Thread-Embedded-in-PDMS Wearable Strain Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Human Joint Motion

Abstract

Real-time monitoring of human joint motion holds paramount importance in assessing joint health status, preventing and treating joint diseases, and evaluating physical flexibility and coordination. However, traditional strain sensors face limitations in meeting the substantial strain requirements associated with human joint motion. Recently, there has been considerable attention directed towards flexible strain sensors prepared using pliable substrates combined with silk and cotton fabrics. Nonetheless, these sensors exhibit insufficient linearity across the entire measurement range, thereby compromising the predictability of real joint motion based on the output signal. This paper introduced a flexible strain sensor designed to address this issue by offering an enhanced range and high linearity. Specifically, the core wire of the strain sensor was produced by coating a polybutylene terephthalate thread with conductive carbon ink integrated with carbon nanotubes, encapsulated in a thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane in an “S” configuration. The proposed strain sensor maintained excellent linearity within its strain range of 60%, along with advantages such as rapid response speed and robust durability. On-trial tests further affirmed the sensor’s capability to effectively monitor the motion of human joints.