Stretchable Conductive Fabric Coating for Washable Skin-Safe Wearables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically conductive fabrics suffer from loss of flexibility and weight increase due to high metal loading, and can cause toxic effects or allergic reactions when in contact with skin.

Innovation Solution

A stretchable electrically conductive structure comprising a stretchable insulating substrate with nucleophile derivatized nanoparticles and a conducting polymer:template polymer coating, which forms chemical bonds and maintains conductivity even when stretched, and is washable and safe for use on skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metals are infused into textile to create electrically conductive fabric, then electrical conductivity is improved, but fabric flexibility is lost and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidfabric weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state and form of conductive material from bulk metal to nanoscale particles, and from continuous infusion to discrete surface attachment. This parameter change allows conductivity to be achieved with minimal weight addition while preserving fabric flexibility and stretchability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining insulating fabric substrate with conductive nanoparticle-coated polymer layers. This composite approach integrates conductivity into the fabric structure without relying on heavy metal infusion, achieving both electrical functionality and mechanical flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metals are infused into textile to create electrically conductive fabric, then electrical conductivity is improved, but toxic effects and allergic reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidtoxic effects and allergic reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces permanent metal infusions with organic polymer-based conductive coatings that can be applied and removed without leaving toxic residues. The organic nature of the polymer coating eliminates the biocompatibility issues associated with metal contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an organic polymer intermediary layer between the skin and any conductive elements. This polymer coating serves as a safe mediator that provides electrical conductivity while preventing direct contact between skin and potentially harmful substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high weight percent loading of metals is used to achieve conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but fabric stretchability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidfabric stretchability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the loading approach from high weight percent bulk metal infusion to low weight percent nanoparticle surface coating. This parameter change enables the fabric to maintain its inherent stretchability while achieving sufficient electrical conductivity through the nanoparticle-polymer composite structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses thin film polymer coatings containing conductive nanoparticles instead of bulky metal infusions. These thin flexible layers conform to fabric movement and stretching without restricting the fabric's mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The structure retains flexibility and safety while maintaining metallic properties and conductivity, even after stretching and washing, without the toxic effects associated with traditional metal-infused fabrics.

Implementation Method 1

a conducting polymer:template polymer coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the stretchable insulating substrate through which a chemical bond forms between at least one anion of the template polymer and nucleophile derivatized nanoparticles located at the surface of the stretchable insulating substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10003126B2Stretchable organic metals, composition, and use

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 UNIV OF CONNECTICUT

AI summary

Disclosed are stretchable electrically conductive structure comprising a stretchable insulating substrate comprising nucleophile derivatized nanoparticles located at the surface of the stretchable insulating substrate, wherein the stretchable insulating substrate is a fiber or fabric; and a conducting polymer: template polymer coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the stretchable insulating substrate through which a chemical bond forms between at least one anion of the template polymer and nucleophile derivatized nanoparticles located at the surface of the stretchable insulating substrate.