• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.99-113
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• 2021

This study aimed to produce sensors for measuring thigh motor skills. A textile stretch sensor was manufactured using a CNT(Carbon Nano Tube) 0.1 wt% water SWCNT(Single-Walled Carbon Nano Tube) solution, and different designs were applied to increase the sensitivity of the sensor, and different GF(Gauge Factor) values were compared using UTM devices. The same design was applied to fabrics and weaves to observe changes in performance according to fibrous tissue, and the suitability of sensors was determined based on tensile strength, elongation, and the elongation recovery rate. Sensitivity was found to vary depending upon the design. Thus the manufactured sensor was attached to a pair of fitness pants as a prototype, divided into lunge position and squat position testing, and the stretch sensor was used to measure thigh movements. It was shown that stretch sensors used to measure thigh motor skills should have light and flexible features and that elongation recovery rates and tensile strength should be considered together. The manufactured stretch sensor may be applicable to various sports fields that use lower limb muscles, wearable healthcare products, and medical products for measuring athletic ability.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.17-29
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• 2020

This study aimed to produce fiber stretch sensors for smart soccer socks to prevent injuries during training. A sensor was manufactured with stretchable fabric and tested to ensure convenience during training. In order to manufacture the fiber stretch sensor, a CNT dispersion solution was applied to an e-band and elastic polyester fabric, and the performance of the sensors was evaluated by a tensile test. Performance evaluation showed that both of the tested fabrics are excellent for this purpose. Both sensors were attached to socks to create prototype wearable devices, and an experiment was conducted to determine whether a resistance change accompanying relaxation and contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle could be detected. In order to accurately evaluate performance as a sensor, the fabric was stretched 20 times at low speeds of 1 Hz and 0.5 Hz. A change in resistance due to tension was observed, with both the E-band and the stretchable poly fabric showing high sensitivity and high reproducibility. Both can be used as relaxation/contraction sensors. Smart soccer socks were made using the two materials, and an evaluation was conducted. Tensile tests were done on the smart soccer socks; the tests were done 20 times per sock, and the sensor showed a stable resistance change between 30 and 40 ohms depending on the tension of the sensor. As a result, we confirmed that smart soccer socks with stretch sensors made of E-bands can measure changes in the gastrocnemius muscle.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.125-140
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• 2023

This study aimed to develop a smart wearable device for assessing the risk angle associated with turtle neck syndrome in patients with Video Display Terminal (VDT) syndrome. Turtle neck syndrome, characterized by forward head posture resulting from upper cross syndrome, leads to thoracic kyphosis. In this research, a stretch sensor was used to monitor the progression of turtle neck syndrome, and the sensor data was analyzed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and the Gauge Factor (GF) calculation method. The scapula and cervical spine angles were measured at five stages, with 15-degree increments from 0° to 60°. During the experimental process, the stretch sensor was attached to the thoracic spine in three different lengths: 30mm, 50mm, and 100mm. Among these, the attachment method yielding the most reliable data was determined by measuring with three techniques (General Trim Adhesive, PU film, and Heat Transfer Machine), and clothing using the heat transfer machine was selected. The experimental results confirmed that the most significant change in thoracic kyphosis occurred at approximately 30° of forward head posture. Prolonged deformity can lead to various issues, highlighting the need for textile sensor solutions. The developed wearable device aims to provide users with real-time feedback on their turtle neck posture and incorporate features that can help prevent or improve the condition.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the necessary mechanical properties of conductive multifilament yarns for fabricating the electrodes of biosignal measurement pressure and stretch textile sensors using embroidery. When electrodes and circuits for smart wearable products are produced through the embroidery process using conductive multifilament yarns, unnecessary material loss is minimized, and complex electrode shapes or circuit designs can be produced without additional processes using a computer embroidering machine. However, because ordinary missionary threads cannot overcome the stress in the embroidery process and yarn cutting occurs, herein, we analyzed the S-S curve, thickness, and twist structure, which are three types of silver-coated multifilament yarns, and measured the stress in the thread of the embroidery simultaneously. Thus, the required mechanical properties of the yarns in the embroidery process were analyzed. In the actual sample production, cutting occurred in silver-coated multifilament rather than silver-coated polyamide/polyester, which showed the lowest S-S curve. In the embroidery process, the twist was unwound through repetitive vertical movement. Further, we fabricated a piezoresistive pressure/tension sensor to measure gauge factor, which is an index for measuring biological signals. We confirmed that the sensor can be applied to the fabrication of embroidery electrodes, which is an important process in the mass production of smart wearable products.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.77-90
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• 2022

This study seeks to develop a stretch sensor for measuring the wrist movements of people using fishing lures. In order to confirm wrist movement, a stretch sensor was attached to the wrist band, and measurements of the dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and fishing landing motion were measured using a scale to gauge factor, tensile strength, and elongation recovery rate. A conductive sensor using CNT dispersion was developed and applied to the E-band under the same conditions. A total of 15 sensors of the same size and five types of impregnation once, twice, and three times each were used to measure the gauge factor using UTM. The sensor that was impregnated twice had the best gauge rate, and the prototypes were manufactured with three sensors with high gauge rates and tensile strength. The results of the operation test conducted by connecting to the Arduino showed that Sample 1, which had the highest tensile strength and gauge factor, had a stable graph wavelength in three operations. Samples 2 and 3 showed stable wavelengths in the dorsiflexion and the plantar flexion; however, signal noise appeared in the fishing landing motion. This showed stable wavelengths in the two motions, but the wavelengths of the graphs differ depending on the tensile strength and gauge factor in the fishing landing motion. As a result, it was possible to identify the conditions necessary for manufacturing a stretch sensor for measuring wrist movement. This study will contribute to the development of smart wearable products for lure fishing.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.694-706
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• 2022

This study focusses on the development of a motion-sensing smart leggings prototype with the help of a module that monitors motion using a fiber-type stretch sensor. Additionally, it acquires data on Electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration, and body temperature signals, for the development of smart clothing used in online exercise coaching and customized healthcare systems. The research process was conducted in the following order: 1) Fabrication of a fiber-type elastic strain sensor for motion monitoring, 2) Positioning and attaching the sensor, 3) Pattern development and three-dimensional (3D) design, 4) Prototyping 5) Wearability test, and 6) Expert evaluation. The 3D design method was used to develop an aesthetic design, and for sensing accurate signal acquisition functions, wearability tests, and expert evaluation. As a result, first, the selection or manufacturing of an appropriate sensor for the function is of utmost importance. Second, the selection and attachment method of a location that can maximize the function of the sensor without interfering with any activity should be studied. Third, the signal line selection and connection method should be considered, and fourth, the aesthetic design should be reflected along with functional verification. In addition, the selection of an appropriate material is important, and tests for washability and durability must be made. This study presented a manufacturing method to improve the functionality and design of smart clothing, through the process of developing a prototype of motion-sensing smart leggings.