Development and Characterization of a Mannequin-Based Method for Fit Measurement of Wearable Systems

Measuring fit of a wearable system on a body is a perennial challenge in the development of all kinds of on-body systems including clothing and everyday products. For human spaceflight applications, aspects of fit that relate to contact between the body and the garment are especially important. Wearable sensors and electrodes are the most common approach to sensing this kind of functional fit, however, they also present challenges in the form of reduced accuracy when applied to soft, unpredictable body surfaces and observer effects as the sensor structure alters the distribution of force and contact over the skin. Augmented mannequins offer an alternative to human-based evaluation. While mannequins are more limited in anthropometric variability, they can provide a controlled testing environment in which fit variables can be better isolated prior to human testing. In previous work we have established an electrical method for measuring contact between the body and a worn garment. Here, we extend that concept through implementation using an augmented mannequin, which improves the efficiency of testing and allows body/garment contact to be more specifically characterized. Importantly, our approach maintains the continuous mechanical properties of the mannequin, designed to be similar to human tissue. This study presents the development and validation process for mannequin- and garment-integrated electrodes, as well as results of an initial pilot test measuring body contact over repeated donning/doffing of two garment and garment-electrode structures on the augmented mannequin.