Knitted Electronics

Xuanhao Li
An award-winning computational textile designer, crafting meaningful elegance.

About Me

Selected Works

PROJECT
ROLE
YEAR
CREDITS

Knitted Electronics
Researcher, Designer, Artisan
2023
CoDe Craft group, GVU Prototyping Lab, GVU Craft Lab

Knitted Electronics:

Knitted Electronics is a collection of modular accessories that merges computational design with programmable circuits. This project places special emphasis on material application of copper, highlighting its both conductive and aesthetic properties. It features a parametric-generated interlinking structure and is equipped with magnetic end connections and modular expansion functions, showcasing an innovative system for customizing flexible, wearable circuits.

Flex-PCB Breadboard, Adafruit. Material: Copper, polyimide film(PI) substrate.

“CheonOpen Vase0622”, Woosun. Material: Nickel silver, Copper.

Copper: A Material of Electrical Conductivity and Artistic Appeal

Due to its excellent electrical conductivity, copper is widely used in electronic and electrical applications, from massive power transmission cables to microchips. Hidden within protective casings and insulation, copper performs its critical engineering function discreetly, typically out of users’ view.

On the other hand, copper's natural metallic luster, warm tone, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for artistic crafts and designs. Over centuries, artisans have employed copper in weaving, sculpting, and other techniques to craft charming and durable accessories and decorations.

Reveal Copper’s Modern Aesthetics through Knitted Functionality

Knitted Electronics employs copper as a key functional material, merging computational craft design with CNC circuit fabrication to elegantly showcase copper’s dual roles of conductivity and aesthetics. The precisely cut copper strips are attached to flexible base textiles and covered with a transparent insulating coat. These copper strips, configured into knitted patterns, allow electricity to flow through, powering the LEDs and highlighting the copper’s warm metallic luster.

Magnetic Detachable and Conductive Connections

Instead of complex and fixed connecting operations such as wiring or soldering, Knitted Electronics has developed innovative magnetic junctions to connect circuit units.

Each end of the circuit unit is equipped with round hole rivets that have neodymium magnets hammered in. By leveraging the magnetic and conductive properties of these magnets, the junction system connects knitted circuits to the microcontroller and allows electricity to flow through.

Computationally Generated Customization and Variability

The interlinked structures of Knitted Electronics are generated from the yarn paths of the basic knitting pattern, Garter Stitch.

The current design samples include a collection of bracelets for the forearm. By performing a 3D scan of the wearer’s forearm, the target body part is captured as a 3D surface and then unfolded into a flat plane. This specific unfolded shape allows for the computational customization of Knitted Electronics modules, adapting sizes and textures to meet individual body dimensions and preferences using parametrical design methods.

Merging High & Low Technologies during the Fabrication process:

Cut the Copper tape with CNC machine

Peel off the uncessory part from the substrate.

Check the resistance of the copper trace.

Apply conductive soldering paste.

Attach Leds over the paste

Check the working status of the circuit unit

Heatpress insulating coat over the circuit.

Laser cut the knitting loop out of the subtrate

Hand assemble the circuit units as a piece

Using the similar process prepare the junction part

hammer rivets at the laser cut eyelets

check the rivet preparation

Press the matched sized magnetic into the rivet

Check the tightness of the magnetics with the rivets

Modularized Design for the Potential of Repair and Replacement:

Knitted Electronics incorporates a modular design approach to enhance repairability, replaceability, and sustainability.

Each component of the electronic accessory is designed as an independent module that can be easily detached and replaced. This modularity allows for straightforward repairs and upgrades, reducing the need for complete replacements of the entire accessory. By integrating magnetic junctions and interchangeable modules, the design minimizes waste and promotes the longevity of the design.

Programmable Knitted Circuits and Future Wearable Electronics Composition System:

Knitted Electronics incorporates programmable circuits that enable dynamic control over LED lighting patterns, allowing wearers to personalize their accessories or sync them with music during concerts. Through microcontroller programming, users can create various flashing modes, enhancing the accessory’s responsiveness and adapting to different environments.

Designed with future adaptability in mind, Knitted Electronics offers a modular platform that supports expansion and customization. Future iterations could integrate a range of electronic components, including vibration motors, shape memory alloys (SMAs) for dynamic form changes, and a variety of sensors for interactive features. This modular and programmable design ensures that Knitted Electronics can evolve to meet diverse needs and inspire futuristic fashion design and innovative wearable technology solutions.