The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted a new patent to Apple for hardware built with woven materials. The company believes that creating everyday devices from fabric can offer a fresh design approach while keeping the final products highly lightweight and durable. The patent filing primarily focuses on building audio gear, but it also clearly leaves room for future smartphones and tablets down the road.
The system scans ears to weave custom-sized audio gear
According to the patent details, building three-dimensional shapes out of fabric usually requires stitching multiple flat pieces together. This traditional method often leaves ugly seams on the final product. To solve this problem, the company created a special system that uses a three-dimensional weaving machine to build custom AirPods without traditional stitching.
The process starts with an electronic sensor taking a detailed scan of the user’s ears. A computer then analyzes those images to figure out the specific dimensions of sensitive areas. Once the computer has the measurements, the machine weaves a customized earbud. The sections resting on the most sensitive parts of the ear match the scanned dimensions closely to avoid discomfort. The patent also suggests that similar weaving methods could be used to make cases or covers for the iPhone.
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While the patent heavily features custom audio gear, it opens the door for other devices wrapped in soft materials. A fabric covering could allow sound to pass through easily while offering a unique feel in the hand. The technology might eventually expand to larger screens, giving future models of the iPad a durable woven exterior. For now, it remains unclear if or when these soft-touch gadgets will actually hit store shelves.
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