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Group 9 - Final Project Report

“Round Back Away Bra” by Group 9

Kan Tsz Ling 54425996

Wong Hoi Ho 54392715  

Lee Sze Ying 54430331

What is it?

“Round Back Away Bra” is a posture correcting wearables that notifies the user when they slouch, help them maintain correct and beautiful posture all day long. It is specially designed for women to wear in everyday situations.

User will be notified with subtle vibrations from the sensor when their shoulder and back hunch forward. By using our product, we want the user is able to practice the mindfulness to correct slouching, develop good habit and get rid of back, shoulder or neck pain.

Our Inspiration

As Hong Kong is an urban city, many people depends on electronic gadgets such as mobiles and laptops. This leads to occurence of round back (寒背) problem. As continuous round-back will lead to serious irreversible negative health impacts, we decided to develop a product to improve existing problem and prevent the any deterioration.

Demonstration Video of “Round Back Away Bra”:

Prototyping Process:

Testing Video

Testing Pressure Sensor

During the early testing period, we try to use two flex sensors to detect whether the user is slouching. These two flex sensors are placed inside the bra strays, as drawn in the following image:

However, the values returned from the sensor are not very obvious. It may not provide reliable data for people with different slouching posture and different body shape. Ken suggested that we can try with pressure sensor, so we purchased two small pressure sensor from the web to see the effect:

The testing result is not very ideal, pressure created by round back is insufficient, so it did not return any changed value from the sensor. We decided to give up using the pressure sensor. Instead, we tried to figure out a new location, in which the flex sensor can provide a more reliable data.

Since the flex sensor is not sensitive for original designated location (i.e. shoulder/backbone, previous testing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMP207cLSI ), we moved the location to the middle of the breast and it helps us better detect the posture of the user. In our case, the Reading of normal posture is around 480-510. When the user is slouching, the value will change to around 430-450. Therefore, we decided to use only one flex sensor to detect the slouching posture.

Here is the updated circuit diagram:

Updated Material list:

LilyPad Arduino USB (ATmega32U4)

Flex Sensor

Lithium Ion Battery 2Ah

Stainless conductive thread

10Ω resistor

Lilypad Vibe Board (DEV -11008)

How does it work?

While we were testing the vibe motor, we found it annoying when we got vibrating notification frequently. So we set 8 seconds detecting time for the posture checking sensor. It the posture does not get any improvement for the next 8 seconds, the vibe motor will vibrate twice times to notify user again. It could help reduce the chance of wrong detection.

Detection will start anytime when users wore up Round-back Away bra. Vibration will generated if round-back is detected for 8 seconds or more. If round-back posture keep goes on and no improvement is made, vibration will start again after 8 seconds. A loop of vibration will occur if users do not make any changes since their round-back condition is detected. Once the posture is corrected, no more vibraion will occur again.

On the other hand, if no abnormal readings are detected, (i.e. users keep having good posture), no vibration will occur and Round-Back away bra will only act the role of a normal bra.

Our Work Process:

Sensor Locations

We tested flex sensor on breadboard before actually sewing on the bra. Specific curvature is adopted to the sensor during the process. Readings shown on computer screen is the indicator. However, we forgot the problem that it is difficult to sew it onto the bra directly. As a result, we solder the tip of flex sensor with conductive materials for easy sewing. However, it is still a big challenge for the connection. We also adjust the shape of resistor to enhance stability of the soft circuit. 

We sew an extra pocket between the bra pads of the bra. This is to hide the sensor well and ensure it will not dispatched from the bra. 

Assembling of sensor

The testing in Arduino Uno board is not that similar to Lilypad.. Crocodile clips are used to fix and allow conduction during the testing period. Difficulties discovered as they are loose and easy to disconnect.

Attachment of conductive thread

The conductive thread we bought from Taobao is a bit thicker and harder than normal sewing thread, we need to be extra careful to prevent any breakage. It improved the difficulties while sewing. Besides, the loose threads caused short circuit, the thread from the positive side accidentally touches the negative side and cause a short circuit. To ensure it is sticked tightly, we use use sellotape and hot glue to glue the tip of the thread.

Making some decorations for the bra..

We used old clothes created new shapes and forms such as sakura and hearts by reassembling. This is to hide the vibration sensor in a secret way and act as decorations on our product.

Hiding the Stitches on the Bra..

Difficulties and failures:

Due to unexpected elasticity of the cloth texture, inelastic thread used lead to failure of 1st trial. Bra used is unable to expand and it broke at the end.

Solution:

We tried again with a new bra and widen the distance between each stitches.

Future Improvements:

(1) More sizes can be developed for different breast sizes

(i.e. Cup A - G). This is facilitates women with different cups and avoid discrimination.

(2) Vest with similar function can be designated for male. So, not only female can escape from round-back, but also male.

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Wearables Project //  Work-in-Progress

“Round Back Away Bra” by Group 9

Kan Tsz Ling 54425996 

Wong Hoi Ho 54392715  

Lee Sze Ying 54430331

                                                 Design Sketches:

What is it?

“Round Back Away Bra” is a posture correcting wearables that notifies the user when they slouch, help them maintain correct and beautiful posture all day long. It is specially designed for women to wear in everyday situations.

User will be notified with subtle vibrations from the sensor when their shoulder and back hunch forward. By using our product, we want the user is able to practice the mindfulness to correct slouching, develop good habit and get rid of back, shoulder or neck pain.

Documentation of Working Progress

We use flex sensor to detect whether the user is slouching. However, the values returned from the sensor are not very obvious. It may not provide reliable data for people with different slouching posture and different body shape. Ken suggested that we can try with pressure sensor, we will buy some pressure sensor to see whether it is working later.

Testing Video - Flex Sensor:

Photos of circuit:

First trial:

Since we cannot sew the sensor with the conductive thread at testing stage, so we buy some crocodile clips to connect the circuit:

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Week 8 Workshop - LilyPad POV Project Task 2

Task 2:

“Smart Fan” that tells Room Temperature & Time!

We extend the feature of the POV device to household appliance and create a “smart fan” that tells room temperature and time!

By adding led strips on fan blades and using the high-speed rotation characteristics of the fan blades, the LED will displays information and patterns at a given time, in quick rapid succession.

In order to increase the practicality, we can display the room temperature and time consistently, so that it combined the function of thermometer and clock, temperature display function is particularly practical in hot weather.

Two LED bands will install in two different fan blades respectively, user is able to know the current room temperature and time at once.

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Week 8 Workshop - LilyPad POV Project Task 1

Task 1 Documentation: 

Details

Outcome

POV Demo Video

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Wearables Technology Analysis - O’Neill NavJacket

O'Neill NavJacket is a high-performance GoreTex parka with a built-in GPS navigation tool, speakers, e-textile keypad and a flexible LCD sleeve display.

It is a parka specially designed for on-snow navigation. The featuring wearable technologies make it stand out from the winter clothing market.

NavJacket contains following man design features:

Bluetooth component allows the jacket download data via phone, and the LCD display in the sleeve shows realtime data, such as wearer’s current speed, updated weather forecasts, time and in-depth route details while skiing

Wearer is able to get the information easily just by looking at their sleeve, yet, the display is not very clear and limited by the size it provides.

Wearer gets navigational guidance along mountain ski trails with both visual and audio cues.

It is a good function because the wearer can focus on skiing

Provide Friend-finder feature, allowing wearer to track down and follow GPS-enabled friends after the slobbering begins.

Another good function that allows wearer to have closer connection with friends. The GPS tracking function also ensures the safety of the wearer.

Wearer can connect to mobile phone, create, edit and select new routes, waypoints and choose to share and exchange routes with other members of the NavJacket's online community.

The jacket provides many customise functions, allowing the user to set up personal skiing plan.

I think the jacket did a pretty good job at providing the informations that rider need. However, the product is not able to survive on the winter clothing market, I think it could be due to the high prices and the market competitor.

The price of the NavJacket is €1,635.00 (around HKD$14,420), which is around 5 times more expensive than normal Gore-Tex parka (around €295.00, HKD$2,600). Only a certain number of top-tier consumers are able to afford the high price, and finally leads to the failure of this smart jacket.

Market competitors are also the threat. Indeed, the featuring functions of the jacket, such as providing realtime data, exchange routes with other members can be integrated and done by a smartwatch or mobile application.  Many companies already developed smart ski watch, like the Garmin Fenix 5. It tracks the wearer’s data and provides GPS locating function, and suitable for multi-sport activities. What make it more exciting is that the fabric strap lets you wear it over your jacket and use it as a remote control for action camera to record your ride. It only costs £499. Why bother to buy a heavy jacket when you can have a handy watch for different sport activities?

Besides, many smart jackets are sold at an affordable price. For examples, an intelligent heated jacket provided by Ministry of Supply will adjusts the jacket temperature to wearer’s body heat and the environment. It also have an integrated app inside, wearer can activate the jacket with voice or app control. It only costs USD$495 (around HKD$3,886).

After all, the main purpose of wearing a jacket for skiing is to protect the body and keep warm. Adding different functions into the jacket could be a bonus, but that is probably not an attracting reason to spend a load of money on.

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Product design idea using soft-circuit

Kick-Activated Stun Boots

What is this?

This boot is specially designed for women to defend themselves against attacker. Many women is the victim of sexual assault and gender-based violence. Currently, India has emerged as the most dangerous country in the world for women, women got raped while going to toilet, going home late etc.There are bunch of self-protecting products in the market that designed for women to protect themselves from danger, such as rape alarm, pepper spray etc. However, these product may not help while there is physical scuffles. My idea is to design a product that help women gain advantage over the attacker in a physical scuffles. The “Kick-Activated Stun Boots” is designed to be a boot, so the boot will stick to the foot of the wearer firmly during a fight. When the danger is approaching, the wearer can activate the high voltage circuit on the sole, create electric shock and stun the attacker by kicking the attacker.

How does it work?

The whole circuit is installed in the sole because it is conductive. Since the boot is designed for daily wear, tiny and lightweight soft-circuit is employed. The power supply, micro-controller, sensor and high voltage module are hidden inside the boot’s heel. Accelerometer senses the “kick” motion of the wearer, then send the data to the micro-controller. Micro-controller will trigger the high voltage module to generate high voltage to the output on the surface of the sole. The output is using conductive thread and conductive materials such as metal. Once the conductive materials touches the attacker, he/she will be stunned and not able to move for a while.

Besides from defending, this shoe can also use as an electric mosquito swatter. Very worth buying.

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Soft-Circuit Making - The Pros and Cons

After sewing the Firefly Jar Kit, I think there are some pros and cons that come along with this way of circuit making:

Pros:

Flexible

Easily get sewn on soft materials, such as fabric and clothing

Lightweight and tiny components are easily integrated into soft materials, such as fabric and clothing

Wearable in everyday situations

Cheap manufacturing

Provide more possibility for artwork creation and fashion industry

Cons:

This way of soft-circuit making rely heavily on manual sewing

Time-consuming

Challenging to sew the circuit together with the electronic components with thread by using a sewing machine.

Machine washing may damage the conductive thread

Since conductive thread is uninsulated, it behaves like a bare wire, so we probably need some fabric glue to protect the thread before putting it into washing machine.

Otherwise, we can remove battery and hand wash the product with care, but it is too troublesome.

Loose threads may cause short circuit

The LED is not triggered when I turned on the battery at first because negative and positive side is connected together.

I have made a LED dress using LilyPad Arduino before. There was a time the thread from the positive side accidentally touches the negative side and cause a short circuit, it ended up burning a hole in the dress lol

To avoid short circuit, I use sellotape and hot glue to glue the tip of the thread.

Need carefully design the circuit map before sewing

No overlapping stitches are accepted

Cannot cut the thread with the sewing goes wrong, otherwise the circuit is disconnected

Loose connection

Conductive thread may pull away from the sew tab and disconnect the circuit when the thread is not making a tight connection.

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SM3727 Wearables | Soft Circuit Making Demo Video