Development of Non-Standard Wearable Connectors for a USB 2.0 Textile Cable

摘要

A soldier-based Personal Area Network (PAN) that can be unobtrusively integrated into the soldier ensemble is desirable for soldier comfort, weight savings, and the expanded mission capabilities that come with netted communication and improved situational awareness. In this Phase I effort a series of innovative concepts were investigated for connectors that interface with an electrotextile-based PAN. These concepts included connection methods common to the textiles industry to achieve electrical connectivity. These included snapping, sliding and buckling mechanisms. Particular attention was paid to the buckle style connector and its potential for rapid integration into the Scorpion Bravo system.