Abstract
This work presents early stage textile prototyping towards an integrated system based on wearable technology that will significantly improve the productivity and comfort of nuclear decommissioning operators. An innovative approach utilising optical fibre sensors integrated within textiles to monitor both the health of the operator and the suit environment is presented. The ‘smart basics’ aim to provide greater comfort for the operator via the use of natural yarns in the textiles (thermoregulating, antimicrobial, excellent wicking properties) and the feedback will help to provide better air conditioning in the suit environment. This will identify the early onset of heat stress and improve efficiency through removal from the decommissioning area at the appropriate time. This work specifically explored the most appropriate methods of integrating optical fibre sensors within knitted textiles to maximise sensitivity of the proposed sensor system, maintain robust measurements and operator comfort. Prototyping explored, for example, the use of specific technical knit structures, processes, machinery and yarn combinations (natural and polymer) such as heat-shrinkable polymer yarns to secure the OFS in key on body positions. Connections/channels out of the textile structure and coupling mechanisms of the optical fibres to the light source were considered within the design. Research and investigation of appropriate yarns for wearability, consideration of garment construction methods for comfortable, textile sensor system were also considered. Literature and practical testing of textile structures and yarn combinations supported better understanding of feasibility of methods and materials going forward in this space.
Presenters
Claire Felicity MillerPhD Candidate, Textile Design Department, School of Design, Royal College of Art, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Textile design, Polymer Optical Fibres, POF, Multidisciplinary Research, Smart Textiles
