Papers by Keyword: Electronic Textiles

Abstract: Advancements in wearable technology and smart textiles have also opened new possibilities in the sports and medical fields. One of the examples of a relevant application case can be found in cycling. This paper expands on previous research on stretchable electronics on knit fabrics. It describes the development of stretchable circuits for the lower back position and motion tracking to prevent back pain in recreational (road) cyclists by combining electrical and textile engineering with insights generated in rehabilitation sciences and sports physiotherapy. The research process included developing and testing of the functional circuit integrated into a cycling jersey. Thermoplastic polyurethane films were used for the textile integration process to achieve maximum comfort and after-life disassembly possibility. Reliability tests, e.g. washing (ISO 6330-2012) and tensile tests, were conducted. It is concluded that while mechanical stress during washing cycles remains a serious concern for reliability and durability, the use of water-repellent thermoplastic polyurethane sealing seriously reduces the damage caused by water and detergents.

Abstract: Most e-textiles are developed for wearable use and thus need to be washable to guarantee a textile typical usability. Yet, there are no e-textile specific wash testing standards and as a result, employed testing protocols vary greatly, resulting in a lack of comparability. To address this issue, an e-textile wash testing protocol modelled after testing methods provided by the standard ISO 6330 (the standard currently most often used as a basis for e-textile wash testing) as well as gentle household washing methods was developed and verified regarding its cleaning capability.

Abstract: The intelligent systems of smart textile should contain flexible electronics, for example, sewn or stitched textile elements that function as conductive traces, sensor elements, electrodes or switches. The experiments for development of sewn touch and push switches are performed. For this reason silver coated multifilament polyamide and multifilament stainless steel yarns were used and their properties and suitability tested. Tests include the changes of electrical resistance of yarns during tension, measurements of yarn voltage loss at 50 mA current; experiments to assess the yarn suitability for sewing; reliability tests of switches during use.

Abstract: In place of silicon, which is normally used in microelectronics, organic materials offer the opportunity to produce devices on large area, low-cost and plastic planar substrates. These materials are attracting increased attention also in the field of electronic-textiles (e-textiles) because they show an interesting combination of electronic and mechanical properties that can be favourably exploited in smart textiles. A key step for the integration of mass production of e-textiles is to combine electronic production with textile manufactures. In the last years, progress has been achieved in the development of fibers and their processing for application in e-textiles. The application ranged from fabric integrated light sources to low cost solid state lighting for protection and security. Here research results are presented regarding the integration of encapsulated glass OLEDs and additionally OLEDs fabricated on flexible high barrier substrates which were integrated into textiles. On the other hand, the first results concerning the realization of an OLED on cylindrical surfaces based on solution processed technologies which is a first step in the direction of low cost processing will be discussed. A simple, inverted planar construction prepared from solution was realized. This preliminary work was the precondition for the development of a fiber based OLED. In addition, OLEDs that were prepared using glass fibers as substrates and solution processed active and hole-transport layers will be shown.

Abstract: This paper describes the early conception and latest developments of electroactive polymer (EAP)- based sensors, actuators and power sources, implemented as wearable devices for smart electronic textiles (e-textiles). Such textiles, functioning as multifunctional wearable human interfaces, are today considered relevant promoters of progress and useful tools in several biomedical field, such as biomonitoring, rehabilitation and telemedicine. This paper presents the more performing EAPbased devices developed by our lab and other research groups for sensing, actuating and energy harvesting, with reference to their already demonstrated or potential applicability to electronic textiles.