SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a textile magnetoelastic generator (MEG) that can be used for biomechanical-to-electrical energy conversion.
BACKGROUND:
The magnetoelastic effect has traditionally been found in rigid metal alloys, but recent research has identified the effect in more flexible materials. As a result, these materials have often been incorporated in many chemical and biomedical sensors. Most recently, magnetoelastic generators (MEG), which convert biomechanical energy into electrical energy, have shown promise for energy generation in wearable electronics. However, MEGs are mostly composed of amorphous ferromagnetic ribbons, but these are not ideal for wearables due to their poor water resistance. Alternative wearable generator technologies, such as piezoelectric generators, can be made to be waterproof, but do not have sufficient current density or adequately low impedance for practical applications. Therefore, there is a need for MEGs that are waterproof and have low impedance for durable wearable biosensors
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed magnetoelastic generators (MEGs) that can be incorporated into textiles for smart clothing and wearable biosensors. The novel 1D soft microfiber material can enhance magnetomechanical coupling by 8.4-fold compared to traditional bulky metal alloys. Additionally, the textile MEG has a high short-circuit current density and ultralow internal impedance. This corresponds to an improvement three orders of magnitude over traditional textiles. The textile MEGs are also intrinsically waterproof, which limits the need for additional waterproof coatings that often complicate device fabrication. Furthermore, the textile MEGs present a significant improvement to current design limitations of wearable electronics, with promise for a wide array of human-centered applications.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Smart clothing
- Integrated fitness clothing
- Wearable biosensors
- Biosensors
- Cardiovascular parameter measurement
- IoT integration
ADVANTAGES:
- Ultralow internal impedance
- Waterproof
- High short-circuit current density
DEVELOPMENT TO DATE:
First successful demonstration of applications performed.