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Scalable Batch Fabrication of Flexible, Transparent and Self-triggered Tactile Sensor Array Based on Triboelectric Effect

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Abstract

In this study, a facile and scalable fabrication process of the flexible and transparent tactile sensor array where its operation is based on the triboelectric effect is proposed. The overall process is assisted by the solution based screen printing method, which is well-known as advantageous in the batch fabrication of the electronic devices. The introduction of the batch fabrication process to the tactile sensor array enables the realization of high functionality such as transparency and flexibility. The performance of the fabricated tactile sensor array is systematically investigated through the parametric studies and the discernibility to multiple external physical stimuli such as vertical contact and horizontal sliding is verified. It is confirmed that although the present self-triggered tactile sensor array could be easily fabricated and scaled-up without cumbersome processes, the functionalities such as sensitivity, resolution, transparency, flexibility and even peak power density, are comparable to previously developed tactile sensors. Consequently, the scalable and design-flexible fabrication methodology with cost-effect and high production speed in this study effectively broadens the applicability of the sensor array. As proof-of-concept demonstration of potential applications, a stand-alone sensory lighting system as well as a wearable transparent code generator are developed and their performances are investigated.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. NRF-2019R1C1C1005846). S. J. P. was supported by Basic Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (2018R1A6A1A03025526).

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  1. Yoonsang Ra and Moonwoo La have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin, 17104, Gyeonggi, South Korea

    Yoonsang Ra, Sumin Cho & Dongwhi Choi

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), Cheonan, 31253, Chungnam, South Korea

    Moonwoo La & Sung Jea Park

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  1. Yoonsang Ra
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  2. Moonwoo La
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Correspondence to Sung Jea Park or Dongwhi Choi.

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Ra, Y., La, M., Cho, S. et al. Scalable Batch Fabrication of Flexible, Transparent and Self-triggered Tactile Sensor Array Based on Triboelectric Effect. Int. J. of Precis. Eng. and Manuf.-Green Tech. 8, 519–531 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40684-020-00267-7

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