This sensor takes some time to make. Repeatedly threading, stitching and cutting thread. But the result is quite effective and you can vary the design of the sensor in order to detect different kinds of stroke. See illustration for variations in stroke sensor design.
Various techniques could be applied to create this kind of "stroke sensor" such as knitting or crocheting loop stitch or rug knotting techniques. This Instructable shows how to stitch conductive 117/17ply silver plated nylon thread and a more resistive 66 Yarn 22+3ply 110 PET thread into neoprene in order to create a "stroke sensor". The rubberiness of the neoprene creates enough friction so that the threads will not come loose when stroking. Meaning you don't have to knot each individual hair. It is important to use these particular threads as thicker conductive threads tend to curl when repeatedly stroked and thus don't work for the stroke sensing anymore.
The publication DIY Wearable Technology also contains information on this sensor and can be downloaded from:
>> http://plusea.at/downloads/DIYWearableTec.pdf
HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT:
Loop stitch technique post >> www.kobakant.at/DIY/
Stroke sensor post >> www.kobakant.at/DIY/
VIDEO
Various techniques could be applied to create this kind of "stroke sensor" such as knitting or crocheting loop stitch or rug knotting techniques. This Instructable shows how to stitch conductive 117/17ply silver plated nylon thread and a more resistive 66 Yarn 22+3ply 110 PET thread into neoprene in order to create a "stroke sensor". The rubberiness of the neoprene creates enough friction so that the threads will not come loose when stroking. Meaning you don't have to knot each individual hair. It is important to use these particular threads as thicker conductive threads tend to curl when repeatedly stroked and thus don't work for the stroke sensing anymore.
The publication DIY Wearable Technology also contains information on this sensor and can be downloaded from:
>> http://plusea.at/downloads/DIYWearableTec.pdf
HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT:
Loop stitch technique post >> www.kobakant.at/DIY/
Stroke sensor post >> www.kobakant.at/DIY/
VIDEO
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials and Tools
MATERIALS
For sensor:
* Conductive thread- Silver Plated Nylon thread, 117/17 2ply
* Resistive thread - 66 Yarn 22+3ply 110 PET
both from LessEMF: lessemf.com/fabric.html
* Stretch conductive fabric
* Fusible interfacing
For circuit:
* 1.5 mm thick neoprene with polyester jersey laminated to either side from SedoChemicals: www.sedochemicals.de
* LilyPad sewable LED
* Sewable coin cell holder
both from Sparkfun: www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php
* 3V coin cell
TOOLS
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- Iron
For sensor:
* Conductive thread- Silver Plated Nylon thread, 117/17 2ply
* Resistive thread - 66 Yarn 22+3ply 110 PET
both from LessEMF: lessemf.com/fabric.html
* Stretch conductive fabric
* Fusible interfacing
For circuit:
* 1.5 mm thick neoprene with polyester jersey laminated to either side from SedoChemicals: www.sedochemicals.de
* LilyPad sewable LED
* Sewable coin cell holder
both from Sparkfun: www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php
* 3V coin cell
TOOLS
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- Iron
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Electronic input device for stroke victims, no pun intended. Or Cerebreal Palsy victims.
Teddy bears that "know" when they're being loved.
Over-limit sensors for closet doors, drawers, etc.
Couch pillows that heat up when you lean against them (and no knobby little bumps to poke you in the spine!).
So... if you really need more ideas, email me. But otherwise, you're welcome for the free ideas that can only entertain someone who does not build such things. (sigh)
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Plusea, another hit with this one! Go for it!
It's the difference between a thumb-stick in a laptop compter versus a "dance pad" sensor as big as your chest... maybe even worn as a vest on the chest.
Naturally each patient might need to have their own macros recorded for their specific abilities. There's a new job description waiting for the nurse or therapist with Arduino programming skills, "Patient mobility interface programmer" and "Active-prothesis interface customizer."
Swetambri, did that help at all? :)
Very cool idea.
... now if we can just get those conductive threads to do double duty with a high voltage source... without frying part of itself, or the legitimate owner.
simple idea, can be applied in 1000 different ways... use your imagination
The uses spring to mind!
A robot with arrays of these would be able to detect contact.
A amputee could feel the wind (with a neural interface) over their prosthesis.
A carpet of these would allow for a security system to detect an intruder, without
a detectable (visible) motion detector.
Can you detect the direction or size of the object (your hand) moving across the sensor?
Extremely well done!
Its design would you suggest implementing numerous ideas!
Congratulations!
Its so SIMPLE, and its the thinking oustside the box which is impressive, I LOVE IT!.
your basically completely the circuit loop with conductive fabric (i just saw the video at this point i have yet to read your instructable at this point) but im sure thats exactly whats happening here.
I had to comment on your work, im impressed, thank you for the IDEA this is awesome. please continue with your awesome ideas!
http://hackaday.com/2010/01/12/stroke-to-unlock/
SWEET!
and you have perfect timing.thank you.