Multi-Arched Asynchronous Triboelectric Sensor Based on Ultra-Stretchable Hydrogel for a Novel Displacement Measuring Mechanism

This paper reports a highly-stretchable and Multi-Arched Asynchronous Triboelectric Sensor (MAATS) based on deformable ionic hydrogel for a novel method to measure motion displacement. Different from using the amplitude of output signal to predict displacement, it is the first time to figure out the length of displacement by a simple peak counting method. Three output channels can be achieved by setting three Arched Triboelectric units (ATUs) which share one flexible electrode of ionic hydrogel. Therefore, the output signals consist with the stretching state of the corresponding ATU. Therefore, the length of the displacement can be quantitatively estimated instantly due to the peak number of the three signal oscillograms, eliminating the output error caused by amplitude instability of triboelectric power generation. Excellent stretchability and stable output performances are also realized due to conductivity and deformability of the hydrogel. MAATS shows an instant response to reciprocating linear movements at 50% stretched state, 80% stretched state and 100% stretched state. This work provides a new application field of the hydrogel in sensors and a novel displacement measuring mechanism.