Brief
Merging Material Science and Design, to conceptualize a product using Graphene - The wonder material of the 21st Century.
In Collaboration with the National University of Singapore's Graphene Research Centre
Designed with Chin Guo Hong
2015, 11 Weeks
Designed with Chin Guo Hong
2015, 11 Weeks
Introduction to Graphene
So, what can we do with Graphene?
Yes, Graphene's properties are of the finest, but many products can often be made with other materials to achieve the same function. The key is for the properties of Graphene to be vital for the functioning of the product.
Utilizing the following Graphene Technologies, or G-tech, we conceptualized a product that is worthy of the properties of Graphene.
1. Graphene-based nanocomposite material
Among the benefits of the composite are flexibility, transparency, and electricity and heat conductivity. Resulting from these characteristics, the composite can be patterned to sense force, "touches", and changes in heat. It can also harvest and store energy from such forces and energy changes. Being transparent and flexible, it can be applied to any surface.
2. Super-capacitor
An advanced type of energy-storage device, which can be charged and discharged at super-fast speed. It can also also store large amounts of energy, allowing the battery to last a long time. Graphene has enabled this ultra high-speed charging, as well as allowing this super-capacitor to be extremely lightweight, compared to any other energy storage device of the same size. It comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, which has great potential for exciting novel applications.
Yes, Graphene's properties are of the finest, but many products can often be made with other materials to achieve the same function. The key is for the properties of Graphene to be vital for the functioning of the product.
Utilizing the following Graphene Technologies, or G-tech, we conceptualized a product that is worthy of the properties of Graphene.
1. Graphene-based nanocomposite material
Among the benefits of the composite are flexibility, transparency, and electricity and heat conductivity. Resulting from these characteristics, the composite can be patterned to sense force, "touches", and changes in heat. It can also harvest and store energy from such forces and energy changes. Being transparent and flexible, it can be applied to any surface.
2. Super-capacitor
An advanced type of energy-storage device, which can be charged and discharged at super-fast speed. It can also also store large amounts of energy, allowing the battery to last a long time. Graphene has enabled this ultra high-speed charging, as well as allowing this super-capacitor to be extremely lightweight, compared to any other energy storage device of the same size. It comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, which has great potential for exciting novel applications.
Flex consists of 2 sections.
A network of graphene nanocomposites and a energy and memory storage compartment
The network of graphene pixels and wiring allows it to sense the contraction and expansion of muscles through pressure.
Each pixel consists of layers of graphene and pvdf (polyvinylidene fluoride).
When stretched due to movement , it generates a voltage through the piezo electric effect which is picked up by a processor and converted into data.
Since each pixel is connected separately, the processor is able to pinpoint specific muscles which are not contracting properly. After the data is analysed by the processor, an electrical pulse is generated to stimulate the affected muscles.
The second component consists of a graphene supercapacitor which can harvest the energy generated through movement before it's lost and it's quick discharge allows a very responsive electrical feedback.
There is also a microchip which allows data to be communicated through a phone application, letting the user keep track of their progress
Technical components of FLEX
In conclusion, graphene as a pressure sensor allows progress to be tracked, reassuring the user.
Compared to other electrical stimulators, flex sends pulses in reaction to your muscle contractions, reducing reliance and increases recovery rate.
The technology in the sleeve can also be used as a strength training tool after rehabilitation.
