scholarly journals A Pressure-Insensitive Self-Attachable Flexible Strain Sensor with Bioinspired Adhesive and Active CNT Layers

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (23) ◽  
pp. 6965
Author(s):  
Minho Seong ◽  
Insol Hwang ◽  
Joosung Lee ◽  
Hoon Eui Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strain ◽  
High Strain ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Adhesive Layer ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Tactile Sensors ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Tactile Stimuli ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

Flexible tactile sensors are required to maintain conformal contact with target objects and to differentiate different tactile stimuli such as strain and pressure to achieve high sensing performance. However, many existing tactile sensors do not have the ability to distinguish strain from pressure. Moreover, because they lack intrinsic adhesion capability, they require additional adhesive tapes for surface attachment. Herein, we present a self-attachable, pressure-insensitive strain sensor that can firmly adhere to target objects and selectively perceive tensile strain with high sensitivity. The proposed strain sensor is mainly composed of a bioinspired micropillar adhesive layer and a selectively coated active carbon nanotube (CNT) layer. We show that the bioinspired adhesive layer enables strong self-attachment of the sensor to diverse planar and nonplanar surfaces with a maximum adhesion strength of 257 kPa, while the thin film configuration of the patterned CNT layer enables high strain sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) of 2.26) and pressure insensitivity.

scholarly journals Design of a Sensitive Balloon Sensor for Safe Human–Robot Interaction

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2163
Author(s):  
Dongjin Kim ◽  
Seungyong Han ◽  
Taewi Kim ◽  
Changhwan Kim ◽  
Doohoe Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Tactile Sensors ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Mechanical Crack ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor ◽  
Contact Sensing

As the safety of a human body is the main priority while interacting with robots, the field of tactile sensors has expanded for acquiring tactile information and ensuring safe human–robot interaction (HRI). Existing lightweight and thin tactile sensors exhibit high performance in detecting their surroundings. However, unexpected collisions caused by malfunctions or sudden external collisions can still cause injuries to rigid robots with thin tactile sensors. In this study, we present a sensitive balloon sensor for contact sensing and alleviating physical collisions over a large area of rigid robots. The balloon sensor is a pressure sensor composed of an inflatable body of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and a highly sensitive and flexible strain sensor laminated onto it. The mechanical crack-based strain sensor with high sensitivity enables the detection of extremely small changes in the strain of the balloon. Adjusting the geometric parameters of the balloon allows for a large and easily customizable sensing area. The weight of the balloon sensor was approximately 2 g. The sensor is employed with a servo motor and detects a finger or a sheet of rolled paper gently touching it, without being damaged.

scholarly journals Piezotronic effect in AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterojunction nanowires used as a flexible strain sensor

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1847-1853
Author(s):  
Jianqi Dong ◽  
Liang Chen ◽  
Yuqing Yang ◽  
Xingfu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Indium Tin Oxide ◽  
Quantum Confinement Effect ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Oxide Electrodes ◽  
Poly Ethylene ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

1D semiconductor nanowires (NWs) have been extensively studied in recent years due to the predominant mechanical flexibility caused by a large surface-to-volume ratio and unique electrical and optical properties induced by the 1D quantum confinement effect. Herein, we use a top-down two-step preparation method to synthesize AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterojunction NWs with controllable size. A single NW is transferred to a flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate and fixed by indium tin oxide electrodes to form an ohmic contact for the strain sensor. An external mechanical stress is introduced to study the performance of the fabricated piezotronic strain sensor. The gauge factor is as high as 30 under compressive or tensile stress, which indicates a high sensitivity of the strain sensor. Periodic strain tests show the high stability and repeatability of the sensor. The working mechanism of the strain sensor is investigated and systematically analyzed under compressive and tensile strain. Here, we describe a strain sensor that shows a great application potential in wearable integrated circuits, in health-monitoring devices, and in artificial intelligence.

scholarly journals A Sprayed Graphene Pattern-Based Flexible Strain Sensor with High Sensitivity and Fast Response

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xu ◽  
Tingting Yang ◽  
Feng Qin ◽  
Dongdong Gong ◽  
Yijia Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

Flexible strain sensors have a wide range of applications in biomedical science, aerospace industry, portable devices, precise manufacturing, etc. However, the manufacturing processes of most flexible strain sensors previously reported have usually required high manufacturing costs and harsh experimental conditions. Besides, research interests are often focused on improving a single attribute parameter while ignoring others. This work aims to propose a simple method of manufacturing flexible graphene-based strain sensors with high sensitivity and fast response. Firstly, oxygen plasma treats the substrate to improve the interfacial interaction between graphene and the substrate, thereby improving device performance. The graphene solution is then sprayed using a soft PET mask to define a pattern for making the sensitive layer. This flexible strain sensor exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor ~100 at 1% strain), fast response (response time: 400–700 μs), good stability (1000 cycles), and low overshoot (<5%) as well. Those processes used are compatible with a variety of complexly curved substrates and is expected to broaden the application of flexible strain sensors.

scholarly journals Wearable Flexible Strain Sensor Based on Three-Dimensional Wavy Laser-Induced Graphene and Silicone Rubber

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 4266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixiong Huang ◽  
Han Wang ◽  
Peixuan Wu ◽  
Weimin Huang ◽  
Wei Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silicone Rubber ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Polyimide Film ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has the advantages of one-step fabrication, prominent mechanical performance, as well as high conductivity; it acts as the ideal material to fabricate flexible strain sensors. In this study, a wearable flexible strain sensor consisting of three-dimensional (3D) wavy LIG and silicone rubber was reported. With a laser to scan on a polyimide film, 3D wavy LIG could be synthesized on the wavy surface of a mold. The wavy-LIG strain sensor was developed by transferring LIG to silicone rubber substrate and then packaging. For stress concentration, the ultimate strain primarily took place in the troughs of wavy LIG, resulting in higher sensitivity and less damage to LIG during stretching. As a result, the wavy-LIG strain sensor achieved high sensitivity (gauge factor was 37.8 in a range from 0% to 31.8%, better than the planar-LIG sensor), low hysteresis (1.39%) and wide working range (from 0% to 47.7%). The wavy-LIG strain sensor had a stable and rapid dynamic response; its reversibility and repeatability were demonstrated. After 5000 cycles, the signal peak varied by only 2.32%, demonstrating the long-term durability. Besides, its applications in detecting facial skin expansion, muscle movement, and joint movement, were discussed. It is considered a simple, efficient, and low-cost method to fabricate a flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and structural robustness. Furthermore, the wavy-LIG strain senor can be developed into wearable sensing devices for virtual/augmented reality or electronic skin.

scholarly journals Corrugated Photoactive Thin Films for Flexible Strain Sensor

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donghyeon Ryu ◽  
Alfred Mongare
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Thin Films ◽  
Electrical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strain ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Optical And Electrical Properties ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Dc Voltage ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

In this study, a flexible strain sensor is devised using corrugated bilayer thin films consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene(sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). In previous studies, the P3HT-based photoactive non-corrugated thin film was shown to generate direct current (DC) under broadband light, and the generated DC voltage varied with applied tensile strain. Yet, the mechanical resiliency and strain sensing range of the P3HT-based thin film strain sensor were limited due to brittle non-corrugated thin film constituents. To address this issue, it is aimed to design a mechanically resilient strain sensor using corrugated thin film constituents. Buckling is induced to form corrugation in the thin films by applying pre-strain to the substrate, where the thin films are deposited, and releasing the pre-strain afterwards. It is known that corrugated thin film constituents exhibit different optical and electronic properties from non-corrugated ones. Therefore, to design the flexible strain sensor, it was studied to understand how the applied pre-strain and thickness of the PEDOT:PSS conductive thin film affects the optical and electrical properties. In addition, strain effect was investigated on the optical and electrical properties of the corrugated thin film constituents. Finally, flexible strain sensors are fabricated by following the design guideline, which is suggested from the studies on the corrugated thin film constituents, and the DC voltage strain sensing capability of the flexible strain sensors was validated. As a result, the flexible strain sensor exhibited a tensile strain sensing range up to 5% at a frequency up to 15 Hz with a maximum gauge factor ~7.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Machine Learning Models on the Performance of Different Flexible Strain Sensor Modalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett C. Hannigan ◽  
Tyler J. Cuthbert ◽  
Wanhaoyi Geng ◽  
Mohammad Tavassolian ◽  
Carlo Menon
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Mean Squared Error ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Signal Amplitude ◽  
Electrical Signal ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Piezoresistive Sensor ◽  
Fibre Strain ◽  
The Impact

Fibre strain sensors commonly use three major modalities to transduce strain—piezoresistance, capacitance, and inductance. The electrical signal in response to strain differs between these sensing technologies, having varying sensitivity, maximum measurable loading rate, and susceptibility to deleterious effects like hysteresis and drift. The wide variety of sensor materials and strain tracking applications makes it difficult to choose the best sensor modality for a wearable device when considering signal quality, cost, and difficulty of manufacture. Fibre strain sensor samples employing the three sensing mechanisms are fabricated and subjected to strain using a tensile tester. Their mechanical and electrical properties are measured in response to strain profiles designed to exhibit particular shortcomings of sensor behaviour. Using these data, the sensors are compared to identify materials and sensing technologies well suited for different textile motion tracking applications. Several regression models are trained and validated on random strain pattern data, providing guidance for pairing each sensor with a model architecture that compensates for non-ideal effects. A thermoplastic elastomer-core piezoresistive sensor had the highest sensitivity (average gauge factor: 12.6) and a piezoresistive sensor of similar construction with a polyether urethane-urea core had the largest bandwidth, capable of resolving strain rates above 300% s−1 with 36% signal amplitude attenuation. However, both piezoresistve sensors suffered from larger hysteresis and drift than a coaxial polymer sensor using the capacitive strain sensing mechanism. Machine learning improved the piezoresistive sensors’ root-mean-squared error when tracking a random strain signal by up to 58% while maintaining their high sensitivity, bandwidth, and ease of interfacing electronically.

Flexible strain sensor based on embedded three-dimensional annular cracks with high mechanical robustness and high sensitivity

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 101247
Author(s):  
Duorui Wang ◽  
Xiangming Li ◽  
Hongmiao Tian ◽  
Xiaoliang Chen ◽  
Bangbang Nie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor ◽  
Annular Cracks

scholarly journals Robust and conductive hydrogel based on mussel adhesive chemistry for remote monitoring of body signals

Friction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijun Li ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Yuanyuan Mi ◽  
Miaoran Zhang ◽  
Jinmiao Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
3D Network ◽  
Mussel Adhesive ◽  
Physical And Chemical

AbstractThere is a high demand for hydrogels with multifunctional performance (a combination of adhesive, mechanical, and electrical properties) in biological, tissue engineering, robotics, and smart device applications. However, a majority of existing hydrogels are relatively rigid and brittle, with limited stretchability; this hinders their application in the emerging field of flexible devices. In this study, cheap and abundant potato residues were used with polyacrylamide (PAM) to fabricate a multifunctional hydrogel, and chitosan was used for the design of a three-dimentional (3D) network-structured hydrogel. The as-prepared hydrogels exhibited excellent stretchability, with an extension exceeding 900% and a recovery degree of over 99%. Due to the combination of physical and chemical cross-linking properties and the introduction of dopamine, the designed hydrogel exhibits a remarkable self-healing ability (80% mechanical recovery in 2 h), high tensile strength (0.75 MPa), and ultra-stretchability (900%). The resultant products offer superior properties compared to those of previously reported tough and self-healing hydrogels for wound adhesion. Chitosan and potato residues were used as scaffold materials for the hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties. In addition, in vitro experiments show that these hydrogels feature excellent antibacterial properties, effectively hindering the reproduction of bacteria. Moreover, the ternary hydrogel can act as a strain sensor with high sensitivity and a gauge factor of 1.6. The proposed strategy is expected to serve as a reference for the development of green and recyclable conductive polymers to fabricate hydrogels. The proposed hydrogel can also act as a suitable strain sensor for bio-friendly devices such as smart wearable electronic devices and/or for health monitoring.

Flexible Strain Sensor Using Additive Manufacturing and Conductive Liquid Metal: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Austin Smith ◽  
Hamzeh Bardaweel
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Conductive Liquid ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

In this work a flexible strain sensor is fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique. The strain sensor is fabricated using commercially available flexible Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) filaments and liquid metal Galinstan Ga 68.5% In 21% Sn 10%. The strain sensor consists of U-shape 2.34mm long and 0.2mm deep channels embedded inside a TPU 3D printed structure. The performance of the strain sensor is measured experimentally. Gauge Factor is estimated by measuring change in electric resistance when the sensor is subject to 13.2% – 38.6% strain. Upon straining and unstraining, results from characterization tests show high linearity in the range of 13.2% to 38.6% strain with very little hysteresis. However, changes due to permanent deformations are a limiting factor in the usefulness of these sensors because these changes limit the consistency of the device. FDM 3D printing shows promise as a method for fabricating flexible strain sensors. However, more investigation is needed to look at the effects of geometries and 3D printing process parameters on the yield elongation of the flexible filaments. Additionally, more investigation is needed to observe the effect of distorted dimensions of the 3D printed channels on the sensitivity of the strain sensor. It is anticipated that successful implementation of these commercially available filaments and FDM 3D printers will lead to reduction in cost and complexity of developing these flexible sensors.

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