Abstract
This study developed a wearable sensor device featuring biomimetic structures inspired by tree frog toe pads to measure shoulder joint movements effectively. A PVA/PAA double-network hydrogel was formulated by mixing PVA and PAA in a 3:7 ratio, resulting in a Young's modulus of 7.2 kPa, closely matching human skin's mechanical properties. To enhance moisture retention, the hydrogel was supplemented with 20 mL glycerin, increasing its weight retention rate to 95 % after 28 days, a 5.6-fold improvement over glycerin-free hydrogels. Additionally, the incorporation of 0.2 wt% cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) increased the cross-linking density, reducing the swelling ratio from 124 % to 106 % and minimizing the impact of swelling cycles on mechanical properties from 22 % to 4 %. Treefrog-inspired microstructures were fabricated on the sensor surface using laser cutting and casting techniques, significantly enhancing adhesion under humid conditions, with normal, lateral, and peel-off adhesion forces improving by 500, 700, and 700 %, respectively. The sensor demonstrated accurate measurement of shoulder joint movements with an error margin of 6.3 % for polar angles (45°-135°) and 7.8 % for azimuth angles (0°-45°). The accompanying smartphone application provided real-time feedback, helping to prevent exercise injuries and improve user awareness and control of shoulder movements, making it suitable for both rehabilitation and athletic training.
Published Version
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