Development of multi-angle fiber array for accurate measurement of flexion and rotation in human joints

Sang-Mi Jeong,Jonguk Yang,Taekyung Lim,Sanghyun Ju,Youngsoo Kang,Minkyun Son

doi:10.1038/s41528-021-00131-x

Sang-Mi Jeong, Jonguk Yang + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-021-00131-x

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Journal: npj Flexible Electronics	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2021
Citations: 10	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Kyonggi University

Abstract

Herein, we have proposed a method that uses a highly stretchable and conductive fiber-based multi-angle fiber array, which precisely measures human joint motion in various degrees of freedom (flexion and rotation) at the shoulders, knees, and wrists in real time. By embedding conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within spandex fibers of high elasticity and shape recovery ratio, we monitored joint motion stably without degrading the fiber’s conductivity even during repeated stretching and contraction of different lengths. The strain occurring in a specific direction was monitored using mapping images generated due to the change in resistance that occurred when 12 CNT-embedded spandex fibers arranged in radial lines at intervals of 15° were stretched or contracted by an external force. The proposed high-precision joint-monitoring technology measures human motion accurately and is applicable for use in wearable healthcare devices that require precise measurements.

Highlights

A paradigm shift from treatment to prevention is occurring in healthcare wherein consumer-oriented approaches like wearable healthcare devices that detect and measure a users’ biometric data in real time have gained importance[1]
Stretching or contraction of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-embedded spandex fibers due to external forces leads to changes in the resistance of the fibers; we developed a method for accurate determination of the strain based on this phenomenon
Since the CNT-embedded spandex fibers were sewn onto highly stretchable spandex warmers, the fibers stretch according

Summary

Introduction

A paradigm shift from treatment to prevention is occurring in healthcare wherein consumer-oriented approaches like wearable healthcare devices that detect and measure a users’ biometric data in real time have gained importance[1]. Stretching or contraction of the CNT-embedded spandex fibers due to external forces (joint flexion and rotation) leads to changes in the resistance of the fibers; we developed a method for accurate determination of the strain based on this phenomenon. The fiber arrayed fabric sensors can monitor the main joints (shoulder, knee, and wrist) at various angles (Fig. 1a).

Results

Conclusion