Stretchable printed electronics for pressure ulcer prevention

Aim and goal

The aim of the Stretch-Light project is to develop solutions for the development of elastic and conformable patch for, for example PPG (reflective photoplethysmography) measurement, to be used in wearable devises including the prevention of pressure ulcers. The proposed patch will be fabricated by printing of elastic electrical conductors and mounting rigid components (LEDs, photodiodes, ICs for signal processing and transmission) onto a stretchable substrate.

Challenge

Currently commercially available stretchable inks (both conductive and insulating), designed mainly for textile applications, do not possess adequate stretchatchability.

The robust and reliable integration of rigid components (LEDs, photodiodes, ICs for signal processing and transmission) onto stretchable and conformable materials is still a considerable challenge.

Chemical stability of printed elements is still a challenge when it comes to wearables.

Solution

Develop low cost, highly conductive inks for long term stable stretchable conductors.

Develop architectures and processes for pick and place mounting of rigid components onto elastic printed circuits.

Develop encapsulation strategies to improve the stability, both chemical and mechanical, of the wearable sensor.

Effect

At its end the Stretch-Light project is expected to provide a variety of benefits at different level:

Improving the quality of life of hospitalised patients by delivering new tool able to presence the incidence of pressure ulcers.

Consolidate the positioning of Sweden in the area of unconventional electronic and wearable

Provide to the scientific community novel technical solutions (inks and processes) for hybrid electronic onto stretchable substrate.

Provide the society with highly trained individual.