2023/10/31
Making The Most Out of JAE’s Proprietary Technology
Matsunaga: In order to enhance miniaturization and improve operability, several contacts must be integrated in a rigid plastic housing. The challenge to realizing this concept is that tolerances in mounting accuracy of components have to be considered during assembly. Therefore, if a connector is manufactured with such tolerances unaccounted for the mating of connectors becomes impossible as the centers of contacts are not aligned. We solved this problem by using a proprietary floating mechanism on the receptacle side so that positional tolerances could be absorbed.
As a result, the connector can be easily snapped on and off even if it has several contacts. Because it adopts a snap button type mechanism, which is widely recognized among apparel products, RK01 is an easy-to-handle connector that can be intuitively operated by anyone user. In order to guarantee reliability of contact with conductive textiles, the connector was designed so that it would not easily be affected by variations in the accuracy of assembly by employing JAE’s unique wiring structure for which we had already developed elemental technologies. In addition, the connector design ensured long-term reliability that enabled it to pass environmental tests such as temperature and humidity tests. Therefore, RK01 realized contact reliability that had been difficult to achieve with the conventional snap button type connector.
Figure: Comparison of contact reliability when positional gaps occur
Connector unit
of Xenoma’s e-skin EMStyle
Nakajima: Using this, it has been possible to obtain electrocardiogram and electromyogram data, respiration data, bioelectrical impedance, and motion sensing data in a reliable manner. Looking at the possibilities of future applications, Xenoma was grateful that the connector could be customized by the type of material, the number of poles, and other elements for smart textiles.
Because of your efforts, the completed product has been well received by users, and there has been not one single complaint about defects caused by the connector.
Anticipates Further Development, Including Miniaturization and Multifunctionality
Matsunaga: JAE is pleased and grateful to hear that the connector is highly regarded by customers for its quality. By the way, please tell me about the concept of the e-skin EMStyle suit.
Nakajima: By wearing an e-skin EMStyle suit and applying electrical stimuli to muscles in 24 locations on the body for 20 minutes, the body can get the same effect as that gained from a full workout. As the suit applies a load to muscles, even a 20-minute exercise would cause muscle pain. The e-skin EMStyle suit is used by members of a distinguished sports club, and by linking the product with smartphone applications for individuals, we also provide a service that enables users to enjoy online personal training at home.
Matsunaga: The challenge for future smart apparel is to embed more sensors and wires while ensuring connection stability. It is important to not only make smart apparel washable, but also, from a safety perspective, enable wearers to easily put them on and take them off so that they can stop electricity from flowing from the built-in batteries by removing the modules easily and swiftly when some abnormality is detected in wearable products such as the e-skin EMStyle suit. We hope that by meeting these requests, this RK01 Series will contribute to making smart apparel products smaller and highly functional through multiple-pole support, easy operability, and high connection reliability.
Nakajima: We have set up a booth at exhibitions together and hope that we can continue to work hand in hand to develop new products in the years to come.
Xenoma’s e-skin EMStyle
Matsunaga: The cutting-edge technology and agile development efforts of start-ups are a source of motivation for us. Your cooperation and support would be appreciated.
Download The Custom Development Process for Smart Textile Connector
After completing the form on the right, you can download RK01 series custom development process detailed documentation (PDFs).
Subject to change without notice. Errors and omission excepted.