Investigation into the feasibility of inductively coupled antenna for use in smart clothing

Abstract

Purpose – This research investigated the feasibility of using an inductively coupled antenna as the basis of applying a systems approach to smart clothing. In order to simulate real-life situations, the impact of the distortions and relative displacement of different fabric layers (with affixed antennas) on the signal quality was assessed. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A spiral antenna was printed on different fabric substrates. Obstructive conditions of the inductively coupled fabric layers were investigated to find out how much influence these conditions had on transmission performance. Reflected signals and transmitted signals were observed, while fabric antennas were subjected to displacement (distance and dislocation) or deformation (stretching and bending). The threshold of physical obstacles was estimated based on statistical analyses. Findings – The limits of physical conditions that enable proper wireless transmission were estimated up to ∼2 cm for both distance and dislocation, and ∼0.24 K for bending deformation. The antenna performance remained within an acceptable level of 20 percent transmission up to 10 percent fabric stretch. Based on well-established performance metrics used in clothing environment on the body, which employs 2-5 cm of ease, the results imply that the inductively coupled antennas may be suitable for use in smart clothing. Originality/value – This research demonstrates that the use of inductively coupled antennas on multiple clothing layers could offer the basis of a new “wireless” system approach to smart clothing. This would not only result in performance benefits, but would also significantly improve the aesthetics of smart clothing which should result in new markets for such products.

Review on the Integration of Microelectronics for E-textile

“…The first type, the textile-adapted, refers to the manufacturing of special clothing accessories or extensions to contain electronic devices, so the electronic function is integrated by adding the actual rigid electronic device onto or into the garment (e.g., ICD+, communication devices for firemen and MP3 players) [27][28][29]. The clothing and electronics are processed separately and merged at a later stage.…”

Ultra-wideband textile antenna with circular polarization for GPS applications and wireless body area networks

“…For flexible antennas, textile materials can be interesting substrates because they are easily integrated into clothes [6,8]. In general, conductive textiles obtained by coating methods [9], conductive yarns [10][11][12], and conductive inks [13,14] can be used to made conductive parts of antenna, i.e. patch and ground.…”

“…FlecTron, Shieldit, and Super Zelt to design wearable microstrip patch antenna. The performance of spiral antenna printed on different fabrics was evaluated under displacement and deformation (bending and stretching) by Suh et al [13]. Performance of screen printed textile antennas after repeated washing was studied by Kazani et al [14].…”

Novel textile systems for the continuous monitoring of vital signals: design and characterization

“…Since the 2000s, smart textiles [1], [2] were considered strategic to reduce morbidity and health care costs associated to diseases of the circulatory system. Holter monitors are ambulatory devices, currently used to capture a patient electrocardiogram (EKG) for one to three days.…”