Biofiber E-Textiles
Envisioning sustainable wearable technology using biodegradable yarn. Exploring soft electronics and technology + craft at NY Textile Month.
Time
1 month, Summer 2024
Genre
Research @ Cornell Hybrid Body Lab
Skills
Interaction Design, Mechanical Engineering, Concept Iteration
Context
In this project, we wanted to explore a paradigm shift of electronic wearables: how we can re-shape a new form of human-computer symbiosis by fabricating soft e-textiles?
FIG 01. Intersection of design space
Ideation
We envisioned the ideal shape for different body adhering textile forms. Since many of these textiles must trace back to a PCB, the hard form of the device had to conform to the body.
Setup
Demo of the sample testing and charging setup.
FIG 04. Super capacitor PCB
FIG 04. Supercapacitor PCB
FIG 05. Charged supercapacitor power supply
Fabrication
As a continuation of this project, our team wanted to bring the concept of making e-textiles into practice with local artisans.
My role centered around making an open source thread extrusion machine usable at the workshop.
The machine
We aimed to have comprehensive machine that takes a customizable liquid solution and turns it into usable thread.
FIG 01. Machine extrusion process (how the machine makes the thread!)
FIG 02. Initial design sketches
Construction
I designed and created all part models on Fusion 360, and then tested them by making iterations on PLA and resin 3D printers.
Designed PCB, box, and UX for controls.
FIG 03. Left: Construction process, Right: Final product
FIG 04. Print Graveyard :^(
Thread recipe experimentation
We had 3 primary recipes to choose from: thermochromic, charcoal, and pH sensing.
FIG 05. Thermochromic
FIG 06. Thermochrom. Demo
FIG 07. Charcoal
FIG 08. Charcoal resistance
FIG 09. pH Sensing
Usage
FIG 10. Use guide
a) Load syringe
b) Fill coagulation and water bath
c) Start extruder
d) Thread begins to form
e) Wind thread around 1st bobbin
f) Wind thread around 2nd bobbin
Workshop planning
We hosted a community-engaged workshop to better understand the material-exploration needs of the textile craft community.
FIG 11. Workshopping Time Distribution
FIG 12. The workshop!
Community-made!
These were the swatches participants produced with the material usage labeled.
Wet-Spun Activated Charcoal
Cotton
Wet-Spun Thermochromic
Conductive
Coated Biodegradable Conductive
Publication & acknowledgments
Research under guidance of the Cornell Hybrid Body Lab
Special thanks to Jingwen Zhu, Professor Cindy Kao