Stretchable touch pads

• Main Author: Leo, Qi Bin
• Other Authors: Huang Weimin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Smart fabric
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177535
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Wearable technology encompasses a category of portable electronic devices designed to be worn as accessories or integrated into clothing. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people adopting wearable devices, reflecting the rapid advancement of technology. However, conventional materials used in these devices tend to be rigid and inflexible, limiting their potential applications. Thus, there is a growing need for the development of flexible and stretchable wearable technology to expand their usability. This study seeks to address this need by developing a prototype of a flexible and stretchable touchpad that can seamlessly integrate into clothing. This was achieved by employing a novel method of twisting two types of threads to create a stretchable wire for the conductive layers of the touchpad. Additionally, a stretchable insulating layer was utilized to bond the conductive layers together, resulting in a touchpad that is both flexible and stretchable. Subsequently, the touchpad was connected to a capacitive sensor system for demonstration purposes. The successful demonstration of the prototype serves as a proof of concept, indicating that such methods are not only feasible but also cost-effective in creating flexible and stretchable touchpad technology. This breakthrough holds significant promise for the future development of wearable electronics, offering a pathway towards more comfortable, versatile, and innovative wearable devices.