 101 to comprise, that the support portion is configured to receive and support a breast (eg, breast tissue) of a user.

Aspect 103 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 101 or 102 to comprise, that the support portion is configured to receive and support a crotch region (eg penis or testicles) of a user.

Aspect 104 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 101-103 to comprise, that the extendable member is further configured to retract.

Aspect 105 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 101-104 to comprise, that the interface comprises a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook and loop type fastener.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparel fit or fit. For example, aspect 106 can include, or can optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to include, an adaptive article of apparel comprising a textile and an electroadhesive clutch forming an opening, the opening Configured to receive a body part of a wearer, the electroadhesive clutch is secured to the textile and extends around at least a portion of the opening. The electroadhesive clutch may include a first electrode assembly including a first conductive member, a second electrode assembly including a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, and configured to respectively provide the first and second conductive members of the electrode assembly with Electrical signal generator for first and second signals. In aspect 106, the first electrode assembly may be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied, and to remain stationary relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied. In aspect 106, the electroadhesive clutch can be configured to inhibit the opening size from increasing when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and to enable the opening size to increase when the first and second signals are not applied. Increase. In other words, the first electrode assembly can be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are absent, and the first electrode assembly can be configured to slide relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied. The electrode assembly is fixed laterally. Electroadhesive clutching can be used or configured to help suppress or prevent opening size changes when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and when the first and second signals are absent or removed , the opening size is adjustable.

Aspect 107 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 106 to include, that the electroadhesive clutch includes a watertight housing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are located.

Aspect 108 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 107 to comprise, the waterproof casing as an elastic waterproof casing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the slack when a force cannot be exerted on the elastic waterproof casing. Location.

Aspect 109 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 106-108 to include, the textile as a waterproof textile, and the textile may be configured to form a waterproof seal around the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 110 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 109 to include, the textile as an elastic textile configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to a relaxed or biased position when no force is placed or applied on the textile. position.

Aspect 111 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 106-110 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a controller operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and configured to The electrical signal generator is configured to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 112 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 111 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the controller, configured to output a sensor signal based on a detected condition of the adaptive article of apparel, and The controller can be configured to receive sensor signals as input.

Aspect 113 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 112 to comprise, the sensor being at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor.

Aspect 114 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 111-113 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a user input operatively coupled to the controller configured to receive commands from the user and outputs a signal indicative of the commands that may be received as input by the controller.

Aspect 115 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 106-114 to include, the adaptive article of apparel as a hat.

Aspect 116 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 106-115 to include, the adaptive article of apparel as a sleeve configured to be worn around a wearer's arm or leg.

Aspect 117 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 106-116 to include, that the opening includes an opening or aperture portion of a pocket in or coupled to the article of apparel.

Aspect 118 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, a method comprising forming a textile having an opening configured to receive a body part of a wearer, and coupling an electroadhesive clutch Secured to the textile, the electroadhesive clutch extends around at least a portion of the opening. In aspect 118, the electroadhesive clutch can include at least a first electrode assembly including a first conductive member, a second electrode assembly including a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, a first electrode assembly respectively configured to connect to the electrode assembly. and the second conductive member provide an electrical signal generator for first and second signals, wherein the first electrode assembly can be configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied, and when the first electrode assembly is applied and the second signal remain stationary relative to the second electrode assembly, and the electroadhesive clutch can be configured to inhibit the opening size from increasing when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and when the first and second signals are not applied The opening size can be increased for the first and second signals.

Aspect 119 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 118 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a watertight housing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are or may be located.

Aspect 120 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 119 to comprise, the waterproof housing as an elastic waterproof housing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies when a force is disengaged or not applied to the elastic waterproof housing. to the relaxed position.

Aspect 121 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 118-120 to include, the textile as a waterproof textile, and the textile may be configured to form a waterproof seal around the first and second electrode assemblies.

Aspect 122 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 121 to include, the textile as an elastic textile configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the relaxed position when force is removed or not applied to the textile.

Aspect 123 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 118-122 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a controller operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and configured to is configured to cause the electrical signal generator to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 124 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 123 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the controller, configured to output a sensor signal based on a detected condition of the adaptive article of apparel, and The controller is configured to receive the sensor signal as input.

Aspect 125 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 124 to comprise, the sensor being at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor.

Aspect 126 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 124 or 125 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a user input operably coupled to the controller configured to receive commands from the user and outputs a signal indicative of the commands that may be received as input by the controller.

Aspect 127 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, a garment comprising a base layer of the garment, a pocket portion secured at least in part to the base layer of the garment, the pocket portion comprising a first Pocket aperture at edge and electroadhesive clutch assembly comprising first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode is coupleable at or near the pocket aperture at the first edge of the pocket portion and the second electrode is coupleable to the garment base layer , and wherein the first and second electrodes can be configured to selectively close the pocket hole upon actuation of the electroadhesive clutch assembly, and maintain the pocket hole in a closed or sealed position.

Aspect 128 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 127 to comprise, a controller for the electroadhesive clutch assembly, and the controller may be configured to provide respective electrical signals to the first and second electrodes, thereby controlling Clutch components.

Aspect 129 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 128 to comprise, an accelerometer, wherein the controller may be configured to provide respective electrical signals to the first and second electrodes based on information from the accelerometer.

Aspect 130 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 129 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure orientation or posture information about the wearer of the garment, and the controller may be configured to provide information based on the orientation or posture information measured using the accelerometer. The first and second electrodes provide corresponding electrical signals.

Aspect 131 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 129 to include, that the accelerometer is configured to measure activity level information about the wearer of the garment, and the controller may be configured to provide a first report based on the activity level information measured using the accelerometer. and the second electrode to provide corresponding electrical signals.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to selectively breathable apparel. For example, aspect 132 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, an article of apparel comprising an aperture in the article of apparel coupled to or integrated into the article of apparel An electroadhesive clutch device in an article and configured to selectively open and close an aperture in an article of apparel, and an electrical signal configured to send one or more signals to the clutch device to selectively open and/or close the aperture generator.

Aspect 133 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 132 to include, the electroadhesive clutch device configured to open the aperture to allow air flow through the flexible aperture. For example, the electrodes of an electroadhesive clutch device can be configured to separate, thereby opening pores and allowing air flow therethrough.

Aspect 134 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 132 or 133 to include, a shutter covering the aperture coupled to the electroadhesive clutch device and configured to selectively cover and open the aperture.

Aspect 135 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 134 to include, a manual securing mechanism to physically couple the flap to the aperture.

Aspect 136 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 134 to comprise, the aperture as a first aperture of a plurality of apertures, the flap as a first flap of a plurality of flaps, the first flap corresponding to the first hole.

Aspect 137 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 136 to include, a temperature sensor coupled to the electroadhesive clutch device, and the flap may be configured to cover the aperture when the temperature of the wearer of the article is below a threshold temperature, while The holes are opened when the wearer's temperature is above a threshold temperature.

Aspect 138 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 136 to include, each aperture of the plurality of apertures having a corresponding flap of the plurality of flaps, and each flap having a corresponding electroadhesive clutch.

Aspect 139 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 132-138 to include, the article as lower body apparel, and may include a right leg panel and a left leg panel, which have passing through the right leg panel and Elongated vertical hole in the lower portion of the left leg panel.

Aspect 140 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 132-139 to include, the apertures are oriented horizontally and extend laterally through the article of apparel.

Aspect 141 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 132-140 to include, the article of apparel as upper body apparel comprising an upper back panel with an elongated Horizontal holes and corresponding elongated horizontal flaps.

Aspect 142 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 132-141 to include, a temperature sensor coupled to an electroadhesive clutch device configured to The temperature selectively opens and closes the pores.

Aspect 143 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 132-142 to include, the electroadhesive clutch device having first and second electrode assemblies, the electrical signal generator being configured to send The and second electrode assemblies provide first and second signals, and the first and second signals are opposite polarity components of the AC clutch control signal.

Aspect 144 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, a method comprising forming a hole in an article of apparel, integrating an electroadhesive clutch device into the article of apparel, electroadhesively The clutch is configured to selectively open and close the aperture in the article of apparel, and an electrical signal generator is integrated into the article of apparel configured to send one or more signals to the clutch device to selectively open and/or Close the hole.

Aspect 145 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 144 to include, the electroadhesive clutch device configured to open the aperture and allow air flow through the aperture.

Aspect 146 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 144 or 145 to include, forming a flap for covering the aperture, the flap being coupled to the electroadhesive clutch device and configured for Selectively cover and open holes.

Aspect 147 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 146 to include, integrating a temperature sensor to couple to the electroadhesive clutch device and configuring the flap to cover the aperture when the temperature of the wearer of the article is below a threshold temperature, And when the temperature of the wearer is higher than the threshold temperature, the hole is opened.

Aspect 148 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 144-147 to include, the apertures are oriented horizontally and extend laterally through the article of apparel.

Aspect 149 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 144-148 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch device having first and second electrode assemblies, the electrical signal generator being configured to send The and second electrode assemblies provide first and second signals that are opposite polarity portions of the AC galvanic clutch control signal.

Aspect 150 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 144-149 to include, the article as lower body apparel and may include a right leg panel and a left leg panel with a through right leg panel and Elongated vertical hole in the lower portion of the left leg panel.

Aspect 151 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 146 to include, a manual securing mechanism to physically couple the flap to the aperture.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to isolation of electroadhesive or electrostatic devices in apparel. For example, aspect 152 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an electrode arrangement for electroadhesive clutching comprising a planar conductive member and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the conductive member , wherein the housing may include a flexible polymer substrate provided adjacent to at least a first surface of the conductive member, and a dielectric member including a first portion disposed adjacent to an opposite second surface of the conductive member, and a first side edge disposed adjacent to the conductive member and coupled to a second portion of the flexible polymer substrate.

Aspect 153 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 152 to include, that the dielectric member includes a third portion disposed adjacent a second side edge of the conductive member opposite the first side edge and coupled to the flexible polymeric substrate.

Aspect 154 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 152 or 153 to include, the polymer substrate coupled to the first side edge of the conductive member.

Aspect 155 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-154 to comprise, that the planar conductive member comprises a metal deposited on a polymeric substrate, and the dielectric member may comprise a substantially non-conductive material.

Aspect 156 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-155 to include, that the dielectric member includes an elastic dielectric ink having a dielectric constant that may be greater than that of air.

Aspect 157 can include, or can optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-156 to include, that the thickness of the dielectric member adjacent the first surface of the conductive member can be less than about 30 microns.

Aspect 158 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-157 to comprise, that the housing has a conductive pathway disposed in a portion of the polymeric substrate or dielectric member, and the housing may be configured as The conductive member is hermetically isolated.

Aspect 159 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-158 to comprise, that the dielectric member comprises a flexible dielectric material.

Aspect 160 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-159 to include, a smoothing agent disposed on the dielectric member side of the housing, wherein the smoothing agent may be configured to reduce a coefficient of friction characteristic of the housing.

Aspect 161 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 152-160 to comprise, the housing and the conductive member as flexible or compliant members.

Aspect 162 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an electroadhesive clutch device comprising a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly comprising A first conductive portion covered by a dielectric insulator, the second electrode assembly includes a second conductive portion at least partially covered by the second dielectric insulator, wherein the first and second conductive portions have different widths, and wherein the first and second The electrode assemblies may at least partially overlap at respective surfaces thereof including the first and second dielectric insulators, and the first electrode assembly may move relative to the second electrode assembly in a length direction of the first conductive portion.

Aspect 163 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 162 to comprise, a clutch frame, wherein the second electrode assembly may be fixed relative to the clutch frame and the first electrode assembly may be movable relative to the clutch frame.

Aspect 164 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 162 or 163 to include, that the first and second conductive portions have different surface area characteristics.

Aspect 165 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 162-164 to include, that the first planar surface of the first conductive portion may be parallel to and aligned with the second planar surface of the second conductive portion. of overlap.

Aspect 166 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 162-165 to include, that the first electrode assembly is movable relative to the second electrode assembly in a width direction of the first conductive portion.

Aspect 167 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 166 to include, a clutch frame configured to couple the first and second electrode assemblies such that the conductive portions are parallel and at least partially overlap.

Aspect 168 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 167 to include, an elastic tensioner coupling the clutch frame and the first electrode assembly, wherein the elastic tensioner may be configured to bias the first and second electrode assemblies into Surface contact is at a surface comprising the first and second dielectric insulators.

Aspect 169 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 162-168 to comprise, an electrical signal generator configured to provide electrical signal to the first and second electrically conductive portions of the electrode assembly, respectively. First and second signals are provided, wherein the first and second signals comprise respective portions of an alternating current (AC) clutch control signal, and in response to the first and second signals, an electrical current can be generated between the first and second electrode assemblies. Adhesive attraction.

Aspect 170 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to comprise, an electrode arrangement for electroadhesive clutching, the electrode arrangement comprising a first substrate, a conductive first trace disposed on a flexible substrate, A wire, the first trace has a height, a width and a length, and a dielectric member disposed on the conductive trace opposite to the substrate, wherein at least a portion of the dielectric member extends on a side edge of the first trace and can be connected to the flexible Substrate coupling.

Aspect 171 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 170 to comprise, that the first substrate comprises a thin film polymer substrate.

Aspect 172 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 170 or 171 to include, a dielectric member extending on sides of the first trace on the first substrate and encapsulating at least a portion of the first trace.

Aspect 173 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 172 to include, a conductive pathway electrically coupled to the external clutch signal driver and the first trace, wherein the conductive pathway provides the electrical signal through the first substrate or through the dielectric member path.

Aspect 174 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-173 to include, the dielectric member includes a dielectric ink deposited on the first trace and on the surface of the first substrate.

Aspect 175 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-174 to include, the dielectric member comprising a dielectric polymer printed on the first trace and on the surface of the first substrate.

Aspect 176 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-175 to include, that the dielectric constant of the dielectric member may be greater than that of air.

Aspect 177 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-176 to include, that the dielectric constant of the dielectric member may be less than that of air.

Aspect 178 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-177 to include, that the thickness of the dielectric member adjacent to the first trace may be less than about 30 microns.

Aspect 179 may include, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 170-178 to include, a polymeric smoothing agent disposed on the dielectric member opposite the first trace.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of electroadhesive devices or components thereof with textiles and other materials. For example, aspect 180 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any of the preceding aspects or examples to comprise, a wearable article comprising a textile configured to be worn by a wearer, and An electroadhesive clutch on an electroadhesive clutch comprising a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive member, a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, the first and second electrode assemblies may A resilient housing therein that forms a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the resilient housing and forms a second bond with the second conductive member near a second location of the resilient housing that is different from the first location. combination, and an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to first and second conductive members of the electrode assembly, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly may be configured to relatively slides laterally with respect to the second electrode assembly and remains stationary relative to the second electrode assembly while the first and second signals are applied. In aspect 180, the electroadhesive clutch can be configured to inhibit an increase in opening size when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and wherein the opening size can be increased when the first and second signals are not applied Size of the opening.

Aspect 181 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 180 to comprise, the elastic casing as a watertight elastic casing.

Aspect 182 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 181 to include, the resilient waterproof housing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the relaxed position when the force is removed from the resilient waterproof housing.

Aspect 183 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 182 to include, that the resilient waterproof housing may be at least partially formed from a polymer configured to form first and second bonds with the first and second conductive members, respectively.

Aspect 184 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 183 to comprise, the polymer as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Aspect 185 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 184 to comprise, that the first conductive portion forms a hole near a first location where a first bond can be formed, and the second conductive member is at a second location where a second bond can be formed A hole is formed nearby.

Aspect 186 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 185 to include, that the first and second electrically conductive members are formed from Mylar.

Aspect 187 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 180-186 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a controller operably coupled to the electrical signal generator configured to The electrical signal generator is caused to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 188 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 180-187 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the controller configured to The detected condition of the item outputs a sensor signal, and the controller may be configured to receive the sensor signal as input.

Aspect 189 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 188 to comprise, the sensor being at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor.

Aspect 190 may include, or may optionally be combined with any preceding aspect or example to include, a method of manufacturing an adaptive article of apparel comprising forming a textile configured to be worn by a wearer, and securing an electroadhesive clutch To textiles, the electroadhesive clutch comprises a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive member, a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive member partially covering the first conductive member, an elastic housing in which the first and second electrode assemblies are located , the elastic housing forms a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the elastic housing and forms a second bond with the second conductive member near a second location of the elastic housing different from the first location, and an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to the first and second conductive members of the electrode assembly, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly may be configured relative to the second when the first and second signals are not applied The electrode assembly slides laterally and remains stationary relative to the second electrode assembly while the first and second signals are applied. In aspect 190, the electroadhesive clutch can be configured to inhibit the opening size from increasing when the first and second signals are applied to the first and second electrode assemblies, and to enable the opening size to increase when the first and second signals are not applied. Increase.

Aspect 191 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 190 to comprise, the elastic casing as a watertight elastic casing.

Aspect 192 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 191 to include, the resilient waterproof housing configured to return the first and second electrode assemblies to the relaxed position when the force is removed from the resilient waterproof housing.

Aspect 193 may include, or may optionally be combined with aspect 192 to include, the resilient waterproof housing formed at least in part from a polymer configured to form first and second bonds with the first and second conductive members, respectively.

Aspect 194 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 193 to comprise, the polymer as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Aspect 195 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 194 to comprise, that the first conductive portion forms a hole near a first location where a first bond can be formed, and the second conductive member is at a second location where a second bond can be formed A hole is formed nearby.

Aspect 196 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 195 to comprise, that the first and second electrically conductive members are formed from or comprise Mylar.

Aspect 197 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with any one or more of aspects 190-196 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a controller operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and configured to is configured to cause the electrical signal generator to apply the first and second signals based on the received input.

Aspect 198 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 197 to comprise, the electroadhesive clutch further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the controller and configured to output a sensor signal based on a detected condition of the adaptive article of apparel, And the controller can be configured to receive sensor signals as input.

Aspect 199 may comprise, or may optionally be combined with aspect 198 to comprise, the sensor being at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor.

Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand alone or be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more other aspects, examples or features discussed elsewhere herein.

The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventor contemplates examples using any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described, or with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or is with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, independently of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, the term "or" is used to mean a non-exclusive "or", so "A or B" includes "A but not including B", "B but not including A" and "A and B", unless otherwise There are instructions. In this document, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" are open-ended, meaning that the system of elements other than those listed after such term in the claims is included , apparatus, article, composition, formulation or process are still considered to fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Geometric terms, such as "parallel" or "perpendicular" or "circle" or "square", etc., do not require absolute mathematical precision unless the context dictates otherwise. Rather, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or functional equivalent. For example, if an element is described as being "circular" or "substantially circular," elements that are not exactly circular (eg, elements that are slightly oval or polygonal) are still encompassed by that description.

The method examples described herein may be at least partially machine or computer implemented. Some examples may include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the methods described in the above examples. An implementation of such a method may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, high level language code, or the like. Such code may include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form part of a computer program product. Furthermore, in examples, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of such tangible computer readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (such as compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic tape cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), Read memory (ROM), etc.

The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. For example, after reading the above description, other embodiments may be used by those of ordinary skill in the art. The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be combined together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as saying that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims (31)

1. A support garment for a wearer, comprising:

a textile layer forming a support region configured to adjustably inhibit displacement of a body portion of a wearer positioned adjacent to the support region;

a hollow strap secured to a portion of the textile layer, wherein the hollow strap encloses an electro-adhesive clutch having a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly different from the first electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping the first electrode assembly and configured to slide laterally relative to the first electrode assembly; and

an electrical signal generator configured to provide one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies, the electro-adhesion clutch device configured to selectively adjust an amount of body part displacement in the vicinity of the garment permissible support region.

2. The support garment of claim 1, wherein the support garment is a sports bra and the support region is a cup of the sports bra.

3. The support garment of claim 2, wherein the hollow strap is a first hollow strap, the electroadhesive clutch is a first electroadhesive clutch, and the cup is a first cup, and wherein the support garment further comprises a second hollow strap secured to a second portion of the textile layer forming a second support region, the second hollow strap surrounding a second electroadhesive clutch device, and the second support region is a second cup of the athletic bra.

4. A support garment according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second clutch means is individually controllable.

5. A support garment according to claim 3, wherein the first and second clutching devices are configured to selectively simultaneously adjust the amount by which the support garment allows the body part to displace.

6. The support garment of claim 1, wherein the support garment is a athletic support, the hollow strap is a right hollow strap secured to the textile layer forming a right side of the support region, the support garment further comprises a left hollow strap secured to the textile layer forming a left side of the support region, and the clutch devices in the right and left hollow straps are configured to selectively inhibit displacement of a body part of a wearer.

7. The support garment of claim 6, further comprising respective displacement sensors configured to measure the displacement of the first and second hollow straps, and wherein the clutch device is configured to respond to information about the displacement from the displacement sensors.

8. The support garment of claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer configured to measure movement of the electro-adhesion clutch and to generate one or more signals based on the measured movement.

9. The support garment of claim 8, wherein the clutching device is configured to secure the first and second electrode assemblies when the measured movement indicates the wearer exceeds a threshold acceleration, and is further configured to otherwise allow movement of one or both of the first and second electrode assemblies.

10. The support garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second hollow straps are waterproof shells.

11. A method, comprising:

forming a textile layer having a support region for supporting a garment;

a hollow strap forming a portion to be secured to the textile layer, the hollow strap surrounding an electro-adhesive clutch having a substantially planar first conductive portion and a substantially planar second conductive portion, the electro-adhesive clutch selectively inhibiting or allowing movement of the support region relative to a body portion of a wearer of the textile layer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the support garment is a sports bra and the support region is a cup of a sports bra.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hollow strap is a first hollow strap and the electroadhesive clutch is a first electroadhesive clutch, the support garment further comprising a second hollow strap secured to a second portion of the textile layer, the second hollow strap surrounding a second electroadhesive clutch device having a substantially planar third conductive portion and a substantially planar fourth conductive portion.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing respective electrical signals to the first and second electroadhesive clutching devices using a signal generator to actuate the clutching devices.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second electro-adhesion clutch apparatuses are configured to actuate or disengage simultaneously.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the support garment is a athletic support, the hollow strap is a right hollow strap secured to a right side of the textile layer forming the support region, the support garment further comprises a left hollow strap secured to a left side of the textile layer forming the support region, and the right and left hollow straps are configured to selectively inhibit displacement of a body part of a wearer.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising measuring acceleration of the body part, wherein the electro-adhesion clutch is configured to actuate when the measured acceleration is greater than a threshold acceleration, and is further configured to disengage otherwise.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising actuating an electroluminescent portion of the clutch device in coordination with selectively inhibiting or allowing movement of the support region.

19. An article of apparel, comprising:

a modular panel for selective coupling to a support garment, the modular panel comprising:

an electro-adhesion clutch having a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly different from the first electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping the first electrode assembly and configured to slide laterally relative to the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator providing one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies, the electro-adhesion clutch configured to selectively adjust an amount by which a support portion of an article of apparel is allowed to displace proximate a support area when the apparel is worn.

20. The article of apparel of claim 19, wherein the modular panel further comprises an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the electro-adhesion clutch, wherein the clutch device is configured to actuate based on a relationship between the measured acceleration and a specified threshold acceleration.

21. The article of apparel recited in claim 19, wherein the electro-adhesion clutch includes an electroluminescent component configured to emit light in coordination with actuation of the clutch.

22. A modular apparatus for an article of apparel, the apparatus comprising:

an interface configured to mechanically couple with a corresponding interface on an article of apparel; and

an electro-adhesion clutch apparatus having a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly different from the first electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly at least partially overlapping the first electrode assembly and configured to slide laterally relative to the first electrode assembly, and an electrical signal generator configured to provide one or more signals to the first and second electrode assemblies.

23. The modular device of claim 22, wherein the interface of the modular device comprises a hook and loop fastener to couple the modular device with an article of apparel.

24. The modular device of claim 22, wherein the interface of the modular device comprises one or more magnetic fasteners to couple the modular device with an article of apparel.

25. The modular device of claim 22, wherein the electro-adhesive clutch is configured to selectively control an amount by which an article of apparel allows a limb of a wearer to displace in a support area of the article of apparel when an interface of the modular device is coupled to a corresponding interface on the article of apparel.

26. The modular device of claim 25, further comprising an accelerometer, wherein the clutching device is configured to be selectively actuated in response to information from the accelerometer.

27. An article of apparel, comprising:

a support portion configured to support a limb of a user;

a belt portion coupled to the support portion and configured to be worn around a waist or torso of a user;

an extendable member coupled to the support portion and the strap portion; and

an interface configured to couple the clutch device to the extendable member.

28. The article of claim 27, wherein the support portion is configured to receive and support a breast of a user.

29. The article of claim 27, wherein the support portion is configured to receive and support a penis or testis of a user.

30. The article of claim 27, wherein the extendable member is further configured to retract.

31. The article of claim 27, wherein the interface comprises a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener.