Fraunhofer ISC to present new textile-integrated sensors for medical devices at IDTechEX 2015

At the IDTechEX, Fraunhofer ISC will show a new class of mechanical sensors suitable for integration into woven or knitted fabrics for use in medical devices, as well as a novelkind of pressure stocking developed together with Fraunhofer IIS.

Apart from the textile-integrated sensors, Fraunhofer ISC will also present its expertise in printed electronics, 3D printing, thin film batteries, and multifunctional barrier coatings for flexible films.

Elastic sensors integrated in textiles

A new class of mechanical sensors is especially suitable for integration into woven or knitted fabrics because of their high elasticity and their soft and flexible characteristics, the organization reports.

These dielectric elastomer sensors (DES) can be integrated into textile by bonding or sewing, and can be used to measure deformations, forces and pressures. Very high strains up to 100% and more can be achieved, according to the manufacturer.

DES consists of a very elastic elastomer film coated with highly flexible electrodes on both sides. By petterning the electrodes on the elastomer film an array of many elements can be built up. The textile-integrated sensors are washable and are said to show a high wearing comfort.