Open AccessSoft Modular Electronic Blocks (SMEBs): A Strategy for Tailored Wearable Health‐Monitoring Systems
Author(s) -
Yoon Jaeyoung,
Joo Yunsik,
Oh Eunho,
Lee Byeongmoon,
Kim Daesik,
Lee Seunghwan,
Kim Taehoon,
Byun Junghwan,
Hong Yongtaek
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201801682
Subject(s) - wearable computer , modular design , computer science , wearable technology , modular programming , embedded system , programming language , operating system
Precise monitoring of human body signals can be achieved by soft, conformal contact and precise arrangement of wearable devices to the desired body positions. So far, no design and fabrication methodology in soft wearable devices is able to address the variations in the form factor of the human body such as the various sizes and shapes of individual body parts, which can significantly cause misalignments and the corresponding inaccurate monitoring. Here, a concept of soft modular electronic blocks (SMEBs) enabling the assembly of soft wearable systems onto human skin with functions and layouts tailored to the form factors of individuals' bodies is presented. Three types of SMEBs are developed as fundamental building blocks for functional modularization. The physical design of SMEBs is optimized for a mechanically stable island‐bridge configuration. The prepared SMEBs can be integrated onto a target body part through rapid, room‐temperature (RT) assembly (<5 s) using an oxygen plasma‐induced siloxane bonding method. A soft metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints flexion monitoring system that is tailored to allow for accurate monitoring for multiple individuals with unique joint and hand sizes is demonstrated.