In today’s tech-driven world, dealing with a dead battery is a common hassle.
But for those who depend on wearable health devices to monitor things like glucose levels, reduce tremors, or track heart function, running out of battery can be more than just inconvenient—it can be risky.
For the first time, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering have created a health device that runs on body heat alone.
By combining a pulse oximetry sensor with a flexible, stretchable, wearable thermoelectric energy generator (TEG), the team has introduced an exciting solution to battery life concerns.
This TEG is made from liquid metal, semiconductors, and 3D printed rubber.
“This is the first step towards battery-free wearable electronics,” said Mason Zadan, a Ph.D. candidate and lead author of the research, which was published in Advanced Functional Materials.
The new system is designed to achieve high mechanical and thermoelectric performance with seamless material integration.
It includes advancements in soft materials, TEG array design, low-energy circuit board design, and on-board power management.
“Compared to our past research, this design improves power density by roughly 40 times or 4000%,” explained Carmel Majidi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Soft Machines Laboratory.
“The liquid metal epoxy composite enhances thermal conductivity between the thermoelectric component and the device’s point of contact on the body.”
To test its voltage output, the device was worn on a participant’s chest and wrist, both at rest and in motion.
“We saw greater output when the device was on the participant’s wrist and while they were moving,” Zadan said. “As the participant moves, one side of the device is cooled by the increase in airflow, and the other is heated by the rise in body temperature. Walking and running created an ideal temperature difference.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Dinesh K. Patel, a research scientist on the team, is eager to improve the device’s electrical performance and explore how to manufacture it more efficiently. “We want to move it from a proof of concept to a product people can start using.”
This research was done in collaboration with Arieca Inc, The University of Washington, and Seoul National University.
The successful creation of a body heat-powered health device marks a significant step towards more reliable and convenient wearable technology, potentially eliminating the need for frequent recharging and enhancing the lives of those who rely on these critical devices.
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