Design and Applications of LED Textiles

Abstract

As a new and efficient light source, LED has the advantages of long service life, low power consumption, small volume, light weight, rich color and fast response. Therefore, LED seems apparently quite suitable for functional apparel design, and becomes an important item of development, exhibition and promotion for research institutions and the clothing industry. In the recent years, the development trend of textile application of LED is changed from simple light bulb and light bar to the emergence of new material, including soft packaging, optical fiber, LED yarn, and organic light emitting diode. This paper describes components and systems of LED, textile application material and using method, concept illustration and design idea of some selected application cases. The purpose of this paper is to spread the knowledge of function, esthetics and practical value which displayed by the LED application in clothing, and improve both customer acceptance and market potential of luminous dresses in the clothing market.