Fabricating flexible sensors for ready-made clothes

PROBLEM
Wearable electronics that monitor blood pressure, body temperature and breathing patterns are widely used, but they are hard and inflexible. It makes them difficult to wear for extended periods of time like in military or medical rehabilitation applications.

SOLUTION
Purdue University researchers have developed a technique to form highly conducting and mechanically flexible polymer films on every thread of fabric of ready-made wearables. The technique maintains the fabric’s breathability and flexibility.

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
Sunghwan Lee, assistant professor of engineering technology

IN THE MEDIA
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INNOVATION DISCLOSURE
Innovation Disclosure

LICENSING CONTACTS
Email: otcip@prf.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Email: Steve Martin // sgmartin@prf.org

QUOTE
“Someday, this technology could be a critical part of the health safety infrastructure for construction, manufacturing, or healthcare companies. With IoT connectivity, the device could analyze the wearer’s physiological conditions and notify the user, their supervisor, or their healthcare provider when these parameters reach unsafe levels. This could provide early notice of serious health issues at work or home.” – Jacob Brejcha, Licensing Associate – Physical Sciences