Research textile sector has accelerated, currently resulting in new inventions. The latest is the creation of a smart knitted hat for infants. The hat would change color based on the wearer’s body temperature.
The hat is being developed by an assistant of the LSU Department of Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising. It is being designed as body-tracking wearable technology or smart clothes. The researcher is using thermochromic yarn that changes color based on body temperature.
The hat is being developed to monitor the infant’s temperature. Its threads have the quality to change colors on a hike in temperature. This will alert the caretakers of the infant if the temperature rises. The change in color would depend on the temperature of the child’s body. In case of really high temperatures, the color of the hat will change to beige. It will help in instantly taking curative measures.
The use of this technology called thermochromic technology may eliminate or reduce the use of normal thermometers to monitor the body temperature of the infant. Another advantage would be that the infant would not be frequently disturbed for checking the temperature.
The prototype for the hat was produced using the department’s flat knitting machines, allowing the operator to customize patterns and tension. This technology could also be used for other medical investigations. The color variations would change from 37.5 Celsius to 38.5 Celsius. The research is being funded by the Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research.
