How to Make Reliable, Washable, and Wearable Textronic Devices

Abstract

In this paper, the washability of wearable textronic (textile-electronic) devices has been studied. Two different approaches aiming at designing, producing, and testing robust washable and reliable smart textile systems are presented. The common point of the two approaches is the use of flexible conductive PCB in order to interface the miniaturized rigid (traditional) electronic devices to conductive threads and tracks within the textile flexible fabric and to connect them to antenna, textile electrodes, sensors, actuators, etc. The first approach consists in the use of TPU films (thermoplastic polyurethane) that are deposited by the press under controlled temperature and pressure parameters in order to protect the conductive thread and electrical contacts. The washability of conductive threads and contact resistances between flexible PCB and conductive threads are tested. The second approach is focused on the protection of the whole system—composed of a rigid electronic device, flexible PCB, and textile substrate—by a barrier made of latex. Three types of prototypes were realized and washed. Their reliabilities are studied.

Investigating the Impact of Washing Cycles on Silver-Plated Textile Electrodes: A Complete Study

“…In fact, even if a lot of e-textiles prototypes have been developed in laboratories since 2000 [1], only a few smart garments have already hit the market [2]. One of the main reasons is the fact that wearable textronic prototypes suffer from poor washability and reliability [3]. The need to study the impact of the washing process on textronics was underlined back in 2004 [4] and it is all the more relevant that smart textiles are on the edge of being commercialized [5].…”

“…That is why, from now on, this module is generally pluggable in order to be removed before the washing process. However, attempts to encapsulating them are promising [3]. (3) Circuitry/connectors, which are the bridge between the sensors and the electronic module.…”

Actuator Materials: Review on Recent Advances and Future Outlook for Smart Textiles

“…As examples, the textile cables can be coated with silicone substrates with improved mechanical properties which will minimize the conductivity and electrical shorting limitations described above [97]. Further, a method of encapsulation for washable, reliable and wearable electronics was demonstrated by Tao et al which was focused on two types of silicone where the devices were able to perform after washing [98]. Moreover, the actuation frequency can be lowered with cooling in normal air.…”

Re cent Trends i n Bio M edical Textile Antennas

“…However for integrating antenna into clothing the third prototype, conductive sewing thread is mostly suitable, is the conclusion made by the author based on the obtained measurements, for without and with bending conditions applied on the textile antennas. The author insisted that encapsulation with thermoplastic polymer film, protected PCB from the mechanical stresses even after 50 washing cycles [13]. Smart textile can use the latex-based barrier for rigid electronic components like LEDs and ECG monitoring devices.…”