Magnetically Enhanced Stretchable Interconnects for Human-Machine Interface

Abstract:
Stretchable electronics enable new possibilities to functionalise different subjects beside well-known electronic applications. Especially with regard to medical or wearable applications, flexible and/or stretchable electronics show high potential. Nowadays, different stretchable substrate materials are available, e.g. polyurethane or PDMS. However, the integration of electronics to a reliable stretchable system, such as a glove, is much higher ambitious. Especially the heterogeneous combination of stretchable and rigid materials (e.g. integration of electronic devices on stretchable foil) is challenging. In this paper, a magnetic enhanced sliding interconnection concept is investigated to reduce the mechanical stress in the stretchable electronic system. Therefore, magnetic foils are used to interconnect a stretchable substrate with a flexible substrate. These contacts were characterised with regard to bonding force and electrical function. First results are promising to realise those contacts with the magnetic enhanced technology.