Objective
This project addresses a fundamental step forward in the field of electrical switching and sensing, by using woven or knitted fabric structures incorporating conductive fibres as a signal generating mechanism. There is a risk that the technology may not be able to meet the Technical Specifications of all of the target Market Zones. This is outweighed by the envisaged benefits to be gained in terms of cost, speed and flexibility of design, market development through new innovative products and in reduction of waste. There are further benefits from the creation of new methods for access to IT, which could initiate the greater involvement of disabled people not previously empowered to do so. The Core SMEs have extensive experience in the conventional uses of conductive fibres, and expect a return on investment within one year of the commencement ot commercial exploitation. The core concept of this project is that conductive fibres, which are currently used in anti static applications such as carpeting, clothing, and electromagnetic shielding, offer opportunities for using their conductive characteristics in switching and sensing applications. Such fibres can be woven or knitted in combination with other fibres and insulators, to produce conductive networks in abric that when touched can control an electronic circuit. Amongst the immediate market opportunities are switches and switch matrices that are drapable (able to conform to threedimensional objects), durable, unobtrusive, lightweight, washable, but both moisture transparent and resistant to chemical contamination. It can be seen from the results of the feasibility study that the concept of the conductive network in woven materials is achievable. The task now is to determine whether the technology can meet the demands of volume manufacturing processes and the rigours of commercial market requirements in wider applications. Four Market Zones have been identified in which the technology might be applied and which have potential volume product applications. The Healthcare, IT and Communications, Consumer Goods, and Measurement and Instrumentation industries will each generate relevant Technology Specifications. The objectives require that these Technical Specifications be addressed through proof of concept and prototyping programmes for both fabrics and electronic systems. Core SMEs will take the technology into a sample generation phase where prototype structures will be challenged to meet the demands of the manufacturing and post manufacturing processes. Materials Testing leads to integrated samples being produced for market evaluation. Core SMEs will continue product and process development after the conclusion of the project, in parallel with the exploitation programme, so as to explore wider markets and prepare them for the technology. Commercial exploitation, probably facilitated through licence agreements with volume product manufacturers and distributors, is expected to commence within 18 months.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering manufacturing engineering
- engineering and technology materials engineering textiles
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
LE12 8BT Quorn Loughborough
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.