Towards a Taxonomy of Novel Knitted Fold Sensors

We present a design taxonomy of a new type of 3D sensors based on knitted folds. Exploiting key parameters of knitted surfaces, folded structures introduce new design possibilities for complex textile sensors. The combination of two different types of modes of movement, namely folding/unfolding and stretching/compressing, enable multidirectional movement sensing. Another advantage is the possibility to employ the movement of the structures as such, resulting in textile artifacts that are self-sensing and do not need intentional triggering through pressing or stretching using hands. This paper provides an overview of different knitting techniques to manufacture folds, and details the designs of three-dimensional sensors based on knit-integrated folds. These can be produced through hand knitting or domestic knitting machines, as well as on computerised knitting machines. The introduced samples are discussed for their form factor, and material behaviour and application areas are suggested.