Novel design strategies for modulating conductive stretchable system response based on periodic assemblies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new design approach for stretchable electronic conductors using periodic patterns and algorithms to engineer specific resistance-strain behaviors, including constant and sinusoidal responses, for advanced soft robotics and sensing.

Contribution

It presents a novel concept of periodic multi-material patterns and an efficient algorithm to precisely control resistance responses under strain, expanding beyond deterministic geometries.

Findings

Achieved constant resistance response up to 50% elongation.

Demonstrated sinusoidal resistance responses with three-material systems.

Validated designs through experimental prototypes.

Abstract

Soft electronics have recently gathered considerable interest thanks to their bio-mechanical compatibility. An important feature of such deformable conductors is their electrical response to strain. While development of stretchable materials with high gauge factors has attracted considerable attention, there is a growing need for stretchable conductors whose response to deformation can be accurately engineered to provide arbitrary resistance-strain relationships. The rare studies addressing this issue have focused on deterministic geometries of single rigid materials, limiting the scope of such strategies. Herein, we introduce the novel concept of periodic stretchable patterns combining multiple conductive materials to produce tailored responses. Using shortest-path algorithms, we establish a computationally efficient selection method to obtain required resistance-strain relationship. Using this algorithm, we identify and experimentally demonstrate constant resistance-strain responses up to 50% elongation using a single micro-textured material. Finally, we demonstrate counter-intuitive sinusoidal responses by integrating three materials, with interesting applications in sensing and soft robotics.