A self-powered stretchable sensor fabricated by serpentine PVDF film for multiple dynamic monitoring

Stretchable sensors are attracting more and more attention in conformal electronic devices and wearable electronics. Nevertheless, the fabrication of active flexible sensors with merits of high sensitivity is still a great challenge. Herein, a self-powered stretchable strain sensor is introduced by using PVDF film. Due to the piezoelectricity, the PVDF-based sensor can operate actively without any external power sources. By subtly designing and tailoring, the output signals of the serpentine PVDF strip device have been explored, which can serve as a self-powered dynamic monitoring sensor owing to the stretchable configuration. The stretchable sensor can not only detect joint motions, but also monitor environmental vibrations. In addition, a matrix consisted of elastic PVDF strips has been invented for locating mechanical collisions. The fabricated matrix indicates its self-powered locating capability by recording the output voltage signals. The stretchable sensor with a serpentine layout may have potential applications in human-machine interfacing, conformal detection, and artificial intelligence.