Greiz / Frankfurt, 21st June 2022. TITV Greiz demonstrates at Techtextil 2022 the strengths, versatility and smooth integration of functionalisations that come with smart textiles using the example of a cargo bicycle. Visitors of the trade show can test the functionalities in hall 11.1 at booth B51.
Textile innovations enable to integrate functionalisations and smart applications smoothly into people’s everyday lives. From health to gaming to living and to mobility - textiles can not only add comfort, but also extra functionalities to objects in our environment. Using the everyday example of a cargo bicycle, TITV Greiz demonstrates the strengths, versatility and smooth integration of functionalisations that come with smart textiles.
UV protective coating for outdoor textiles suitable for printing
Shading textiles for indoor and outdoor use are a growing area of market interest. They prevent damage to health and materials caused by UV radiation. Many products are sensitive to light and should be protected from UV radiation during transport. In contrast to the UV-protective textiles on the market, this coated textile generates the main part of the UV-protection factor from the properties of natural minerals (Halloysite) and can be printed with inkjet technology. In addition, the coating allows harmless parts of the light to pass through, so that working at sufficient daylight is possible.
RFID-secured access restriction based on powder coating
Delivery traffic requires reliable theft protection while fast and uncomplicated procedures should facilitate the work of delivery personnel. TITV Greiz has therefore developed a solution that combines both: Textiles, e.g. a sleeve can be provided with a conductive antenna structure by means of powder coating, on which an individual RFID tag is attached. The RFID reader is located in the driver's area and is connected to an alarm. If the driver gets out of the car while holding the sleeve near the reader for a short time, the reader recognises the RFID tag and deactivates the alarm. If the zip is without the correct RFID tag, an alarm signal sounds. Due to its textile character, the solution is comfortable and can be integrated seamlessly into delivery processes.
Flexible and individually programmable indicator
The copper foil-based flashers are flexible and individually programmable. Alternatively, they can also be produced as a textile-integrated solution using LED-equipped FSD™ sequins (Functional Sequin Device). Embroidered automatically with the help of a multi-head embroidery machine or simply by hand, they can be freely placed on a textile and at the same time can be electrically connected and interconnected with a conductive thread. Since the sequins are already equipped with LEDs, users do not have to solder the LEDs onto the textiles themselves. In addition, the luminous sequins can be easily interconnected with a conductive thread, so that users do not have to insert an inflexible, hard wire into the textile as a conductor. By embroidering the LED-sequin, the light-emitting textile remains flexible and soft, thus maintaining comfort.
Heatable handlebars
The innovative high-impedance thread hiTEX has even electrical resistances, even over short sections of thread. This allows textile heaters made of this material to be cut freely, while the heat distribution remains even. It is therefore suitable for non-planar textile heaters - for example in steering wheels or moulded components. hiTEX has electrical resistances in the high-ohm range that can be variably adjusted as required. For example, at a fineness of 110 dtex f36, 200 to 700 kOhm/m can be achieved. The thread made of a polyester multifilament with a carbon-containing polymer coating can be processed very well in textile technology and is resistant to ageing. imbut GmbH can transfer the above-mentioned properties to any thread - regardless of whether it is made of chemical or natural fibres.
Sensor for occupancy detection
A flexible mat made of conductive foam in combination with an interdigital structure is integrated into the set boxes on the loading area of the transport vehicle. When goods are in a set box, their weight compresses the conductive foam, which causes a change in resistance. This is displayed in the driver's area. The solution enables the driver to see at all times whether and where goods are located in the bicycle truck. This technology can be applied to other means of transport or storage systems.
The demonstrator has been developed in cooperation with ANTRIC GmbH, ligenium GmbH and JAHN GmbH & Co. KG.
