Wearable circuits are those which enable one to use a sophisticated device in the “hands-free” mode thus allowing him or her to operate more safely and efficiently. These circuits vary from hearing aids, insulin pumps, bio-feedback devices, blue tooth technology and many other products. Uniquely, the circuits are smaller, lighter, and more efficient and less costly thus they have many applications in the real-life scenario. Most of these circuits apply Printed Circuit Board (PCB) knowledge and that is why we at RUSHPCB UK have the pleasure to take you through the role they play in the monitoring of health, life and general habits.

Use of flexible Printed Circuit Boards on new products

Due to the rapid advancement in technology, flexible PCBs are being used in new electronics especially in military, healthcare and consumer markets. Flexible PCBS, commonly known as flex PCBs consist of thin insulating films of polymers with conductive patterns of circuits affixed thereto and are supplied by a thin coating of a polymer to enable the protection of conductor circuits. On the other hand, new materials like polyimide which leads to a lighter come thinner product which is quite flexible are being used in the circuits. Different from that, conductive ink printing facilitates the elimination of cables and connectors hence reducing both connections and assembling costs. The application technology and new products to wearable circuits has shortened the manufacturing time significantly to about 3 steps. This is a great achievement since the traditional process involved more than 6 steps. The new products include smart skin, glucose monitoring lens, consumer products and power sources. Are you already interested in knowing more of flex PCBs and wearable circuits? Please don’t hesitate to visit us at https://www.rushpcb.co.uk/blog/ , we are always online to listen to you and serve you.

Contact lens for monitoring glucose level

Monitoring the glucose level of a diabetic patient can be cumbersome and at the same time painful to the patient. A needle prick on the fingertip facilitates the collection of a small blood sample for testing. Sequentially, the blood is placed on a test strip which is then inserted into the glucometer machine. Unfortunately, this process needs to be repeated many times a day. However, flexible Printed Circuit Boards will make life much better and they are being applied in the design of a contact lens that can monitor glucose level, hazardous medical supplies like needles and strips and the elimination of painful finger pricks.

A flexible Printed Circuit Board shall be placed on top of the contact lens which has a glucose sensor. The flex PCB is constituted of wireless transmission components. In the same token, the information relayed by the contact lens shall be transmitted to an external location for tracking and further interpretation. The application of flex PCBs in these circuits allows for small, thin circuits that are undetectable. This is a great advancement since the previous PCBs were too stiff, thick and bulky.

Smart skin

The procedure of visiting and consulting a doctor is sometimes tiresome since this involves signing in, waiting for the patients who came before you to be administered, visiting the nurse and waiting for hours before talking to the doctor. In each step mentioned above, data about each patient is collected and processed in the hospital’s database. Such data needs to be recalled and revisited the next time the patient visits the hospital. This aids in the consistency of treatment procedures and the administration of the right medication to a patient. Finding such data can be made simpler by the application of a new adhesive patch on the patient’s skin surface. This patch is usually called ‘smart skin’. The smart skin aids in relaying of information through antennas or transmitters. Details relayed are the heartbeat, glucose levels, temperature, EKG readouts and electrocardiogram (ECG). Equally important, leads, tape, cables and other bulky equipment are done away with. The patch is usually lightweight and thin thus it is almost undetectable. The materials are ultra-flexible and can move with the patient’s skin. Moreover, it can be adhered via water just like temporary tattoos.

Wearable consumer devices

Consumer products like data capturing bracelet and smartphones are currently being manufactured in large numbers due to technological changes and the nature of humanity to embrace such technology. In order to come up with a lightweight and thin smart technology device, flexible Printed Circuit Boards have to be used. This will be better since there already exists bulky smartphones and devices in the market.

Moreover, the devices are powered by solar cell and not battery power which has to be renewed overtime. On the other hand, consumers will actual materials, just like consumers will be wearing labels which benefit those consumers using antennas and sensors. Radiation tags can then be placed on any product to facilitate monitoring of the levels. Comparatively, pharmacies can apply the new labels to track and read the temperature of drugs that need stabilization via temperature control. In the same token, foods can be tested for contaminant using the same labels. Isn’t this amazing? Please visit us at ( https://www.rushpcb.co.uk/ ) for cheaper and highly efficient PCBs and flex PCB products.

Power sources

Another significant future application of flexible Printed Circuit Boards is power sources. This is because scientists believe that in the future, there shall be sources of energy which are stretchable. This is possible through the application of carbon nano-tube microfilm, organic electrolytes and polyurethane membranes. Additionally, bendable Li-ion batteries using cobalt oxide as the cathode and lithium for anode could be used as power sources. It is, therefore, clear that flexible Printed Circuit Boards have a promising future to humans. Please share with the professionals and know how you can come up with a cheap flexible PCB.

Future of healthcare

Talking about the future of healthcare, flex Printed Circuits Boards have already expanded the world of impossibilities to possibilities. Healthcare professionals call for smart surgical instruments which are not in the current market. You and I can be the innovators of such equipment. On the other neural implants are currently being considered as a control to prosthetics. Additionally, biosensors which are similar to the Smart Skin will facilitate transmission of data to various remote locations. As if that is not enough, neuromuscular disorder’s patients will enjoy communication and be able to interface with a computer. In general, flexible Printed Circuit Boards will always improve delivery, access, convenience and comfort to patients.

With the discussion above, you must have developed some interests in flexible PCBs and PCBs in general. Please beware of the boards you use since most of them are of low quality. We highly recommend that you visit: RUSHPCB.CO.UK and enjoy interacting with PCB experts.