Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore.
Nat Commun. 2022 Apr 21;13(1):2190. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-29859-4.
Electronic textiles capable of sensing, powering, and communication can be used to non-intrusively monitor human health during daily life. However, achieving these functionalities with clothing is challenging because of limitations in the electronic performance, flexibility and robustness of the underlying materials, which must endure repeated mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses during daily use. Here, we demonstrate electronic textile systems with functionalities in near-field powering and communication created by digital embroidery of liquid metal fibers. Owing to the unique electrical and mechanical properties of the liquid metal fibers, these electronic textiles can conform to body surfaces and establish robust wireless connectivity with nearby wearable or implantable devices, even during strenuous exercise. By transferring optimized electromagnetic patterns onto clothing in this way, we demonstrate a washable electronic shirt that can be wirelessly powered by a smartphone and continuously monitor axillary temperature without interfering with daily activities.
电子纺织品具有感测、供电和通信功能，可用于在日常生活中对人体健康进行非侵入式监测。然而，由于电子性能、基础材料的柔韧性和耐用性方面的限制，要将这些功能融入服装非常具有挑战性，因为这些材料必须在日常使用中承受反复的机械、热和化学压力。在这里，我们展示了通过液态金属纤维的数码刺绣来实现近场供电和通信功能的电子纺织品系统。由于液态金属纤维具有独特的电学和力学性能，这些电子纺织品可以贴合身体表面，并与附近的可穿戴或可植入设备建立稳定的无线连接，即使在剧烈运动时也能如此。通过这种方式将优化的电磁模式转移到衣物上，我们展示了一款可水洗的电子衬衫，它可以通过智能手机进行无线供电，并在不干扰日常活动的情况下连续监测腋下温度。
