Embroidered Strain Sensing Elements in Wearable Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strain sensing elements, such as metal foil strain gauges or carbon-based resistive bending sensors, are limited in their ability to deform and stretch, interfering with the natural feel and function of textiles, and inhibit breathability, causing discomfort in wearable applications.
Innovation Solution
Deformation sensing fabric with conductive elements, such as electrically conductive elastic yarn or fabric, woven or embroidered into the fabric substrate, which changes electrical properties in response to strain, allowing for accurate measurement of deformation without compromising the textile's comfort and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional strain sensing elements (metal foil strain gauges or carbon-based resistive bending sensors) are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the textile's deformability, breathability, and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the fabric structure: conductive yarns are localized at specific positions (e.g., edges or patterns) while the bulk fabric maintains its natural textile properties. This allows strain sensing functionality to be concentrated where needed without compromising the overall deformability and breathability of the textile material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating electrically conductive yarns (such as metallic or conductive polymer fibers) into conventional textile fabrics. This creates a hybrid material system that combines the electrical conductivity needed for strain sensing with the mechanical flexibility, breathability, and comfort of natural textiles, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and textile adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If rigid strain sensing elements are integrated into fabric, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the fabric's natural feel and function are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible conductive yarns and thin-film conductive coatings that can conform to the fabric's deformation without rigid structures. These flexible sensing elements maintain electrical conductivity while allowing the fabric to bend, stretch, and move naturally, preserving comfort and natural function while enabling accurate deformation measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sensing elements that adapt their physical state with fabric movement. The conductive yarns and coatings are designed to dynamically follow fabric deformation, maintaining electrical contact and measurement accuracy throughout the range of motion, thereby preserving the fabric's natural feel and function while enabling continuous measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive elements are woven into fabric, then strain sensing capability is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conductive sensing function into separate, modular conductive yarns or coatings that can be independently integrated into the fabric. This modular approach allows standard textile manufacturing processes to be used for the base fabric, with conductive elements added through separate steps (such as knitting, weaving, or surface coating), thereby enabling strain sensing functionality without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate measurement of deformation in wearable devices and soft goods by integrating conductive elements that change resistance or capacitance in response to strain, enhancing the comfort and functionality of the fabric.
Implementation Method 1
The first conductive element is configured to output a first signal indicative of a measure of change in an electrical property of the first conductive element in response to a strain applied to the fabric substrate
Implementation Method 2
the first element comprises a first set of fingers (e.g., finger-like extensions) interwoven into the first fabric layer along the long axis of the first conductive element, the first set of fingers physically and electrically connected by and extending along a first direction from a first base embroidered into the first fabric layer
Data Source
AI summary
A deformation sensing fabric comprises a fabric substrate comprising a first fabric layer and a first conductive element woven into the first fabric layer. The first conductive element outputs a first instrumented signal, responsive to an applied stimulus signal, indicative of a measure of change in an electrical property of the first conductive element in response to a strain applied to the fabric substrate along a long-axis of the first conductive element. The first conductive element is instrumented by a measurement system which stimulates the first conductive element and measures an electrical property of the first conductive element.