The journey to creating the Solar-Powered LED Mood Jacket was driven by a simple question: 'What if our clothes could become a canvas for our emotions?' This curiosity sparked the inception of a jacket that does precisely that. It employs color-changing LEDs that not only mirror the wearer's mood but also adapt to their fashion style and color preferences for any given occasion.
As I built the initial design, I recognised a need for the jacket to be more sustainable and portable. This realisation led to the integration of a solar panel into the jacket's design. This addition transformed the jacket into a self-sustaining piece of wearable tech, eliminating the need for constant charging. You can wear this jacket just like any other during the day, allowing the solar panel to quietly gather enough energy to illuminate your evenings.
The initial step in this journey was to sketch out the basic design of the jacket, setting aside the LEDs and electronics for the moment. The challenge was to strike a balance between fashion and comfort, to create a jacket that would be as wearable as it was stylish. I explored a multitude of designs, each with its own unique appeal, before finally settling on the one that felt just right. Though the chosen design might seem simple at first glance, its true potential will be revealed once the LEDs are integrated, transforming it into a dazzling display of wearable technology.
With the basic design of the jacket established, the next step was to conceptualise the integration of the LEDs. These lights are the core of the jacket's interactive feature and their placement was crucial to the overall design.
Adding the LEDsI began by plotting out potential positions for the LEDs on the jacket sketch. This process involved considering various factors such as the distribution of lights, potential interference with the wearer's movement, and the overall aesthetic appeal. The goal was to ensure that the LEDs would complement the jacket's design, appearing as an integral part of the fabric itself.
Once I was satisfied with the LED placement, I moved on to visualising how they would be embedded into the jacket. While the actual stitching will come later in the process, it was important to plan this out to ensure the LEDs could be securely attached while maintaining the jacket's comfort and flexibility.
A suitable choice for the LEDs in this project could be the nLiten 30 LED strips. These strips offer flexibility and the added advantage of not requiring any soldering, making them a user-friendly option. However, they emit a single color, which might limit the jacket's color-changing feature.
If you're seeking more versatility and the ability to match the LEDs with your fashion choices, a waterproof RGB LED strip would be a more fitting choice. These strips can display a wide range of colors, adding to the jacket's mood-reflecting capability.
However, it's important to note that opting for an addressable RGB LED strip would increase the complexity of the build. This is because it requires both soldering and programming to function correctly. Despite the added complexity, the result could be a more dynamic and customisable lighting effect, enhancing the overall appeal of the jacket.
Choosing the fabricWhen it comes to selecting the perfect fabric for the Jacket, Ripstop Nylon, TPU-Coated Fabric, and Gore-Tex emerge as strong contenders. Ripstop Nylon, known for its lightweight and durable properties, is waterproof and resistant to tearing, making it an excellent choice for outdoor wear. On the other hand, TPU-Coated Fabric offers a balance of flexibility and durability. Its waterproof nature and slight stretch could contribute to the jacket's comfort and fit. Lastly, Gore-Tex, a high-tech fabric, could add a touch of sophistication to the jacket. Its waterproof yet breathable nature ensures protection from the elements while maintaining wearer comfort.
Each of these fabrics, with their unique properties, could beautifully complement the LED feature and enhance the overall functionality of the jacket.
Adding the solar panelIncorporating a solar panel into the design of the Solar-Powered LED Mood Jacket was a decision driven by the desire for sustainability and portability. After considering various placements, I decided to integrate the solar panel into the back of the jacket. This location offered the largest surface area for maximum sunlight exposure, while also maintaining the jacket's aesthetic appeal.
The choice of solar panel was equally important. I opted for the ASCA organic solar films due to their unique properties. These solar films can be customised into any pattern, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the jacket's design. Moreover, their flexibility ensured they could conform to the contours of the jacket, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
ElectronicsI decided to select the Arduino Nano 33 BLE for the Jacket as it has compact form factor and robust capabilities. Its diminutive size is ideal for wearable projects where conserving space is crucial. Additionally, the integrated Bluetooth module facilitates effortless interaction with a smartphone app, allowing the wearer to conveniently manipulate the LED colors.
For the LEDs, the NeoPixel strip was the preferred choice due to its capacity for individual LED control, enabling a myriad of vibrant and dynamic light patterns. However, for those seeking simplicity, the nLiten 30 LED strip presents a viable alternative. While it doesn't offer individual LED control, its flexibility and solder-free installation make it a user-friendly option for this fashion-forward project.
The electronic design of the Solar-Powered LED Mood Jacket is composed of three key components: the addressable LEDs (NeoPixel), the Arduino Nano, and the solar panel. The ASCA solar film functions as a solar panel, charging a Li-ion battery that serves as the power source for both the Arduino and the LED strips. The Arduino Nano, acting as the control center, receives color codes from the app and decodes them to control the addressable LEDs, resulting in the desired color display.
The use of addressable LEDs offers a significant advantage over standard RGB LEDs, as each LED can display a different color, allowing for extensive customisation to suit your fashion preferences. Furthermore, the circuit design facilitates the integration of additional LED strips without altering the existing setup, as long as the power supply is adequate.
A suitable place to store all the electronics can be the right pocket of the jacket as this allows easy disconnect of the main electronics to externally power it off or to disconnect it while washing the jacket.
The software that drives the Jacket is a web app, crafted in HTML and JavaScript, leveraging the capabilities of Web Bluetooth APIs to establish a connection with the Arduino Nano BLE. To initiate the interaction, the app first forms a Bluetooth link with the Arduino, necessitating the use of a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Once a successful connection is established, the app presents a color picker, empowering you to select your preferred color for the jacket. Upon selection, the color values are transmitted to the Arduino, which in turn programs the LED strips to emit the chosen color.
While the app's current functionality is relatively straightforward, plans for future enhancements are underway. These include the ability to set colors for individual LEDs, offering a higher degree of customisation, and the ability to save color presets, enabling you to store and recall your favourite color styles at your convenience.
Future ChangesThis project is currently under development, so as I develop prototypes of the jacket and make changes the electronics and software I will update the article to reflect the same.
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