Abstract: The present application describes the creation of a flexible textile structure with sensing and lighting capabilities without the loss of important features of a typical textile, for instance, comfort, seamless and mechanical flexibility. As sensing applications are described three different approaches that may or may not work together in the same system: a directly printed self-capacitive sensor, a knitted textile sensor and the integration of temperature/humidity bulk capacitive sensors directly on the textile. As lighting applications for decorative and signage purposes are used two different approaches that could work individually or together: an electroluminescent sensing device and the use of a hybrid sensor that includes the use of SMD LEDs and a printed self-capacitive sensor.

Abstract: The present application describes the creation of a flexible textile structure with sensing and lighting capabilities without the loss of important features of a typical textile, for instance, comfort, seamless and mechanical flexibility. As sensing applications are described three different approaches that may or may not work together in the same system: a directly printed self-capacitive sensor, a knitted textile sensor and the integration of temperature/humidity bulk capacitive sensors directly on the textile. As lighting applications for decorative and signage purposes are used two different approaches that could work individually or together: an electroluminescent sensing device and the use of a hybrid sensor that includes the use of SMD LEDs and a printed self-capacitive sensor.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-dimensional (3D) multifunctional knitted fabric structure comprising two independent layers (1 and 3) connected by cross-threads (2) being able to be applied as absorbency structure in medium incontinence men's reusable underwear. The structure is produced in a single step using weft-knitting technology and designed to perform several functions in a single fabric. The inner layer (1), to be in contact with human body, is responsible to transport liquid, urine and perspiration from the human body to the outer layer (3), through the cross-threads (2), keeping dry the human skin. Cross-threads (2) are responsible to keep apart both independent layers and to transport liquid from the inner layer (1) to the outer layer (2). The outer layer (3) is responsible to absorb the liquid and, at same time, to control the odor and microorganisms proliferation generated by the urine.