Sensing decal
A sensing decal ( 400 ) for use in the production of a sensor, includes a flexible release layer ( 401 ), a conductive ink layer ( 402 ) and an adhesive layer ( 403 ). The conductive ink layer is printed onto a first surface ( 404 ) of the flexible release layer and the adhesive layer is printed onto the conductive ink layer. The first surface includes a substantially non-uniform surface ( 405 ) and the conductive ink layer includes at least one patterned element ( 503 - 509 ) providing a predetermined set of electrical properties for formation of a sensor.
1. A sensing decal for use in the production of a sensor, comprising:
a flexible release layer, a conductive ink layer and an adhesive layer;
said conductive ink layer being printed onto a first surface of said flexible release layer; and
said adhesive layer being printed onto said conductive ink layer; wherein
said first surface comprises a substantially non-uniform surface; and
said conductive ink layer comprises at least one patterned element providing a predetermined set of electrical properties for formation of a sensor.
2. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said sensing decal comprises a dry transfer decal.
3. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said conductive ink layer comprises a pressure sensitive resistive material.
4. A sensing decal according to claim 3 , wherein said pressure sensitive resistive material is a quantum tunneling composite material.
5. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.
6. A sensing decal according to claim 5 , wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive comprises a thermoplastic material.
7. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said substantially non-uniform surface induces a substantially non-uniform surface of said conductive ink layer.
8. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said substantially non-uniform surface comprises indentations.
9. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one patterned element comprises a plurality of conductive islands thereby enabling a mask to be formed.
10. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one patterned element comprises a plurality of rows of conductive ink spaced apart to provide areas of conduction and areas of insulation.
11. A sensing decal according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one patterned element comprises a first portion with a first number of layers of conductive ink and a second portion with a second number of layers of conductive ink.