Flexible and Anisotropic Strain Sensors with the Asymmetrical Cross-Conducting Network for Versatile Bio-Mechanical Signal Recognition

Abstract

Flexible strain sensors with high performance are actively and widely investigated for wearable electronic devices. However, the conventional sensors often suffer from a lack of detection of complex multidimensional strain, which severely limits their wide applications. To overcome this critical challenge, we propose a pattern design by screen printing to construct an asymmetrical cross-conductive network in the piezoresistive strain sensor, which can enhance the response to external stimuli in different directions. The unique network endows the prepared sensors with the excellent ability of instantaneous detection and accurate identification of multidimensional strains. Moreover, the sensor also demonstrates high sensitivity, fast response, an ultra-wide sensing range, and excellent stability and durability. Benefiting from the outstanding comprehensive performance of the prepared sensor, a full range of human actions (wink, smile, swallowing, and joint bending) and subtle bio-signals (pulse and breathing) are easily and accurately monitored. A wireless wearable device assembled by the sensor shows great potential applications in practical real-time physiological monitoring and intelligent mobile diagnosis for humans. This work provides an innovative and effective strategy for manufacturing flexible and multifunctional strain sensors to fully satisfy versatile applications of new-generation wearable electronic devices.