The SmartTex-Network will be held from 4 to 7 May 2015 in Frankfurt am Main: TechTextil Hall 6, Level 1, Stand B17.
Glove with textile pressure sensor
(ITP GmbH NL Weimar)
1. The glove is fitted with 24 textile sensors and battery-operated electronics which allow a high level of freedom of movement without irritating wires. The system helps to prevent overstress in activities that require force. However, the pressure sensitive glove also opens up new possibilities for rehabilitation, treatment monitoring, translation of the Lorm alphabet or for gaming applications.
2.The second exhibit is a battery-free version of a force-sensing system based on resistivity with similar functions but fitted with an energy harvesting system. The thermo-electrical effect based on temperatures difference (hand surface/environment) is uses to produce energy. The efficency of the system is aided by special textile materials.
Textiles with a photochromic effect in inorganic basis
(Thorey Gera Textilveredelung and Jenpolymer Materials UG & Co. KG)
Photochromic effects are already used, but the colour change or opacity fades quickly. With this development the effect is reversible and can be repeated as often as desired. Textiles that can increase UV protection by changing colour or becoming opaque depending on the situation have a wide range of uses.
Electrically conductive silicone pads in the knitted fabric - Stimulation bodysuit
(Helmut Peterseim Strickwaren GmbH)
Stimulate muscles, record body data... here a piece of clothing with specifically adaptable functions has been successfully developed.
A special base material was produced for this purpose, which consists of double wound PA yarns with specific parameters. With this yarn structure and special knitting technology, data streams can be transported with conductive yarns. The functionalities could be integrated into different textile aids.
High-performance structures from smart 3D textiles and air
(Tecnotex AG Schweiz, NL Weimar)
Rotor blades, stadium roofs, bridges, exhibition fittings... special textile base structures and the use of air as a construction material ensure exceptional sturdiness at a low weight and thus better mobility and lower transport, storage and raw materials costs.
Straight and uniaxial curved forms (such as mobile roofs or partition walls), biaxial curved forms and free-form surfaces (e.g. rotor blade components for wind turbines) can be made. Adapting the internal pressure of the textile pneumatic structure produces different element properties. The LED light structure on display illustrates the essential features of a simple textile pneumatic structure.
SMOOLS – smart wool which warms and cools
(Strickmanufaktur Zella and theInstitut für Textil- und Kunststoffforschung in Rudolstadt, TITK)
The innovative ‘cooling’ feature is achieved using a wool enriched with cellulose hollow fibres which are also endowed with paraffin. The easy melting and solidifying nature of paraffin ensures optimal thermo-regulation. As it melts, it absorbs warmth and cools, and when cooling it redistributes warmth. The process is completely reversible. SMOOLS Strick is defined by a comfortably soft, noticeably cool feel. The clothing is ideal for after sport, between tennis matches, when resting or playing golf when there are alternating phases of movement and rest. At the fair, a men's jacket from SMOOLS is presented.