Woven Variables – Investigating the Influence of Conductive Float Arrangements on the Performance of Woven Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors

This paper investigates how conductive float arrangements, specifically the float length and float side, affect the performance of double-weave piezoresistive pressure sensors. While previous research has explored float variations in simple weaves, there is a lack of knowledge on the role of these variables in multi-layer yarn arrangements commonly used in pressure-sensitive functional weaves. We conducted a control-variants experiment by constructing two sets of double-weave piezoresistive pressure sensor samples with variations in float arrangements and evaluated their range, sensitivity, and reproducibility. We demonstrate how adjusting the float length and float side can allow the same three-layer piezoresistive sensor to perform differently, providing a fine-grain control of woven sensor performance for various applications and different areas of the fabric within the same use context. In addition, we summarise the relationship between performance metrics and float arrangements, providing insight into the development of multi-layered woven pressure sensors.