Stretchable, fabric sensor, wearable electronic device including the same, and method of making the same

A wearable electronic device comprising a stretchable electronic sensor, the stretchable electronic sensor comprises:

• a first outer stretchable conductive fabric layer;
• a first inner stretchable dielectric layer;
• an inner stretchable conductive fabric layer:
• a second inner stretchable dielectric layer;
• and
• a second outer stretchable conductive fabric layer;
• wherein an adhesive layer is sandwiched between each of the layers of the stretchable electronic sensor, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive film, wherein the adhesive film preserves porosity between adjacent layers, and wherein the layers of the stretchable electronic sensor are joined together to form the stretchable electronic sensor;
• wherein the wearable electronic device comprises a stretchable garment,
• wherein the stretchable garment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface;
• wherein the stretchable electronic sensor is coupled to or integrated into the stretchable garment at a location where it is desirable to monitor motion of a user, wherein the stretchable garment comprises one of the first inner stretchable dielectric layer or the second inner stretchable dielectric layer of the stretchable electronic sensor;
• wherein one of the first outer stretchable conductive fabric layer and the second outer stretchable conductive layers is contactable with the user's skin.

A method of making a wearable electronic device comprising a stretchable electronic sensor, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises a stretchable garment, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) sandwiching an adhesive film between a first stretchable conductive fabric layer and a first stretchable dielectric layer and joining the first stretchable conductive fabric layer to the first stretchable dielectric layer;
• wherein the first stretchable dielectric layer extends across approximately 50% of the length of the first dielectric layer;
• b) sandwiching an adhesive film between the first stretchable dielectric layer and a second stretchable conductive fabric layer and joining the first stretchable dielectric layer to the second stretchable fabric electrode, wherein the second stretchable conductive fabric layer electrode is smaller in surface area than the first stretchable dielectric layer;
• c) sandwiching an adhesive film between an inner layer of garment and the first stretchable conductive fabric layer and joining the first stretchable conductive fabric layer to the inner layer of the garment;
• and
• d) sandwiching an adhesive film between an outer layer of the garment and the second conductive fabric layer and joining the second conductive fabric layer to the outer surface of the garment;
• wherein the stretchable electronic sensor is integrated into the stretchable garment.