Creation and Analysis of a Respiratory Sensor Using the Screen-Printing Method and the Arduino Platform

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Feb 19;23(4):2315. doi: 10.3390/s23042315.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present novel highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensors using data analysis to report on human live parameters using the Arduino embedded system as a proof of concept in developing new and innovative solutions for health care. The article introduces the solution of textile sensor origination with electrical resistance measurement using the mobile Arduino microcontroller in the designed/elaborated textile printed sensor. The textile sensor was developed by the screen printing technique based on the water dispersion of carbon nanotubes during printing composition. By stretching and squeezing the T-shirt during breathing, the electrical resistances of the printed sensor were changed. The measured resistance corresponded to the number of breaths of the person wearing the T-shirt. The microcontroller calculated the number of breaths as a number of electrical resistance peaks, which then led to monitoring human live parameters.

Keywords: Arduino; T-shirt; carbon nanotubes; human body; microcontroller; monitor; printing composition; screen printing; textile actuator; textiles; textronic.

MeSH terms

  • Body Fluids*
  • Data Analysis
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon*
  • Respiration
  • Respiratory Rate

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon

Grants and funding

These studies were financed from funds assigned from: I42/501-4-42-1-1 statutory activity by the Lodz University of Technology. Institute of Material Science of Textiles and Polymer Composites. Poland; the “Innovative Textiles 2020+” no. RPLD.01.01.00-10-0002/17-00 investment project within the Regional Operational Programme for Łódzkie 2014–2020.