Why embed electronics into wearables?

Embedding electronics in our clothing allows what we wear to become "smart", meaning that our wearables can sense inputs, communicate information, and respond to us and our environments.

Embedded Electronics in Fashion

Examples of fashion incorporating digital technology demonstrate its power of self-expression, safety, learning, and transformation. This is often an electronic system of sensing and reacting.

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In this activity we will learn how to embed a LED into a wearable fabric. This technique can be used with any electronics hardware to prototype wearable tech products to test their functionality.

SEWING IN CIRCUITS

An LED circuit requires three basic elements. The light, the wires that create a loop, and a battery. 

A switch can also be added to allow you to open and close the circuit, turning on and off the light. 

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a switch is an electrical drawbridge when the bridge is up the electrons can't go anywhere

the Light Emitting Diode [LED] will provide our light

the battery holds the electrons

LED CIRCUIT BASICS

LEDs

switch

wires

batteries

LED

switch

battery

BUILDING A SIMPLE CIRCUIT

3

Volts

A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy. The chemical reactions in a battery involve the flow of electrons from one material (electrode) to another, through an external circuit. The flow of electrons provides an electric current that can be used to do work.

THE BATTERY

1.8 - 3.3

Volts

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current flows through it. LEDs have positive (+) and negative (-) sides to them. For an LED to work it needs to be connected to a voltage source with the correct side.

THE LED

A switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit. Interrupting the electric current turns the LED off, connecting the current turns it on. 

THE SWITCH

Securing the wires to the switch

Attach the metal ends of wires through holes of switch prongs

Secure each side with tape - make sure the wires aren't touching each other!

Embedding the LED in Fabric - Step One

Insert the LED into the fabric.

Tight against the material.

Fold down the LED wires.

Embedding the LED in Fabric - Step Two

Plus the LED into jumper cables.

Tape down to secure the connection.

LEDs can be exposed directly.

LEDs can be diffused through fabric.

THE RESULT

LEDs can be mounted a variety of ways, including in measured holes that are drilled, hole punched, or laser cut into your prototype.

Multiple LEDs can be powered off of the same battery if they are wired in parallel circuits.

If you want to control the behavior of an LED to either respond to an input, such as a temperature sensor, or perform a routine, such as blinking, we will use a micocontroller to code that behavior.

PREVIOUS STUDENT EXAMPLES

Prompt - Create a Circuit Diagram

of Your Cyborg Enhancement

Draw out the elements of a circuit at full scale on a mock-up diagram of your design. How long do the wires have to be? Where will the switch be to turn on and off your cyborg enhancement? 

Prompt - Consider How You Can Embed Electronics Into Your Next Prototype

Decide with your build partner how you will incorporate your light and fabric into your build.