On-textile integration of sensors, power, control and communications for advanced wearables

Current E-textile garments rely on a separate off-textile rigid ōpuckö to contain sensors and electronics coupled with bulky rigid connectors, resulting in additional bulk and weight, decreased reliability and comfort, and added difficulty to don and doff. SunRayÆs ZTACH« ACE novel interconnect technology enables thin, flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) to be directly integrated onto e-textiles, resulting in comfortable, lightweight, reliable devices integrated directly onto uniforms. Use of ZTACH « ACE enables domestic production, minimum 20% weight reduction, ~40% reduction in cost (based on prior cost studies of ZTACH« ACE vs. wire bonding), increased comfort, reliability, and washability.ĀSignificant benefits to warfighters and Army civilians offered by the end product include:ĀHealth and performance monitoring: lightweight sensors that track various metrics to maintain functional performance; overcoming stress, hydration, muscle & mental fatigue.Protecting against new and emerging threats: New threats push the need to endure colder and subterranean climates creates demand for advanced active temperature controlling clothing, sophisticated communications, chemical threat detection.Reduction in weight and bulky equipment: Heavy loads slow warfighters progress, makes them less effective, lessens endurance, leads to increased incidents of stress fractures. Lightweight equipment increases soldier effectiveness & safety.