Development of upholstery electro-fabric for smart textile applications

Smart textile products developed by evaluating the human body’s data through sensors have become widespread in recent years. The majority of these products include textile-based information and communication technologies that integrate electronic components into clothing. People use seats, chairs, armchairs, etc., to sit constantly in vehicles, work or at home. The use of these items varies according to the requirements and purposes. In this study, an electro-textile-based upholstery fabric design was carried out to be used in sitting furniture. Electronic components containing capacitive sensors were placed in the designed fabric structure to make it usable in different areas where upholstery fabrics are used. In addition, the sensor connection circuit was developed to receive data from the fabric surface. The data taken from the fabric surface were made meaningful using the calibration and normalization algorithm. The 3D pressing map of the reaction on the fabric surface for different sitting positions was drawn. Electromagnetic field and vibration tests were carried out to examine the response behaviour in different environments where the fabric can be used. According to the findings, it was observed that the pressing areas formed on the surface were displayed in a significant way over the 3D pressing map, and the system was not affected by the electromagnetic field and vibrations. Besides, the fabric was applied on the various surfaces to test calibration and threshold algorithm. Obtained results and circumstances showed that the designed calibration and threshold algorithm were successful to obtained significant results. As a result of the study, upholstery electro fabric with a response time of 0.01 seconds in data collection was developed, which can be used in different environments such as home, workplace and vehicle. It can be used over furniture and in wet and dry conditions and is not affected by the electromagnetic field and vibration in the environment.