ThermoWear

Using biocompatible thermoplastic composites embedded with circuits and sensors, ThermoWear is powered by the ability to reconfigure directly on the human body, conforming and quickly forming into three-dimensional smart wearables. Metamaterial structural patterns improve conformity to complex and organic body shapes, allowing for the iteration and adaptation of wearable shapes and sizes in response to body growth and change. As a result, ThermoWear would enable orthopaedic clinicians to rapidly shape smart orthoses and implement various sensing technologies and functions, such as assisting diagnosis, monitoring the condition of the orthoses, and game-based rehabilitation training. Among the applications of ThermoWear, the 3D spring in a smart, dynamic finger extension splint made from a thermoplastic sheet eliminates the need for additional accessories or lengthy fabrication times. It conforms to the contours of the fingers and responds to joint movement with customised elasticity, while keeping the circuits on it stable. Metamaterial structure slits can be reshaped to accommodate growth and changing rehabilitation needs. The production of smart organic 3D branch shape is time-consuming and technically challenging using traditional manufacturing techniques — but with ThermoWear, it becomes simple and efficient.

 Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Materials and Surfaces