Need more information conductive fabrics

Community Projects
1

Hello everyone,

I’m working on a project that uses conductive fabrics to detect hand touch, light finger touch, grip, and hovering on a circular rim. The conductive fabric will be wrapped around an aluminum rim, and the goal is to study how users of different percentiles apply touch, grip force, and hand‑interaction patterns. The rim will also include a heating mat. I have selected the​:backhand_index_pointing_down:conductive fabrics through other sites.

  • EeonTex™ piezoresistive non‑woven fabric, NW170‑SLPA‑xxK – resistance decreases with pressure.

  • EeonTex™ NW170‑PI‑xxxx – resistance decreases with strain (stretch).

  • EeonTex™ High‑Conductivity Heater non‑woven fabric, NW170‑PI‑20 – heating fabric.

    So, the construction will be something similar to below image :backhand_index_pointing_down:

image
image781×638 24 KB

My initial concept is to use the strain‑sensitive fabric closer to the surface so that small deformations from a finger or palm gliding over the rim can be detected, while a pressure‑sensitive layer can capture light/medium/strong grips.

Question: Can this stack be used to reliably detect slight touches as well as medium/strong grips on a circular rim that also contains a heating mat?

2

Possibly. Experiment with the construct and post the results.

3

Yes sure. Once I know the exact conductive fabrics to purchase then I will experiment and post the results.

But I would also like to ask the technical team for their opinion.

4

We’ve never combined them in such a manner; you’re in uncharted territory

As above, this sounds cool but you’ll need to experiment to glean anything meaningful…and then posting here with updates/results might help others :slight_smile:

If it works well your method might lend itself to VR or other exciting applications

5

Ohk

I guess then I need to get these conductive fabrics start experimenting.

Thanks a lot :handshake:

6

I haven’t used those fabrics but I predict problems with the curves and padding. Those are issues for most textile overlays, even without the sensing components. Start by getting it all working flat & firm, then try to get it to bend around something squishy.

7

Yes.

I am planning to do the same.

8

No matter what MCU you choose, analog electronics will be involved in signal conditioning, prior to detecting changes in fabric resistance.

So, consider experimenting with Force Sensitive Resistors to determine what approaches might be the most useful. Sparkfun sells a variety of FSRs, but discontinued sale of the cloth you mentioned.

9

Great. I will now take some baby steps.

I have FSR so I can probably start working with it.

Thank you :handshake:

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