A Skin‐Inspired Integrated Sensor for Synchronous Monitoring of Multiparameter Signals

Abstract

Electronic skins, as the integration of multiple distinct sensors, have aroused broad interests owing to their great potential in sensing applications. However, problems including the interference between sensing components and the difficulty in synchronous monitoring are practically encountered when they are applied to mixed signals. In this work, efforts are devoted to trouble‐free technical strategies for laminating three sensors with different sensing abilities into a skin‐like electronic device. The use of ionic liquid, combined with particular circuit topologies, ensures the reliable stability against mechanical disturbance during the real‐time sensing tests. The intrinsic layered structure and three independent sensing functions of natural skins are successfully presented by this particular device in which three sensors with the ease of preparation are spatially integrated. The changes of temperature, pressure, and infrared light can be recorded simultaneously yet without mutual signal interference. The perfect integration of multiple functional sensors into a single skin‐like device without any signal interference makes an important progress for pursuing the goal of future electronic skins that can practically be used as skin.

Silk Composite Electronic Textile Sensor for High Space Precision 2D Combo Temperature–Pressure Sensing

“…iii) The transport via ionic liquids within a composite of CNTs +[EMIM]Tf 2 N, as illustrated by Figure biii. This corresponds to the temperature dependent conducting mode based on ionic hopping of ionic liquids, captured by the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher law . Under a given potential, the CNTs without direct contacts in the composite of CNTs +[EMIM]Tf 2 N would experience the charge transport of such a mode, resulting in an increase in temperature sensitivity of the composite of CNTs +[EMIM]Tf 2 N compared to pure CNTs coating.…”

Multifunctional Skin‐Inspired Flexible Sensor Systems for Wearable Electronics

“…Significantly, the temperature sensor is not influenced by the external pressure stimulus and vice versa. Inspired by the human skin with configuration of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, a sandwich‐like sensing system is able to monitor signals of temperature, light, and pressure synchronously without mutual signal interference (Figure b) . To simplify the operation and integration, Zhu et al developed a bimodal sensor composed of two sinuous platinum (Pt) ribbons on a flexible polyimide substrate rather than multiple layers adopted by the foregoing mentioned examples .…”

“…I, Epidermis corresponds to light/temperature sensor; II, Dermis corresponds to pressure sensor; III–IV, Hypodermis corresponds to Temperature sensor and thermal insulating layer. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2017, John Wiley & Sons.…”

Transparent Body-Attachable Multifunctional Pressure, Thermal, and Proximity Sensor and Heater

“…The exponential technological growth during the 4IR has led to development of various systems, such as artificial electronic skin (e-skin), a transparent and flexible material capable of sensing external stimuli akin to the human somatosensory system [2][3][4] . Such electronic skins could allow one to cyber-physically interact with the environment via changes in temperature, humidity, infrared light intensity, etc 5,6 . In the near future, e-skin-laden clothing is expected to facilitate not only the acquisition of information about one's surroundings but also monitoring and digitalization of an individual's physical conditions.…”

“…Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that most prior multifunctional sensors are restricted to only single or double functionality, designed for sensing pressure 8,9 , temperature 10,11 , proximity 4,12 , or pressure-temperature combinations 3,13 . Even though several recent studies have reported triple-functional or over-triple-functional sensors developed by applying various nanomaterials and fabrication techniques 6,[14][15][16] . Such sensors generally suffer from issues such as severe restrictions in transparency and efficiency of the fabrication process, which hinder their use as a practical and human-friendly e-skin.…”