Credits: Tincuta Heinzel in collaboration with ATRG – Nottingham Trent University, (UK).
Year of Invention: 2015
Description: The present sample is part of a research project which looks to develop a series of graphic (embroidered/printed/knitted) textile based sensors that could function both as manuals (guides) for the construction of such textiles based sensors, as well as signage for announcing the presence of such sensors into the structure of the textiles (fabrics). It is about the development of a repertory of such sensors, where their graphical form serve also as information sign.
Sample: The two samples I present here are temperature sensors based on thermocouples principles. The first sample is of type E (Chromel – Constantan), the second is of type T (Copper- Constantan). See the sketch below.
Technical details: Thermocouples are self-generating sensors used for temperature-sensing. These sensors translate the temperature into a reference voltage, resistance or current. There are different types of thermocouples:
Type E (Chromel – Constantan)
Type J (Iron – Constantan)
Type K (Chromel – Alumel)
Type M (Ni/Mo 82%/18% – Ni/Co 99.2%/0.8%, by weight)
Type N (Nicrosil – Nisil)
Type T (Copper – Constantan)
Materials:
1. Constantan High-Flex 8394 7×1(Karl Grimm) + Linen Inox thread (Bart Francis) – Sensor type E
2. Constantan resistive wire + Cooper resistive wire (Conrad) – Sensor type T
Circuit Diagram:
Techniques: Several techniques can be used to have as many as need it hot points into the structure of the fabric. The sample is illustrated by sewing and embroidery techniques, but knitting and weaving can also be considered. (see, for example, tapestry diagonal interlock technique).
References/Inspirations: 2014 E-textile summer camp experiences with constantan threads; ATRG’s past experiences; Drawing circuits workshop e-textile summer camp 2014.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 cm.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”24″ display=”basic_thumbnail” override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”400″ thumbnail_height=”300″ number_of_columns=”4″ show_slideshow_link=”0″]