Development of textile based capacitance strain sensors

Project Title

Development of textile based capacitance strain sensors

Project Area of Specialization Wearables and ImplantableProject Summary

The advancements in technology has led to the development of wearable devices for health monitoring systems. On the other hand, self-tracking/self-monitoring has become more alluring since soft pliable sensors can now be embedded in clothing. Textile based sensors are best suited for such applications mainly for Health monitoring. However, many wearable sensing systems are highly rigid and thus restrict the movement of the wearer and are not customizable for a specific application. This project is focused towards design and development of highly sensitive textile based capacitive strain sensors using novel manufacturing method without compromising the textile characteristics (such as stretchability, flexibility and comfortability for the wearer. These sensors can monitor Body's vital signs during daily life activities including respiration and help diagnose irregularity prior to their occurrence.

Project Objectives

1. Development of textile based capacitive strain sensors using silicone, di-electric and conductive fabric
2. Quantitative analysis of sensors to evaluate their sensitivity at different stretch levels
3. Identification of best suited sacrificial particles to create micropores within dielectric layer.
4. To analyze the functionality of the capacitive strain sensors by laboratory characterization.
5. Implication of these strain sensors in different monitoring application areas.

Project Implementation Method

Manufacturing of dielectric layer: This includes selection of microporous silicone elastomers to improve sensitivity and enhance the functionality of strain sensor.

Integration of sacrificial particles: introducing different particles to improve dielectric porosity which will then increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

Designing and fabrication: Designing of soft strain sensors to enhance wearability.

Detailed comparative analysis: To investigate the performance of the best suited strain sensor.

Development of well-suited wearable technology: Keeping in view the required comfort and sensitivity of the strain sensor.

Benefits of the Project

The project has a lot of potential in terms of it's application which stretches from medical, healthcare to sports.This project can benefit:

1. Atheletes in monitoring their activites and performance in terms of respiration and breathing activities
2. Healthcare physicians in monitoring breathing patterns of individuals throughout the days to carry out different analysis and make inferences

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final prototype is expected: 

1. To record changes in strain after stretching
2. To develop a relationship between strain and breathing
3. To remove noise and show output of vital signs on either PC or smart phone

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry HealthOther IndustriesCore Technology Wearables and ImplantablesOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	78500
Conductive Knit Fabric	Equipment	2	11000	22000
Di-electric	Equipment	2	5000	10000
Arduino UNO	Equipment	1	1000	1000
Digital Capacitance Meter	Equipment	1	10000	10000
Coating machine	Equipment	1	25000	25000
Micro-Coaxial cable	Equipment	2	500	1000
Thesis and report printing	Miscellaneous	250	10	2500
Overheads	Miscellaneous	1	5000	5000
stationary	Miscellaneous	1	2000	2000