Multi-Layer Polyurethane-Fiber-Prepared Entangled Strain Sensor with Tunable Sensitivity and Working Range for Human...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Fiber entanglement creates structures that induce pressure changes due to strain.
• Developing advanced sensors for precise biomechanical motion monitoring is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-layer polyurethane-fiber-prepared (MPF) sensor for strain perception.
• To investigate the impact of mechanical properties and surface structure on sensor performance.
• To enable precise monitoring of multi-axis biomechanical motion.

Main Methods:

• A multi-layer polyurethane-fiber-prepared (MPF) sensor was fabricated using a wet-film method with a CNT/PU sensing layer.
• The sensor's entangled topology was engineered to convert stretching strain into localized pressure.
• A force regulator was employed to tune the sensor's mechanical properties, sensitivity factor, and range.

Main Results:

• The MPF sensor demonstrated the ability to perceive stretching strain by converting it into localized pressure.
• Tuning the force regulator allowed control over the sensor's sensitivity factor (up to 127.74) and sensitivity range (up to 58%).
• An array of eight sensors successfully monitored multi-axis lumbar spine motion in a dance costume.

Conclusions:

• The developed MPF sensor offers a novel and effective method for wearable strain sensing.
• This technology provides a new pathway for advanced wearable biomechanical sensors.
• The sensor's tunable properties allow for customized applications in motion monitoring.