9. Wearables¶
Research¶
Wearable technology combines electronics, materials science, and design to create functional items that can be worn comfortably on the body while providing technological utility. This includes smart textiles, embedded sensors, conductive materials, and energy solutions.
Material and Design considerations¶
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Durability: It must withstand stretching, bending and daily wear
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Washability: Electronics need protection from water and detergent damage
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Comfort: Lightweight, breathable fabric that does not irritate skin
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Sustainability: Use of biodegradable materials, recycled textiles and low-energy production methods.
Sustainability approaches¶
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Material innovation such as organic cotton, bamboo, biodegradable polymers.
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Energy efficiency- harvesting body heat or motion to power devices
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Lifecycle design- easy disassembly for recycling or repair.
Examples¶
1) Smart fitness bands measuring heart rate and activity.
2) E-textile shirts tracking posture or respiration
3) Smart shoes
4) Temperature regulating fabric.
## Reference and Inspiration
Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao work helps in bridging technology,textile, wearability and human-centered design
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Asha Peta Thompson creates smart textile fabrics by embedding sensors. One of her works is the e-uniforms for infantry.
In Kenya, Roy Allela invented smart gloves that convert hand signs to audio speech.
Tools¶
- Two 3v batteries
- Transistors
- LEDs
- Jumper wires
- Resistors
Arduino UNO
- Arduino IDE
- Temperature/humidity sensor
- CNC Router
- Power supply
- ESP 32
Process and workflow¶
My intention for this week is to create a bracelet made from sisal material with three small LED lights clusters placed evenly around it. The LEDs should light up when I’m walking or moving, and remain off when I'm still. The bracelet will be lightweight, wearable, and safe.
Inside the bracelet, I plan to include a small motion sensor connected to the LEDs and a tiny battery. When the sensor detects movement such as walking, the circuit will activate and the LEDs will turn on. When movement stops, the lights should fade or turn off.
I then gathered all the eletronic components to be used and made a conection:
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I used copper tape to assemble all the electronics together and sealing the wires with a black tape.
I attached the assembled electronics and the LED were functioning as needed
I mounted them on my sisal bracelet. Whenever it comes in contact with the skin, it sends signal and the LED bulbs light.
During the week I also collaboarated with Ernest Kimani in using black canva fabric.
Canva is a durable, heavy-duty fabric known for its strength and versatility, and it is made using a plain weave technique.
We used black canva because black materials are good absorbers and emitter of heat; According to Kirchhoff's law of thermal radiation.
Summary Comparison¶
| Property | Black Material | White Material |
|---|---|---|
| Heat absorption | Absorbs more heat | Absorbs less heat |
| Heating rate (sun) | Heats up faster | Heats up slower |
| Heat emission | Emits more heat | Emits less heat |
| Cooling rate | Cools down faster | Cools down slower |
STEPS¶
Kimani helped in designing the wooden box using fusion 360 and we cut it using CNC machine and assembed it together.
Assembly of the electronic together¶
I used temperature/humidity sensor. I connected the sensor on the breadboard together with the ESP 32 for wifi connection and generated the following code.
Using 9v battery as our power source but the power supply board failed us to we had to use from the main socket.
We mounted the breadboard together with ESP32 and the sensor on the box and powered it using electricity through an extension cable.
The results were visible.