“Subconsciousness-triggered” human body defensive strategy: Bi-stability intelligent joint with bionic kirigami structure

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Vol. 277; p. 111368
• Main Authors: Zhou, Jianyu, Liu, Mei, Wang, Sheng, Zhang, Junshuo, Ni, Mingyang, Liu, Shuai, Wang, Yu, Deng, Huaxia, Liu, Bing, Gong, Xinglong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.05.2024
• Subjects: Aramid fibre A; Fabrics/textiles A; Impact behaviour; Smart materials B; Impact behaviour; A; Smart materials B; Aramid fibre A; Fabrics/textiles A
• ISSN: 1359-8368; 1879-1069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111368

Kirigami structures are increasingly popular in wearable devices due to their exceptional properties. However, their mechanical robustness and anti-impact properties during structural deformation have been overlooked. This study addresses this issue by introducing defects on the surface of composites, mimicking pangolin scales to produce negative Poisson's ratio deformation during tensile strain. Kevlar, conductive shear stiffening elastomer (c-SSE), and PET are combined (Kiri-Kevlar). When subjected to impact, the subconscious rapid response of humans leads to bending arms or curling up, causing Kiri-Kevlar assembled at joints to stretch and undergo structural deformation. The Kiri-Kevlar deformation and high energy dissipation characteristics of c-SSE effectively resist external impact. In summary, a functional-integrated wearable device is developed based on a bionic kirigami structure, realizing efficient anti-impact and providing ideas for a new generation of human-computer interactive intelligent protection devices. When the pangolin assumes a defensive posture, the scales on its body unfold like pine cones. When the human body falls and subconsciously makes a defense, the strain of the joints can deform the paper-cut structure, so as to effectively resist the impact. [Display omitted] •Kevlar, shear stiffening elastomer and PET are combined by hot pressing method.•Based on pangolin bionics, composite with anti-impact property was developed.•The structural deformation of composite occurs with body under subconsciousness.•Structured composite can efficiently dissipate impact force to provide protection.•Human-computer interaction is realized through electromechanical performance.