Traditional safety vests and high-visibility clothing make people more visible in traffic, but they have major flaws: they are uncomfortable for everyday wear, hard to wash without damage, and children often refuse to wear them because they look too conspicuous. Current versions with built-in lights still aren’t washable enough, and parts like batteries often fail over time.
Core Features
This invention is a smart textile—like a vest, jacket, backpack, or even stroller covering—that has lights and sensors built into it for safety and information display. Crucially, the battery and control unit can be easily detached before washing, meaning the fabric can be cleaned without damaging electronics. The lights and sensors connect wirelessly to the control unit, making everything more durable and reliable.
Inventive Step
What’s new and unique is the detachable control unit combined with wireless communication inside the fabric. Previous designs had everything sealed in, leading to failure after washing. Here, simply snapping off the battery before washing protects the electronics, extends product life, and even allows charging during washing.
Benefits
- Clothes stay clean and safe to wear without harming the electronics.
- Products last much longer, saving money and reducing waste.
- Children are more likely to wear these everyday clothes, improving their safety.
- The same detachable battery can power multiple items, like jackets or backpacks.
Broader Impact
This invention could greatly improve road safety, especially for kids and cyclists. It reduces electronic waste, makes smart clothing more practical for daily life, and even opens doors for fun uses like showing race times on skiers’ jerseys or alerting cyclists based on heart rate. It brings smart textiles into the mainstream—safe, sustainable, and kid-friendly.