Jinwei Zhao, Shuolei Feng, Xiaodong Cao and Haopei Zheng
This paper aims to concentrate on recent innovations in flexible wearable sensor technology tailored for monitoring vital signals within the contexts of wearable sensors and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to concentrate on recent innovations in flexible wearable sensor technology tailored for monitoring vital signals within the contexts of wearable sensors and systems developed specifically for monitoring health and fitness metrics.
Design/methodology/approach
In recent decades, wearable sensors for monitoring vital signals in sports and health have advanced greatly. Vital signals include electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, electromyography, inertial data, body motions, cardiac rate and bodily fluids like blood and sweating, making them a good choice for sensing devices.
Findings
This report reviewed reputable journal articles on wearable sensors for vital signal monitoring, focusing on multimode and integrated multi-dimensional capabilities like structure, accuracy and nature of the devices, which may offer a more versatile and comprehensive solution.
Originality/value
The paper provides essential information on the present obstacles and challenges in this domain and provide a glimpse into the future directions of wearable sensors for the detection of these crucial signals. Importantly, it is evident that the integration of modern fabricating techniques, stretchable electronic devices, the Internet of Things and the application of artificial intelligence algorithms has significantly improved the capacity to efficiently monitor and leverage these signals for human health monitoring, including disease prediction.
This paper aims to encompass the technological advancements in the area of flexible sensing electronics fabrication particularly for wearable device development applications. In…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to encompass the technological advancements in the area of flexible sensing electronics fabrication particularly for wearable device development applications. In the recent past, it is evident that there is a tremendous growth in the field of flexible electronics and sensors fabrication technologies all around the world. Even though, there is a significant amount of research has been carried in the past decade, but still there is a huge need for exploring novel materials for low temperature processing, optimized printing methods and customized printing devices with accurate feature control.
Design/methodology/approach
The author has done an extensive literature survey in the proposed area and found that the researchers are showing significant interest in exploring novel materials, new conductive ink processing methods suitable for additive manufacturing, and fabrication technologies for developing the plastic substrate-based flexible electronics for the on growing demands of wearable devices in the market.
Findings
The author has consolidated some of the recent advancements in the area of flexible sensing electronics using the inkjet-printing platform carried out by the researchers. The novel customized inkjet-printing technology, materials selections for device development, compatibility of the materials for the inkjet-printing process and the interesting results of the devices fabricated are highlighted in this paper.
Originality/value
The author has reported the novel inkjet-printing platforms explored by researchers in the recent past for various applications which primarily includes gas sensing. The author has consolidated in a crisp manner about the technology, materials compatible for inkjet-printing, and the exciting results of the printed devices. The author has reported the advantages and challenges of the proposed methods by the researchers. This work will bridge the technical gap in the inkjet-printing technology and will be useful for the researchers to take forward the research work on this domain to the next level.
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Farita Tasnim, Atieh Sadraei, Bianca Datta, Mina Khan, Kyung Yun Choi, Atharva Sahasrabudhe, Tomás Alfonso Vega Gálvez, Irmandy Wicaksono, Oscar Rosello, Carlos Nunez-Lopez and Canan Dagdeviren
When wearable and implantable devices first arose in the 1970s, they were rigid and clashed dramatically with our soft, pliable skin and organs. The past two decades have…
Abstract
Purpose
When wearable and implantable devices first arose in the 1970s, they were rigid and clashed dramatically with our soft, pliable skin and organs. The past two decades have witnessed a major upheaval in these devices. Traditional electronics are six orders of magnitude stiffer than soft tissue. As a result, when rigid electronics are integrated with the human body, severe challenges in both mechanical and geometrical form mismatch occur. This mismatch creates an uneven contact at the interface of soft-tissue, leading to noisy and unreliable data gathering of the body’s vital signs. This paper aims to predict the role that discreet, seamless medical devices will play in personalized health care by discussing novel solutions for alleviating this interface mismatch and exploring the challenges in developing and commercializing such devices.
Design methodology/approach
Since the form factors of biology cannot be changed to match those of rigid devices, conformable devices that mimic the shape and mechanical properties of soft body tissue must be designed and fabricated. These conformable devices play the role of imperceptible medical interfaces. Such interfaces can help scientists and medical practitioners to gain further insights into the body by providing an accurate and reliable instrument that can conform closely to the target areas of interest for continuous, long-term monitoring of the human body, while improving user experience.
Findings
The authors have highlighted current attempts of mechanically adaptive devices for health care, and the authors forecast key aspects for the future of these conformable biomedical devices and the ways in which these devices will revolutionize how health care is administered or obtained.
Originality/value
The authors conclude this paper with the perspective on the challenges of implementing this technology for practical use, including device packaging, environmental life cycle, data privacy, industry partnership and collaboration.
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Examines the fifthteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the fifthteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Examines the fifteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the fifteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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S. Lam Po Tang and G. K. Stylios
The paper aims to provide an overview of the area of smart textiles.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide an overview of the area of smart textiles.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes and discusses new and developing materials and technologies used in the textile industries.
Findings
Significant progress has been achieved in the area of technical textiles. Fibres, yarns, fabrics and other structures with added‐value functionality have been successfully developed for technical and/or high performance end‐uses. The basic building blocks are already in place in the field of smart textiles and clothing.
Practical implications
As progress in science and engineering research advances, and as the gap between designers and scientists narrows, the area of smart clothing is likely to keep on expanding for the foreseeable future. Growth is predicted to occur in two distinct directions: performance‐driven smart clothing and fashion‐driven smart clothing. There are challenges that have to be addressed.
Originality/value
The paper provides information of value to those interested in the future directions of the textile industry.
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Yan Liu, Hai Wang, Wei Zhao, Min Zhang and Hongbo Qin
Inspired by the development of eco-friendly flexible electronics, this paper aims to present a series of paper-based electronics drawn by pencils, which can be used as favorable…
Abstract
Purpose
Inspired by the development of eco-friendly flexible electronics, this paper aims to present a series of paper-based electronics drawn by pencils, which can be used as favorable sensing elements in daily life.
Design/methodology/approach
Pencil traces are deposited on the porous surface of Xerox paper by the mechanical exfoliation during writing process, which can be used as basic components to construct functional electronics for daily sensing applications. By changing pencil grade, the obtained traces can work as conductive wires, electrodes, resistors and piezoresistive gauges.
Findings
The experimental results confirm their practical applications in sensing several daily activities, including finger motion, touching and the temperature of water in paper cup. Moreover, the used electronics can be easily handled and recycled.
Research limitations/implications
The shortage in functionality, reliability and performance consistency induced by manual operation is an evident challenge, which makes the pencil-on-paper devices more suitable to work as a temporary solution to satisfying the demands from emergency circumstances.
Originality/value
The pencil-on-paper devices, motivated by the electroconductibility and piezoresistivity of pencil trace, can be explored as sensing prototypes in detecting daily activities. Meantime, their advances in easy accessibility, rapid fabrication, low cost and eco-fitness endow them excellent capacity of meeting the “on-site, real-time” demands.
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Chuan Cao, Aitor Cazón-Martín, María Isabel Rodriguez-Ferradas, Paz Morer-Camo, Luis Matey-Muñoz, Unai Etxaniz-Sein, Hector Morcillo-Fuentes and Daniel Aguinaga-Azpiazu
The purpose of this study is to explore a methodology for connecting microelectromechanical system sensors – i.e. inertial measurement unit (IMU) – to an Arduino-based…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore a methodology for connecting microelectromechanical system sensors – i.e. inertial measurement unit (IMU) – to an Arduino-based microcontroller, using graphene-based conductive filament and flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (FTPU) filament and low-cost dual material extrusion technology.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of electrical tests were carried out to determine the maximum resistance the conductive paths may take to connect printed circuit boards (PCB). To select the most suitable printing material, three types of conductive filaments were examined. Then an experiment was carried out to find the best printing parameters in terms of printing speed, printing temperature and layer height to minimise resistivity. The size of the conductive path was also analysed. A final prototype was designed and printed according to optimised printing settings and maximum allowable resistances for each line and considering different geometries and printing strategies to reduce cross-contamination among paths.
Findings
For the Black Magic 3D conductive filament, the printing speed and layer height played a significant role regarding resistivity, while the printing temperature was not very important. The infill pattern of the conductive paths had to be aligned with the expected current path, while using air gaps between two adjacent paths resulted in the best approach to reducing cross-contamination. Moreover, the cross-section size of the conductive path did not affect the volume resistivity. When combined with FTPU filament constraints, the prototype yielded suitable electrical performance and printing quality when printed at a temperature of 220°C, speed of 20 mm/s and layer height of 0.2 mm.
Originality/value
This paper explores a systematic methodology for the additive manufacturing of commercial conductive material using low-cost extrusion technology to connect complex electronics when data transmission is a key feature.
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Batuhan Aktepe and Barış Demirci
The main objective of this research is to unravel and analyze emergent technologies that are altering and improving the event industry. The study seeks to recognize the most vital…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this research is to unravel and analyze emergent technologies that are altering and improving the event industry. The study seeks to recognize the most vital technological advancement, uses and effects on event preparation, management and participant experience.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a narrative literature review method was used to examine emerging technologies in event management.
Findings
The research reveals that the emerging technologies examined in the articles affect and transform the event industry differently. Many of these technologies are currently being used in the event industry and are likely to be utilized in the coming years.
Originality/value
Numerous studies in the literature are related to the research field. However, as technology evolves rapidly, it is necessary to repeat studies at regular intervals. This article contributes to the literature by tracking new technological developments in the event industry.
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Rusen Inan, Ismail Usta and Yesim Muge Sahin
The aim of the study is primarily to ensure the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite textile surface that is produced. Subsequently, the sensor properties were determined…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is primarily to ensure the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite textile surface that is produced. Subsequently, the sensor properties were determined by monitoring the resistance changes under tensile forces.
Design/methodology/approach
Thermoplastic polyurethane solution was prepared by adding MWCNT and SDS for the production of a nanocomposite textile surface by the electrospinning method. In the present study, it was aimed to improve the conductivity and sensor properties by increasing the surface area via nanotechnological production methods depending on the MWCNT and SDS ratios.
Findings
It was determined that the vertical and horizontal samples taken from the produced nanocomposite surfaces had electrical properties. In the present study, the relation between the SDS and MWCNT incorporation has been proven not only with the viscosity but also with the conductivity values of the solution. On the other hand, enhanced conductivity is obtained for the SDS-incoorporated nanocomposites for which homogeneous distribution is maintained. The findings of the study indicate that there were resistance changes for the produced nanocomposite surfaces under tension forces, and thus sensor properties were obtained.
Originality/value
It has been observed that studies on textile-based sensors have increased in recent years. In these studies, conductive materials are adapted to textile structures by coating and impregnation methods. In the present study, nanocomposite surfaces were obtained by the electrospinning method with the incoorporation of conductive MWCNT and SDS into a thermoplastic polyurethane solution. Owing to the homogeneous distribution of the conductive particles into the composite system, the conductivity of the nanomats was remarkably enhanced. For the obtained nanocomposite mats, resistance change under extension stress is maintained, and thus they can be utilized as strain sensors.