#PCB for Electronic Devices

[agaselectronicmaterials]

Explore A-Gas Electronic Material's range of advanced chemistries for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) production. Our offerings cater to high-performance PCBs, ensuring superior quality in electronic components and devices.

[neoful0123]

❤️Small business making a necklace❤️

Adopt this doggo: etsy.me/4dqkevZ

Music by: HunterMilo.Archive

[reasonsforhope]

"As the world grows “smarter” through the adoption of smartphones, smart fridges, and entire smart houses, the carbon cost of that technology grows, too. 

In the last decade, electronic waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. 

According to The World Counts, the globe generates about 50 million tons of e-waste every year. That’s the equivalent of 1,000 laptops being trashed every second. 

After they’re shipped off to landfills and incinerated, the trash releases toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and so much more, which can cause disastrous health effects on the populations that live near those trash sites. 

Fortunately, Franziska Kerber — a university student at ​​FH Joanneum in Graz, Austria — has dreamed up a solution that helps carve away at that behemoth problem: electronics made out of recyclable, dissolvable paper. 

On September 11, Kerber’s invention “Pape” — or Paper Electronics — earned global recognition when it was named a national winner of the 2024 James Dyson Awards. 

When she entered the scientific competition, Kerber demonstrated her invention with the creation of several small electronics made out of paper materials, including a fully-functional WiFi router and smoke detector. 

“Small electronic devices are especially prone to ending up in household waste due to unclear disposal systems and their small size, so there is significant potential to develop a more user-friendly end-of-life system,” Kerber wrote on the James Dyson Award website. 

“With this in mind, I aimed to move beyond a simple recycling solution to a circular one, ensuring long-term sustainability.” 

Kerber’s invention hinges on crafting a dissolvable and recyclable PCB board out of compressed “paper pulp.” 

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board that can be found in nearly all modern electronic devices, like phones, tablets, and smartwatches.

But even companies that have started incorporating a “dissolution” step into the end life of their products require deconstruction to break down and recover the PCB board before it can be recycled. 

With Kerber’s PAPE products, users don’t need to take the device apart to recycle it.

“By implementing a user-friendly return option, manufacturers can efficiently dissolve all returned items, potentially reusing electronic components,” Kerber explained. 

“Rapidly advancing technology, which forms the core of many devices, becomes obsolete much faster than the structural elements, which are often made from plastics that can last thousands of years,” Kerber poses. 

PAPE, Kerber says, has a “designed end-of-life system” which anticipates obsolescence. 

“Does anyone want to use a thousand-year-old computer?” Kerber asks. “Of course not. … This ensures a sustainable and reliable system without hindering technological advancement.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, September 13, 2024

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Inspired by nature: Leaftronics pave way for biodegradable electronics

A research team headed by Prof. Karl Leo at TUD Dresden University of Technology have developed an innovative, nature-inspired solution that could revolutionize the electronics industry: "Leaftronics." This innovative approach leverages the natural structure of leaves to create biodegradable electronic substrates with enhanced properties and offers a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution to the global-waste problem. These findings have now been published in the journal Science Advances. Electronic devices, from toys to smartphones, consist of circuits. Specific substrates are used to manufacture these circuits. In commercial electronics, these are printed circuit boards (PCBs) made of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.

Read more.

[solarpunkbusiness]

A research team headed by Prof. Karl Leo at TUD Dresden University of Technology have developed an innovative, nature-inspired solution that could revolutionize the electronics industry: "Leaftronics." This innovative approach leverages the natural structure of leaves to create biodegradable electronic substrates with enhanced properties and offers a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution to the global-waste problem. These findings have now been published in the journal Science Advances.Electronic devices, from toys to smartphones, consist of circuits. Specific substrates are used to manufacture these circuits. In commercial electronics, these are printed circuit boards (PCBs) made of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.Most of these materials are not recyclable, let alone biodegradable. Given the sheer volume of electronic waste of more than 60 million tons per year (of which over 75% is not collected worldwide), there is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives.Previous research has focused on creating biodegradable natural polymers as materials, but these have faced problems with heat stability and resistance to chemicals. The inherent conflict between biodegradability, which requires loosely bound molecules and thermal or chemical stability, which demands tightly bound molecules, has long posed a significant challenge.Now, a team of researchers at the Institute for Applied Physics at TUD Dresden University of Technology, led by Professor Karl Leo, has taken a major step forward by developing "Leaftronics"—an approach that leverages the natural structure of leaves to create biodegradable electronic substrates with enhanced properties. Their findings offer a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution to the global e-waste problem.

[scroll-of-thought]

You know what sucks? When you're working on a very complex and really weird spell and you just can't find the ingredients. And I can't sub them out so easily because this is a very weird spell. In short, one thing I need is a rocker switch, like the electronic component. But due to the symbolism involved, it has to be one that feels good to flip.

Might as well talk about the spell concept. Basically I'm making a magical pseudo-device, which is a physical object that doesn't function or serve a purpose physically, but has moving parts and stuff to symbolically function in a magical capacity. For example, this will have a switch that's connected to copper wires, and those wires are going to be bent and soldered into the shape of the sigil I designed for this, which will also incorporate other ingredients/materials like crystals wrapped in the wire and so on. The whole thing will be inlaid into a backing material which will basically look like a handmade magic PCB (printed circuit board, those green boards you see in electronic). The idea is that the spell in inactive until the switch is flipped, completing the circuit/sigil, and the spell will function as long as it's on, given specific conditions, it's charged/has a power source, and a killswitch isn't tripped.

I know none of this is required to make a spell like this. I could easily just draw a little sigil or make a little amulet, charge it on the windowsill and cast it when needed, but I feel like this is going to be a neat experiment. I also want to gauge the results based on amount of effort put into the spell and care taken designing and physically building it.

[zerojanitor]

personally i think the fact that additional PCBs inside an electronic device separate from the motherboard are called daughterboards is adorable

[pcbtrainingcenter]

AC PCB Repairing Training Institute

AC PCB Repairing Training Institute: Skill Development

With the increasing demand for ventilation in homes, offices, and workplaces, maintenance planning and maintenance are essential.AC PCB Repairing Training Institute The most important part of an AC system is the circuit board or PCB, which controls the operation of the AC system. Teaching is a great profession where you have to study and get good grades. That’s where the AC PCB Knee Repair Academy comes into play.

Why choose AC PCB Repairing Training Institute?

Enrollment in a professional training school offers the person structured, practical training that cannot be obtained by self-study.AC PCB Repairing Training Institute Professional training teaches students technical skills in AC PCB systems, provides them with practical sessions, and prepares them for actual repair situations. Training schools also give students up-to-date information on the latest trends and tools utilized in the trade.

Major Benefits of Training

An efficiently structured training course covering theoretical and practical topics of PCB repairing.

Practical training in equipment and techniques used in the electronics repairing business

Practice exposure in actual AC PCB faults under the guidance of experienced trainers.

Certification to improve trainees' credibility and marketability.

Training in safety procedures, customer service, and service reporting.

Course Content and Learning Outcomes

A successful AC PCB Repairing Course includes the following:

Introduction to AC components and their uses

PCB design and layout concepts

Understanding the working principle of air conditioners

Decision and diagnosis of common faults in AC PCB

Soldering and desoldering techniques

Use of measurement devices such as multimeters and oscilloscopes

Step by step process of repairing and replacing faulty components

Precautions while repairing

Upon successful completion of this course, students can repair and diagnose various types of AC PCB-related faults independently.

Who should take the course?

This course is suitable for all types of individuals, such as:

School passouts or ITI students interested in technical and job-fit skills

Technicians and electricians who want to offer extension services

Those interested to start small AC or electronics repair shop businesses

Hobbyists interested in repairing circuits and electronics

The course is able to handle fresh entrants with no technical background as well as experienced candidates with experience in electronics.

Choosing the Right Training Institute

While choosing an AC PCB Repairing Training Institute, the following should be kept in mind:

A well-designed syllabus with theory and practical training

Trained faculty with hands-on industry experience

Availability of recent tools and test equipment for training

Good ratings and feedback by students

Employer- and service center-approved certification

Job placement facilities or internship exposure

Choosing a local institute can also provide greater convenience and accessibility.

Career Opportunities After Course Completion

Completing a professional course in AC PCB Repairing makes one conscious of numerous job opportunities, such as:

AC repair specialist with specialized PCB services

Brand service center air conditioner engineer

Independent PCB repair specialist

Home AC repairing and maintaining business owner

Technical support experts in appliance companies

After experience and training, a person can be a good professional in a growing field.

Last Words

Professional training facility AC PCB Repairing Training Institute is a smart investment for any individual who desires to start an electronics repair business. It not only provides real, job-oriented skills but also introduces opportunities for self-employment and professional growth. Choosing an appropriate training facility ensures that you are getting quality training, proper certification, and guidance to be successful in the business.

Begin your career path today by joining a reliable AC PCB Repairing Training Institute and become proficient and confident enough to be a professional electronics repair technician.

[nitte-university-blog]

Essential Skills Every Electronics Engineer Should Master

Electronics engineering is an exciting and constantly evolving field. With new technologies emerging every day, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. If you're pursuing a B Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering or exploring options at B Tech colleges for Electrical and Electronics, it's crucial to know which skills can set you apart in this competitive domain.

Let’s dive into the essential skills every aspiring electronics engineer should master.

Strong Foundation in Circuit Design

Circuit design is at the heart of electronics engineering. Understanding how to create, analyze, and optimize circuits is a must-have skill. Whether you’re designing a simple resistor network or a complex integrated circuit, mastering tools like SPICE and PCB design software can make your designs efficient and innovative.

Programming Proficiency

Electronics and programming often go hand in hand. Languages like Python, C, and MATLAB are widely used to simulate electronic systems, automate processes, and even build firmware for devices. Engineers proficient in programming can troubleshoot problems effectively and add versatility to their skill set.

Knowledge of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are everywhere—from your smartphone to your washing machine. As an electronics engineer, understanding microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators is crucial for creating devices that work seamlessly in our daily lives. Hands-on experience with platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi can be a great way to start.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

Electronics engineers often face unique challenges, such as debugging faulty circuits or improving system performance. Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills help them identify issues quickly and find effective solutions. To cultivate these skills, tackle real-world projects during your coursework or internships.

Familiarity with Power Systems

As the world moves toward renewable energy and smart grids, knowledge of power systems is becoming increasingly important. Engineers in this field should understand how electrical power is generated, transmitted, and distributed and how to design energy-efficient systems.

Effective Communication Skills

Electronics engineering often involves working in teams with other engineers, designers, or clients. Communicating your ideas clearly—whether through reports, presentations, or technical drawings—is just as important as your technical skills. Strong communication ensures that your brilliant ideas come to life effectively.

Adaptability to New Technologies

Technology evolves rapidly, and staying updated is essential for electronics engineers. Whether you’re learning about IoT (Internet of Things), AI integration, or 5G communication, an adaptable mindset will ensure you remain relevant and capable of tackling emerging challenges.

Hands-On Experience

While theoretical knowledge is important, nothing beats practical experience. Participating in labs, internships, or personal projects gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and develop confidence in your skills. Employers often value hands-on experience as much as your academic achievements.

Preparing for Success in Electronics Engineering

Pursuing a B Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering is the first step toward mastering these skills. The best B Tech colleges for Electrical and Electronics not only provide a strong academic foundation but also opportunities for practical learning and industry exposure. By focusing on the skills mentioned above, you can position yourself as a competent and innovative engineer ready to tackle real-world challenges.

[mechanical-creature]

found this WowWee Roboraptor at a thrift store. There were actually two of them on the shelf. According to the sticker it came from RadioShack.

Something had really gnawed one of the claws and there was green paint, and it was full of dust, so I took the whole thing apart and cleaned it thoroughly. The design is pretty cool.

There are too many things for me to list. There's hidden buttons everywhere, and this board. I have never seen a toy PCB have trim pots in any decade. What is there to adjust? And a giant exposed copper diamond. And a blob chip, on a breakout board with labelled pins. Doesn't that cost more? This thing is mechanically and electronically complicated for a toy, and there seem to be a lot of corners uncut. Very interesting. Also there are so many different kinds of screw that you have to go to great lengths to keep them organized.

After cleaning it I made an attempt at retrobrighting the plastic. It may have done something. I 3D modeled and printed a new claw, and put it on the arm. I might paint it later. There was also a broken spring anchor that I fixed.

Now there is an app to control this guy. But it relies on specific hardware and an older Android version. I found this on GitHub

Which contains raw IR data for the basic direction controls, and later they figure out how to decode all the signals. I tried transmitting with one of my ESP8266s, but had no luck. However, I found I could transmit the raw signals with a Flipper Zero through the CLI, and I put them in an IR remote file. Now I have a controller for it, though I can't control the moods or anything.

I still wonder what's up with that PCB. With the chips so easily accessible, maybe I can do some hacking?

Tbh this is way more fun for me than if I just bought this toy new and it worked. Buying it damaged with no controller was like getting a free puzzle

[agaselectronicmaterials]

Negative Photoresists: Tailored Solutions for Complex Designs

Explore how negative photoresists deliver precision, durability, and high aspect ratio patterning for electronics, MEMS, photonics, and PCB manufacturing. Discover tailored solutions for microfabrication excellence with A-Gas Electronic Materials. Contact us today to learn more.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Anthropocene:

In a new spin on green electronics, researchers have made a biodegradable electronic circuit board from tree leaves. Such leaf-based electronics, or “leaftronics” as the team from Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) has dubbed it, could reduce millions of tons of waste that humans produce every year.

Today, the world produces over 50 million metric tons of electronic waste a year. That number that is slated to double by 2050. And printed circuit boards (PCBs) – the flat boards onto which all the circuit chips, wires and other components of an electronic gadget are soldered–-constitute a big share of this e-waste.

PCBs are typically made of fiberglass or a composite plastic. The material is difficult to recycle and is usually either dumped in landfills or burned to separate the valuable metals for reuse.

As detailed in the journal Science Advances, the team used the veiny, webbed skeleton of leaves to create their biodegradable substrates. This fine branched structure is made of the same lignocellulose compounds that give its toughness. Postdoctoral researcher Rakesh Nair and colleagues started by stripping away the cells of a magnolia leaf to leave behind the white veined skeleton. They dipped the scaffold into ethyl cellulose, a tough biodegradable polymer.

The resulting leaftronics substrate is smooth, flexible, transparent, and can handle high temperatures. In that sense it rivals plastic and glass, Nair says, but is biodegradable. The researchers could use a laser to cut the substrate, print circuits on it, as well as solder electronic components on top.

To degrade the substrate, the researchers placed it in an ultrasonic acid bath to remove the metals and circuit components. The boards began to degrade after about a month in compost.

“Up until now, substrates made of biodegradable polymers could not be used for electronic device or circuit fabrication, since they naturally do not handle elevated temperatures well,” Nair says. There are ways to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers. But, he says, they “often result in these polymers either no longer being biodegradable or requiring complex, high carbon-footprint, chemical processes,” he says.

Others have also made degradable PCBs using paper, silk, and mushroom skins. But the new method that relies on dipping a leaf scaffold in a biodegradable polymer is much simpler and should allow researchers to make specific biodegradable substrates with superior properties.

[electronics-dev]

📌 The Unsung Heroes of Electronics: Board-to-Board Connectors

Board-to-board connectors might not grab the spotlight, but their role in modern electronics is indispensable. From smartphones to advanced medical devices, they power seamless communication between PCBs.

🔍 Discover why choosing the right connector is essential for your next project. Learn about the latest innovations in board-to-board connectors, including miniaturization, high-speed data transmission, and eco-friendly designs.

🚀 Whether you’re a buyer, enthusiast, or engineer, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of connector selection with confidence.

Explore the guide and start making smarter sourcing decisions today!

[lanjekarmfg]

Understanding Electronics Design & Engineering

Introduction

Electronics design engineering is that critical component that determines the future of innovative products in a competitive tech industry today. It consists of all services—from concept development in the initial stage to the final testing of the product, so as to deliver an electronic product capable of high performance and meeting the established performance standards as well as regulatory compliance. This amalgamation of experience and approach in the area of hardware, firmware, mechanical design, and regulatory compliance underlines electronics design engineering as a fundamental component in the development of reliable and efficient products.

Concept development

It is the first phase of the process in electronics design engineering. Concept development is that phase that involves the idea generation of a product, an analysis of needs in the market, and, by extension, setting the technical requirements for the product. Engineers and designers can then work together to create a solid proposal for the product development so that concept development becomes both market-worthy and technically viable.

Firmware development

It is a part and parcel of electronics design engineering because it explains how the hardware would interact with the world outside. It deals with the embedded software, which makes sure that the hardware components work smoothly and seamlessly.

The prime areas involved in firmware development are as follows:-

Embedded Systems: The firmware is tailored to regulate the internal systems of a device.

Real-Time Processing: The firmware is designed considering the real-time processing of data; this leads to responses that are swift and reliable.

Customization: Engineers design the firmware to specifically correspond with the product's functionality and application.

Want to take your product to the next level with custom firmware? Get in touch with Lanjekar Manufacturing today for more information on how our electronics design engineering services can help.

Hardware Development

In electronics design engineering, the development of hardware is an important stage wherein engineers design the physical components that bring electronic devices to life. Hardware has to be robust and reliable and to enable the firmware for the optimal performance of the product.

Some of the important steps in it are as follows:

Component selection: High-quality components have to be selected according to the technical specifications of the product to be designed.

Prototyping: Engineers must make prototypes to check if the designs are valid and free from potential dangers that might eventually come into operation in full-scale production.

Testing: Extensive testing is carried out in this stage to test the functionality and life expectancy of the hardware.

PCB Layout Design

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of any electronic product, and hence their design must be correct. PCB layout design in electronics design engineering refers to the designing of efficient, interference-free, and compact designs within the form of the product.

Key considerations involve:

Schematic Design: The engineers produce an in-depth diagram to represent how one component connects to another.

Layout Optimization: It optimizes the layout so that signals remain robust and interference potential is minimized.

Manufacturability: The design is optimized with best practices that ensure efficient production of PCBs.

Regulatory Compliance and Certification: Ensure the product meets local and international standards, this is part of the work of electronics design engineering. This includes:

Knowledge on Regulatory: Engineers ensure that the product goes through the required regulations, safety, and environmental standards.

Testing: Testing of products to conform to the certification through acquisition of compliance standards.

Documentation: All these supporting documents for certifications undertaken in the engineering process. Mechanical DesignIt is one thing to have a good internal part of the device, but the mechanical design of a product cannot be overlooked. Electronics design engineering typically incorporates mechanical design in its design to ensure that the device has a good, robust structure that appears aesthetically pleasing.This is what constitutes mechanical design, such as;

3D Modeling: Engineers create 3D models that would allow the individual to visualize the physical structure of the product.Thermal Management: Effective thermal design, where the hot elements are dissipating the heat away.

Material Selection: Correct material to utilize for ruggedness, weight, and functionality

Mechanical Design: It is also critical to ensuring the product functions well but with ease of usage.

Connectivity Solutions

With the increasing rise in the deployment of IoT products, electronics design engineering puts emphasis on connectivity solutions. This could either be wireless or wired. This ensures that the product is communicating effectively.

Some of the crucial considerations include the following:

Protocol Implementation: It ensures total compatibility with different communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee.

Seamless Integration: The connectivity solutions are also made to not compromise with the performance of a product.

Security Measures: Connectivity solutions also deal with data security, one important feature of modern devices.

 

Conclusion

Electronics design engineering contains all aspects of product development, from concept to compliance. The discipline of electronics design engineering consists of focusing on firmware, hardware, PCB layout, mechanical design, and connectivity, ensuring the end product is reliable, innovative, and compliant with industry standards. If all the components can work well coherently, it doesn't only produce a friendly user at the end but also something that will be in high demand in the market.

Contact Lanjekar Manufacturing today and share your project with us to find out how we can give your ideas life.

Also read:

Know Electronics Manufacturing: The Total Guide

Firmware Development: Where Software Meets Hardware

The Essentials of PCB Design: Techniques and Best Practices

The Complete Guide to Hardware Development: From Design to Deployment

[materialsscienceandengineering]

New circuit boards can be repeatedly recycled

A recent United Nations report found that the world generated 137 billion pounds of electronic waste in 2022, an 82% increase from 2010. Yet less than a quarter of 2022's e-waste was recycled. While many things impede a sustainable afterlife for electronics, one is that we don't have systems at scale to recycle the printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in nearly all electronic devices. PCBs—which house and interconnect chips, transistors, and other components—typically consist of layers of thin glass fiber sheets coated in hard plastic and laminated together with copper. That plastic can't easily be separated from the glass, so PCBs often pile up in landfills, where their chemicals can seep into the environment. Or they're burned to extract their electronics' valuable metals like gold and copper. This burning, often undertaken in developing nations, is wasteful and can be toxic—especially for those doing the work without proper protections.

Read more.

[jcmarchi]

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/interactive-mouthpiece-opens-new-opportunities-for-health-data-assistive-technology-and-hands-free-interactions/

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

When you think about hands-free devices, you might picture Alexa and other voice-activated in-home assistants, Bluetooth earpieces, or asking Siri to make a phone call in your car. You might not imagine using your mouth to communicate with other devices like a computer or a phone remotely. 

Thinking outside the box, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University researchers have now engineered “MouthIO,” a dental brace that can be fabricated with sensors and feedback components to capture in-mouth interactions and data. This interactive wearable could eventually assist dentists and other doctors with collecting health data and help motor-impaired individuals interact with a phone, computer, or fitness tracker using their mouths.

Resembling an electronic retainer, MouthIO is a see-through brace that fits the specifications of your upper or lower set of teeth from a scan. The researchers created a plugin for the modeling software Blender to help users tailor the device to fit a dental scan, where you can then 3D print your design in dental resin. This computer-aided design tool allows users to digitally customize a panel (called PCB housing) on the side to integrate electronic components like batteries, sensors (including detectors for temperature and acceleration, as well as tongue-touch sensors), and actuators (like vibration motors and LEDs for feedback). You can also place small electronics outside of the PCB housing on individual teeth.

Play video

MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation Video: MIT CSAIL

The active mouth

“The mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity,” says senior author Michael Wessely, a former CSAIL postdoc and senior author on a paper about MouthIO who is now an assistant professor at Aarhus University. “This compact, humid environment has elaborate geometries, making it hard to build a wearable interface to place inside. With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others. Dentists and other doctors are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.”

The excitement for MouthIO’s potential in health monitoring stems from initial experiments. The team found that their device could track bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth) by embedding an accelerometer within the brace to track jaw movements. When attached to the lower set of teeth, MouthIO detected when users grind and bite, with the data charted to show how often users did each.

Wessely and his colleagues’ customizable brace could one day help users with motor impairments, too. The team connected small touchpads to MouthIO, helping detect when a user’s tongue taps their teeth. These interactions could be sent via Bluetooth to scroll across a webpage, for example, allowing the tongue to act as a “third hand” to open up a new avenue for hands-free interaction.

“MouthIO is a great example how miniature electronics now allow us to integrate sensing into a broad range of everyday interactions,” says study co-author Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and leader of the HCI Engineering Group at CSAIL. “I’m especially excited about the potential to help improve accessibility and track potential health issues among users.”

Molding and making MouthIO

To get a 3D model of your teeth, you can first create a physical impression and fill it with plaster. You can then scan your mold with a mobile app like Polycam and upload that to Blender. Using the researchers’ plugin within this program, you can clean up your dental scan to outline a precise brace design. Finally, you 3D print your digital creation in clear dental resin, where the electronic components can then be soldered on. Users can create a standard brace that covers their teeth, or opt for an “open-bite” design within their Blender plugin. The latter fits more like open-finger gloves, exposing the tips of your teeth, which helps users avoid lisping and talk naturally.

This “do it yourself” method costs roughly $15 to produce and takes two hours to be 3D-printed. MouthIO can also be fabricated with a more expensive, professional-level teeth scanner similar to what dentists and orthodontists use, which is faster and less labor-intensive.

Compared to its closed counterpart, which fully covers your teeth, the researchers view the open-bite design as a more comfortable option. The team preferred to use it for beverage monitoring experiments, where they fabricated a brace capable of alerting users when a drink was too hot. This iteration of MouthIO had a temperature sensor and a monitor embedded within the PCB housing that vibrated when a drink exceeded 65 degrees Celsius (or 149 degrees Fahrenheit). This could help individuals with mouth numbness better understand what they’re consuming.

In a user study, participants also preferred the open-bite version of MouthIO. “We found that our device could be suitable for everyday use in the future,” says study lead author and Aarhus University PhD student Yijing Jiang. “Since the tongue can touch the front teeth in our open-bite design, users don’t have a lisp. This made users feel more comfortable wearing the device during extended periods with breaks, similar to how people use retainers.”

The team’s initial findings indicate that MouthIO is a cost-effective, accessible, and customizable interface, and the team is working on a more long-term study to evaluate its viability further. They’re looking to improve its design, including experimenting with more flexible materials, and placing it in other parts of the mouth, like the cheek and the palate. Among these ideas, the researchers have already prototyped two new designs for MouthIO: a single-sided brace for even higher comfort when wearing MouthIO while also being fully invisible to others, and another fully capable of wireless charging and communication.

Jiang, Mueller, and Wessely’s co-authors include PhD student Julia Kleinau, master’s student Till Max Eckroth, and associate professor Eve Hoggan, all of Aarhus University. Their work was supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation grant and was presented at ACM’s Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.