Fabric Bend Sensor KIT

Description

This is a kit, meaning that it comes unassembled and requires you to have tools and some regular sewing thread as well as about half an hour time for completion.

This kit is easy to make and once you understand the basics, you can customize them.
You can also purchase the ready assembled Fabric Bend Sensor if you prefer. (see shop).

This kit contains:
* Two 2 x 12 cm pieces of 1.5 mm thick HS quality neoprene with polyester jersey fused to each side (gray, purple)
* Two 1.5 x 9.5 cm pieces of Velostat
* Two 1 x 2 cm pieces of stretch conductive fabric with fusible interfacing adhered to one side
* 60 cm of conductive thread
* 1:1 Instruction stencil printout on A4 paper

To compete this kit you will need:
* Regular clothing iron
* About 60 cm of regular sewing thread
* Sewing needle
* Scissors for cutting thread
* Knife for cutting out stencil
* Pen for marking stencil

To complete the kit, follow the instructions on the stencil schematic that is included in the kit. For detailed step-by-step instructions, see the following Instructable >>
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fabric_Pressure_Sensor/

Note: The Instructable uses an older stencil schematic. Be sure to follow the stencil scematic included in your kit, and to include two layers of Velostat inside your sensor. Though it will still work almost as well with only one layer of Velostat.

This simple homemade bend sensor is made from sewing layers of conductive thread, Velostat and neoprene together.
This sensor actually reacts (decreases in resistance) to pressure, not specifically to bend. But because it is sandwiched between two layers of neoprene (rather sturdy fabric), pressure is exerted while bending, thus allowing one to measure bend (angle) via pressure.

In a relaxed (flat) position the resistance can range from no contact to about 200K Ohm. When pressured by simply bending the sensor in the air, the resistance sinks to about 5-10K Ohm. When addition pressure is applied, by either squeezing the sensor or attaching it to an object that bends, the resistance can sink to about 200 Ohm.

Here you can see videos of the fabric bend sensor in action:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=65D002AD1204992E

If you plan on wanting more than two fabric bend sensors, then the price of making them yourself becomes much more feasible. I recommend you make your own, but also appreciate the support I receive through sales, which helps me cover my costs of development and prototyping. Here are the instructions on how to make your own fabric bend sensor:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fabric_Pressure_Sensor/

Added on Feb 24, 2009

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