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Flexible and Wearable Sensors: Design, Fabrication Methods, and Applications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Wearables".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2024) | Viewed by 10166

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
Interests: polymers; nanofibers; flexible electronics; biosensors; bio-interfacing electronics

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Guest Editor
School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Interests: wearable flexible electronic devices; artificial synapse; synaptic transistor; bioinspired sensory neuron; stretchable and conformal electronics; bioinspired micro-nano structure processing technology; manufacturing processes and applications of self-powered devices

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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Interests: flexible wearable electronic devices in sensing detection, medical diagnosis and other fields; biosensors based on two-dimensional material field effect transistors in the direction of disease diagnosis; micro-nano structure and device (MEMS) processing and manufacturing technology; functional micro–nano structure surface technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lately, there has been a rapid expansion of flexible and wearable sensors, with significant advancements in material design and device manufacturing that have significantly facilitated the development of wearable sensors for real-world applications. To effectively deploy wearable sensors in practical applications, it is crucial to emphasize ongoing research efforts on several fronts, including optimizing materials for comfort whilst wearing, refining materials and device production processes for scalability, and identifying compelling application scenarios.

With this in mind, this Special Issue seeks to gather original research and review articles that highlight the recent advancements in the exploration of innovative materials, techniques for device fabrication, and the diverse applications of flexible and wearable sensors.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Materials and structure design for flexible/wearable sensors;
  • Novel fabrication methods for materials and devices of flexible sensors;
  • Mechanisms, modeling, and simulation studies on flexible sensors;
  • Applications of flexible and wearable sensors.

The theme of our Special Issue, "Flexible and Wearable Sensors: Design, Fabrication Methods, and Applications", encompasses a broad spectrum of sensors, including advancements in material development, innovative fabrication methods, and their wearable applications. We wish to emphasize that our focus is on sensors that possess good flexibility and wearability, designed specifically for practical applications. This subject aligns seamlessly with the scope of the Sensors journal, which aims to “provide an advanced forum for the science and technology of sensor and its applications”. We anticipate that this Special issue will draw a diverse array of contributors and readers who share a keen interest in this field.

Dr. Yichun Ding
Dr. Tingting Zhao
Dr. Ziran Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • flexible and stretchable materials
  • device configuration
  • structural design
  • sensing mechanism and simulation
  • physical sensors
  • chemical and biological sensors
  • electrophysiological sensors
  • human health monitoring
  • wearable sensors, devices, and electronics

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 5603 KiB  
Communication
A Unique Time-Reversal Algorithm-Enabled Flexible Ultrasound Transducer with a Controllable Acoustic Field
by Lu Jia, Yingzhan Yan, Jing Xu and Yuan Gao
Sensors 2024, 24(17), 5635; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24175635 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3319
Abstract
Flexible ultrasonic devices represent a feasible technology for providing timely signal detection and even a non-invasive disease treatment for the human brain. However, the deformation of the devices is always accompanied by a change in the acoustic field, making it hard for accurate [...] Read more.
Flexible ultrasonic devices represent a feasible technology for providing timely signal detection and even a non-invasive disease treatment for the human brain. However, the deformation of the devices is always accompanied by a change in the acoustic field, making it hard for accurate focusing. Herein, we report a stable and flexible transducer. This device can generate a high-intensity acoustic signal with a controllable acoustic field even when the device is bent. The key is to use a low-impedance piezoelectric material and an island-bridge device structure, as well as to design a unique time-reversal algorithm to correct the deviation of signals after transcranial propagation. To provide an in-depth study of the acoustic field of flexible devices, we also analyze the effects of mechanical deformation and structural parameters on the corresponding acoustic response. Full article
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16 pages, 4528 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Strain Sensor Design Based on a Knowledge Graph Framework
by Junmin Ke, Furong Liu, Guofeng Xu and Ming Liu
Sensors 2024, 24(17), 5484; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24175484 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 670
Abstract
Wearable flexible strain sensors require different performance depending on the application scenario. However, developing strain sensors based solely on experiments is time-consuming and often produces suboptimal results. This study utilized sensor knowledge to reduce knowledge redundancy and explore designs. A framework combining knowledge [...] Read more.
Wearable flexible strain sensors require different performance depending on the application scenario. However, developing strain sensors based solely on experiments is time-consuming and often produces suboptimal results. This study utilized sensor knowledge to reduce knowledge redundancy and explore designs. A framework combining knowledge graphs and graph representational learning methods was proposed to identify targeted performance, decipher hidden information, and discover new designs. Unlike process-parameter-based machine learning methods, it used the relationship as semantic features to improve prediction precision (up to 0.81). Based on the proposed framework, a strain sensor was designed and tested, demonstrating a wide strain range (300%) and closely matching predicted performance. This predicted sensor performance outperforms similar materials. Overall, the present work is favorable to design constraints and paves the way for the long-awaited implementation of text-mining-based knowledge management for sensor systems, which will facilitate the intelligent sensor design process. Full article
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17 pages, 9471 KiB  
Article
A Touch on Musical Innovation: Exploring Wearables and Their Impact on New Interfaces for Musical Expression
by David Wexler, Joanne Yip, Ka-Po Lee, Xiaolu Li and Yiu-Hong Wong
Sensors 2024, 24(1), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24010250 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
This paper explores the innovative concept of using wearable technologies as a medium for musical expression. Special emphasis is placed on a unique wearable device equipped with motion, touch, and acceleration sensors, which can be used as a wrist strap, hand strap, or [...] Read more.
This paper explores the innovative concept of using wearable technologies as a medium for musical expression. Special emphasis is placed on a unique wearable device equipped with motion, touch, and acceleration sensors, which can be used as a wrist strap, hand strap, or surface drum pad. The aim is to create a new musical instrument that simplifies music learning and expression and makes them more intuitive. The wearable device contains 32 individual touch-sensitive pressure sensors, a nine-axis inertial-measurement-unit motion sensor, and various light-emitting diode and vibrational haptic-feedback components. The inclusion of tactile and intuitive features in the wearable device enhances the musical experience of users by enabling engaging interaction. Consequently, it is believed that this groundbreaking technology has significant potential to contribute to the field of music, providing musicians with a versatile and intuitive instrument that facilitates their creative expression. Full article
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Review

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32 pages, 7476 KiB  
Review
Flexible Strain Sensors Based on Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fabricated by Electrospinning: A Review
by Zhiyuan Zhou, Weirui Tang, Teer Xu, Wuyang Zhao, Jingjing Zhang and Chuanwu Bai
Sensors 2024, 24(15), 4793; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24154793 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Over recent years, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been widely used as a substrate material for flexible strain sensors due to its remarkable mechanical flexibility and the ease of combining various conductive materials by electrospinning. Many research advances have been made in the preparation [...] Read more.
Over recent years, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been widely used as a substrate material for flexible strain sensors due to its remarkable mechanical flexibility and the ease of combining various conductive materials by electrospinning. Many research advances have been made in the preparation of flexible strain sensors with better ductility, higher sensitivity, and wider sensing range by using TPU in combination with various conductive materials through electrospinning. However, there is a lack of reviews that provide a systematic and comprehensive summary and outlook of recent research advances in this area. In this review paper, the working principles of strain sensors and electrospinning technology are initially described. Subsequently, recent advances in strain sensors based on electrospun TPU are tracked and discussed, with a focus on the incorporation of various conductive fillers such as carbonaceous materials, MXene, metallic materials, and conductive polymers. Moreover, the wide range of applications of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors is thoroughly discussed. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors in various fields are pointed out. Full article
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20 pages, 3453 KiB  
Review
A Review of Wearable Optical Fiber Sensors for Rehabilitation Monitoring
by Xiangmeng Li, Yongzhen Li, Huifen Wei, Chaohui Wang and Bo Liu
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113602 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1481
Abstract
As the global aging population increases, the demand for rehabilitation of elderly hand conditions has attracted increased attention in the field of wearable sensors. Owing to their distinctive anti-electromagnetic interference properties, high sensitivity, and excellent biocompatibility, optical fiber sensors exhibit substantial potential for [...] Read more.
As the global aging population increases, the demand for rehabilitation of elderly hand conditions has attracted increased attention in the field of wearable sensors. Owing to their distinctive anti-electromagnetic interference properties, high sensitivity, and excellent biocompatibility, optical fiber sensors exhibit substantial potential for applications in monitoring finger movements, physiological parameters, and tactile responses during rehabilitation. This review provides a brief introduction to the principles and technologies of various fiber sensors, including the Fiber Bragg Grating sensor, self-luminescent stretchable optical fiber sensor, and optic fiber Fabry–Perot sensor. In addition, specific applications are discussed within the rehabilitation field. Furthermore, challenges inherent to current optical fiber sensing technology, such as enhancing the sensitivity and flexibility of the sensors, reducing their cost, and refining system integration, are also addressed. Due to technological developments and greater efforts by researchers, it is likely that wearable optical fiber sensors will become commercially available and extensively utilized for rehabilitation. Full article
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