Inerventions method for parkinson: development of textile electrodes and conductors with innovative intarsia tech

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project was to develop a soft and elastic garment that could be used with integrated textile electrodes using intarsia knitting and that could be worn as underwear. The textile electrodes and the textile conductive leads were to be integrated in the same fabric enabling the electrostimulation function. All goals were achieved, resulting in a garment prototype with both textile leads and electrodes integrated and manufactured on a single intarsia knitted fabric.

Expected results and effects

The textile conductive leads did enable an electrical connection between the electrical stimulator to the textile electrodes. The textile electrodes presented similar electrical characteristics as the conductive rubber electrodes currently used in the Mollii suit. Therefore the technical expectations were met. As expected, the textile electrodes were integrated in the fabric by intarsia knitting in a complete automated manner producing an elastic and soft garment.

Planned approach and implementation

After the specifications were drawn, functional prototypes for electrodes and conductive leads were manufactured and tested. Once the textile solutions reached a satisfactory performance, a new garment prototype was customized and manufactured with intarsia. All prototypes were characterized with in vivo-measurements. Despite the successful results, the stimulation performance of the electrodes exhibited a dependency on the actual pressure applied by the elastic pants.