The new patent shows that Apple is working on how to weave sensors and switches into the fabric, which could then be used in smart bags, furniture, clothing, and more.
Apple has previously been granted a number of patents, including one for making fabric buttons for the HomePod. Now, a newly disclosed patent describes the use of fabrics embedded with sensors and other devices.
The Apple patent called a “fabric control device,” deals with the details of embedding anything into the fabric. Apple has already taken shape on this broad idea. This new patent also partly illustrates that Apple may go further in this regard.
Apple states in the patent description that it may be desirable to use materials such as fabrics to form bags, furniture, clothing, electronic devices and other items, however, these fabric-based items may not provide the desired functionality if care is not taken.
For example, fabric-based electronics may be awkward to use, may not have an attractive appearance, or may not provide desired functionality. The patent focuses on the last point, the issue of making the fabric item a control device. After listing every conceivable type of electronic device, the patent goes on to present more specific, immediately recognizable items of fabric.
Apple says the fabric could be a strap, it could be a wristband or a headband, it could be a removable cover for a device, it could be a case or bag with straps, or it could be part of a chair, sofa or another seat (eg, a cushion or other seating structure), maybe part of clothing or other wearable items (eg, hats, belts, wristbands, headbands, socks, gloves, shirts, pants, etc.), or maybe any other fabric items.
Apple says a fabric-based project could include a case covered in fabric. Areas of the fabric can overlap input circuits, such as pushbutton switches, touch sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors, and other sensing circuits, and can overlap other components, such as light-emitting components and tactile output devices.
Details of the patent show a remote control wrapped in fabric. Apple has also previously been granted a patent for controlling a Mac via a smart glove. The new patent expands this to almost anything that can be wrapped in fabric.
The fabric-based item may include control circuitry that collects user input from the input circuitry, and the fabric-based item may have a weight within the housing that orients the housing to the desired direction when the housing is placed on a surface direction.
It’s hard to imagine the current flat Siri Remote flipping itself over when placed face down. However, Apple’s drawings show a more rounded cylindrical device that may have self-positioning capabilities.
According to Apple, the fabric material is formed from polymers, metals, glass, graphite, etc., and then multiple strands of material (multiple monofilaments) are intertwined to form strands to form a fabric.
If the circuit is woven into a fabric, the fabric can have enhanced light transmission, button labels, or distinct textured areas. Other properties of the fabric can overlap with input circuits, such as pushbutton switches, touch sensor circuits, force sensors, proximity sensors, and other sensing circuits.