Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application number 1912987.3 filed on 9 September 2019, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

The present disclosure is directed towards an electrode arrangement, textile, garment and method of making the same. The present disclosure is directed, in particular, to providing nested electrode arrangements comprising inner and outer electrodes.

It is known to form electrodes using transfers. Transfers typically comprise an outer and inner non-conductive ink layer which encapsulates an electrically conductive layer. The outer non- conductive ink layer may comprise an opening to expose the electrically conductive layer. The exposed region of the electrically conductive layer may act as an electrode. Transfers are advantageous as they are lightweight, flexible and can withstand high temperatures which makes them suitable for washing. An example transfer is disclosed in UK Patent No. 2555592 B.

It is desirable to provide more complex electrode arrangements using transfers.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an electrode arrangement, textile, garment and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electrode arrangement in the form of a transfer. The electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrically conductive layers which form an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement, and which form an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement. The outer electrode has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located. The electrode arrangement comprises a first non-conductive ink layer covering (at least part of) the one or more electrically conductive layers.

Beneficially, the first aspect of the disclosure provides a nested electrode arrangement with an inner and outer electrode provided as a transfer. Nested electrode arrangements such as concentric ring electrodes provide improved spatial resolution. The electrode arrangement may comprise a second non-conductive ink layer, wherein the one or more electrically conductive layers may be provided between the first and second non- conductive ink layers.

The second non-conductive ink layer may be printed on a substrate.

The substrate may be removable from the second non-conductive ink layer, optionally following an application of heat or pressure.

The outer and/or the inner electrode may be sandwiched between the first and second non- conductive ink layers. This may be provided if the electrodes are, for example, capacitive electrodes. In these examples, the second non-conductive ink layer may form a dielectric layer of the electrode. The second non-conductive ink layer may comprise at least one opening to expose the outer and inner electrodes.

The one or more electrically conductive layers may comprise a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer. The first electrically conductive layer may comprise a first area which forms the outer electrode. The second electrically conductive layer may comprise a first area which forms the inner electrode. The first electrically conductive layer may comprise a second area which forms a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the outer electrode. The second electrically conductive pathway may comprise a second area which forms a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the inner electrode. The electrode arrangement may further comprise a third non-conductive ink layer. The third non- conductive ink layer may cover (at least part of) the first electrically conductive layer. The second electrically conductive pathway may extend over the third non-conductive ink layer such that the second electrically conductive pathway is provided between the first and third non-conductive ink layers.

The third non-conductive ink layer may act as an insulating barrier provided between the second electrically conductive pathway and the outer electrode.

The third non-conductive ink layer may comprise an opening to expose an electrical contact point of the second electrically conductive pathway. This may be beneficial in allowing electrical connections to be formed between an electronics module such as a controller and either or both of the inner and outer electrode The electrode arrangement may further comprise an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be provided over the first non-conductive ink layer. The adhesive layer may enable the electrode arrangement to be adhered to a surface.

The outer and inner electrodes may form a concentric circle arrangement. The outer and inner electrode may have a generally circular shape. The outer electrode may have an annular shape.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a surface comprising the electrode arrangement of the first aspect of the disclosure.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a textile comprising the electrode arrangement of the first aspect of the disclosure. The electrode arrangement may be provided on a first surface of the textile. The electrode arrangement may be electrically connected to an electronics component located on a second surface of the textile. The textile may form part of a garment.

The textile may be a fabric. The textile may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The textile may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the particular application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the textile panel. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the textile panel. The textile panel may comprise a mesh material or a webbing material.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a garment comprising the textile of the third aspect of the disclosure.

The garment may refer to any item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, swimwear, wetsuit ordrysuit. The garment may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The garment may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the particular application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the garment. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the garment. According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electrode arrangement. The method comprises printing an electrically conductive ink onto a surface to form one or more electrically conductive layers which form an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement, and which form an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement, wherein the outer electrode has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located. The method comprises printing a non- conductive ink over the one or more electrically conductive layers to form a first non-conductive ink layer covering the one or more electrically conductive layers.

The method may comprise printing an adhesive layer over the first non-conductive ink layer to produce an adhesive layer. The surface may be a substrate. The surface may be a second non- conductive ink layer. The method may further comprise: printing a non-conductive ink onto a substrate to produce the second non-conductive ink layer. The electrically conductive ink may be printed over the second non-conductive ink layer.

According to a sixth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of applying an electrode arrangement to a surface. The method comprise providing an electrode arrangement in the form of a transfer, the electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrically conductive layers which form an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement, and which form an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement, wherein the outer electrode has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located; a first non- conductive ink layer covering (at least part of) the one or more electrically conductive layers. The method comprises positioning the electrode arrangement onto the surface such that the adhesive layer contacts and adheres to the surface. The positioning may further comprise applying at least one of heat or pressure to said adhesive layer such that the electrode arrangement adheres to the surface.

According to a seventh aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electrode arrangement. The electrode arrangement comprises an outer electrode having an internal opening. The electrode arrangement comprises an inner electrode located within the internal opening of the outer electrode. The outer and inner electrode form a nested electrode arrangement. A first electrically conductive pathway extends from the outer electrode to a first electrical contact point. A first non-conductive ink layer is provided over at least part of the outer electrode. A second electrically conductive pathway extends from the inner electrode to a second electrical contact point. The second electrically conductive pathway extends over the first non-conductive ink layer such that an insulating barrier is provided between the second electrically conductive pathway and the outer electrode.

The electrode arrangement forms a nested electrode arrangement having an outer electrode and an inner electrode. Typically, such nested electrode arrangements (such as concentric circle electrode arrangements) use shielded wires to form the electrical connection between the electrodes and their respective electrical contact points. Beneficially, the electrode arrangement of the present disclosure covers a part of the outer electrode with a non-conductive ink layer. This enables the second electrically conductive pathway to extend across the outer electrode without forming an electrical connection with the outer electrode. The second electrically conductive pathway may be a thin layer of conductive material. This means that the size and profile of the electrode arrangement is describes as compared to existing nested electrode arrangements. This means that the electrode arrangement can be provided as a transfer formed from a small number of layers. The transfer may be applied to a surface such as a textile surface.

The first non-conductive ink layer may cover (at least part of) the outer electrode. The first non- conductive layer may cover (at least part of) the first electrically conductive pathway. The first non-conductive ink layer may define an opening in which the inner electrode is located.

The electrode arrangement may further comprise a second non-conductive ink layer. The second non-conductive ink layer may form an outer boundary and an inner boundary of the outer electrode and may define an opening in which the outer electrode is located. The first electrically conductive pathway may be provided between the first non-conductive ink layer and the second non-conductive ink layer. The second electrically conductive pathway may define openings for the first and second electrical contact points. This may be beneficial in allowing electrical connections to be formed between an electronics module such as a controller and either or both of the inner and outer electrode

The electrode arrangement may further comprise a third non-conductive ink layer. The third non- conductive ink layer may cover (at least part of) the inner electrode. The third non-conductive ink layer may cover (at least part of) the second electrically conductive pathway such that the second electrically conductive pathway is provided between the second non-conductive ink layer and the third non-conductive ink layer.

The outer electrode and the first electrically conductive pathway may be formed from a first electrically conductive layer. The inner electrode and the second electrically conductive pathway may be formed from a second electrically conductive layer.

The electrode arrangement may further comprise an adhesive layer. At least one of the outer electrode, inner electrode, first electrically conductive pathway, and second electrically conductive pathway may be formed from conductive ink. The electrode arrangement may be provided on a substrate. The substrate may be removable following the application of pressure or heat.

According to an eighth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electrode arrangement. The electrode arrangement comprises a first non-conductive ink layer which forms an outer boundary and an inner boundary of an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement and defines a first opening between the outer boundary and the inner boundary. The electrode arrangement comprises a second non-conductive ink layer which forms an outer boundary of an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement and defines a second opening which is bounded by the outer boundary, wherein the outer and inner electrodes form a nested electrode arrangement. The electrode arrangement comprises a third non-conductive ink layer. The electrode arrangement comprises a first electrically conductive layer positioned between the first non- conductive ink layer and the second non-conductive ink layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer comprises a first area that is exposed at the first opening to define the outer electrode. The electrode arrangement comprises a second electrically conductive layer positioned between the second non-conductive ink layer and the third non-conductive ink layer, wherein the second electrically conductive layer comprises a first area that is exposed at the second opening to define the inner electrode.

Beneficially, the present disclosure provides a nested electrode arrangement of an inner electrode and an outer electrode using layers of non-conductive and conductive material. The electrode arrangement therefore provides a nested electrode arrangement in the form of a conductive transfer.

The first electrically conductive layer may further comprise a second area that is encapsulated by the first and second non-conductive ink layers to define a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the outer electrode.

The second electrically conductive layer may further comprise a second area that is encapsulated by the second and third non-conductive layers to define a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the inner electrode. The second electrically conductive pathway may extend across the outer electrode.

The nested electrode arrangement may be a concentric circle arrangement. That is, the outer and inner electrodes may be arranged as concentric circles. The electrode arrangement may further comprise an adhesive layer.

The first non-conductive ink layer may be printed onto a substrate. The substrate may be removable from the first non-conductive ink layer following the application of pressure or heat.

The first non-conductive ink layer may form an outer boundary of a third electrode and may define a third opening which is bounded by the outer boundary. The third electrode may be spaced apart from the nested electrode arrangement formed by the outer and inner electrodes. The first electrically conductive layer may comprise a third area that is exposed at the third opening to define the third electrode.

The first electrically conductive layer may further comprise a second area that is encapsulated by the first and second non-conductive ink layers and may further define a third electrically conductive pathway extending from the outer electrode.

In the above aspects of the present disclosure, the outer and inner electrodes may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of the user wearing the garment. Here, “biosignal” may refer to any signal in a living being that can be measured and monitored. The term “biosignal” is not limited to electrical signals and can refer to other forms of non-electrical biosignals.

The outer and inner electrodes may be used for measuring one or a combination of bioelectrical, bioimpedance signals of the wearer. The bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). The bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT). The outer and inner electrodes may be biopolar surface electrodes for performing EMG measurements. Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 shows a schematic view of a first side of a textile panel according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figures 2 to 5 show cross-sectional views of a section of the electrode arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a view of the second side of the textile panel of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 shows a view of the second side of the textile panel of Figure 1 with a foldable region of the textile panel folded to connect a second element to an electrical conductive pathway of the textile panel;

Figure 8 shows a front view of an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 shows a front view of another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 9;

Figures 11 to 15 show schematic views relating to stages of forming the electrode arrangement according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

Figure 16 and 17 show a flow diagrams for an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and notforthe purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the below examples, the first non-conductive ink layer is referred to as the “inner non- conductive ink layer”. The inner non-conductive ink layer will be understood as the non- conductive ink layer closest to the surface when the transfer is attached to a surface. The second non-conductive ink layer is referred to as the “outer non-conductive ink layer”. The outer non- conductive ink layer will be understood as the non-conductive ink layer furthest from the surface when the transfer is attached to a surface. The third non-conductive ink layer is referred to as the “middle non-conductive ink layer”. The middle non-conductive ink layer will be understood as the non-conductive ink layer between the inner and outer non-conductive ink layers. It will be understood that these are just examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to this particular arrangement of inner, outer and middle layers. Additional layers may be provided.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a view of a first side 102 of a textile panel 100 according to aspects of the first disclosure. The textile panel 100 comprises a first region 101 , a foldable region 103 and a fold line 105 that separates the first region 101 from the foldable region 103. The foldable region 103 has an end portion which is narrower than the widest point of the first region 101 indicated by the fold line 105. The foldable region 103 in the form of a narrow tab of textile material 103 which extends from the first region 101. In this way, a minimal amount of textile material is required to be folded which improves the folding of the foldable region 103 and reduces, amongst other things, the weight of the textile panel 100 and the thickness and profile of the textile panel 100 once folded.

An electrode arrangement 108 is provided on the textile panel 100. The electrode arrangement 108 comprises a nested electrode arrangement formed by an outer electrode 109 and an inner electrode 111. An additional electrode 107 is provided as a continuous circular blob of conductive material. The outer electrode 109 has an annular shape and the inner electrode 111 has a circular shape. The outer electrode 109 and the inner electrode 111 form a concentric electrode arrangement.

A first electrically conductive pathway 117 extends from the outer electrode 109 to a first electrical contact point 117a. A second electrically conductive pathway 119 extends from the inner electrode 111 to a second electrical contact point 119a. A middle non-conductive ink layer 133 (Figure 2) is provided over at least part of the outer electrode 109 so that the electrically conductive pathway 119 extends over the middle non-conductive ink layer 133. The middle non- conductive ink layer 133 therefore acts as an insulating barrier 133 between the second electrically conductive pathway 119 and the outer electrode 109. A third electrical conductive pathway 113 extends from the electrode 107 to the third electrical contact point 113a.

In the foldable region 103, the electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided adjacent to one another and extend to the end of the foldable region 103. The electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 have contact points 113a, 117a, 119a that may be connected to an electrical connector 121 (Figure 6). The electrical connector 121 may be a piano clip connector or other form of clinch connector. In this way, the first ends of the electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are connected to their electrodes 107, 109, 111 and the second ends of the electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided on the foldable region 103 and are connected to the electrical connector 121 .

The foldable region 103 is arranged to be folded to allow the electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to a second element located on a second, opposing, side of the textile panel 100 to therefore form an electrical connection between the electrodes 107, 109, 111 and the second element located on opposing sides of the textile panel.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic sectional view of a section of the electrode arrangement 108 shown in Figure 1 . Figure 2 shows that a middle non-conductive ink layer 133 is provided over the outer electrode 109. The electrically conductive pathway 119 extends over the middle non-conductive ink layer 133. Figure 3 shows that an inner non-conductive ink layer 129 layer 129 is provided over the electrically conductive pathway 119. Figure 4 shows that an adhesive layer 137 may be provided over the inner non-conductive ink layer 129.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic sectional view of an example electrode arrangement 108 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The electrode arrangement 108 is provided on a substrate 127 which in this example is a transfer paper.

The electrode arrangement 108 comprises a first electrically conductive layer 109, 117. The first electrically conductive layer 109, 117 comprises a first area which forms the outer electrode 109 of the electrode arrangement 108 and a second area which forms a first electrically conductive pathway extending 117 from the outer electrode 109. The outer electrode 109 is electrically connected to the first electrically conductive pathway 117. The outer electrode 109 has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located.

The electrode arrangement 108 comprises a second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119. The second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119 comprises a first area which forms the inner electrode 111 of the electrode arrangement 108. The second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119 comprises a second area which forms a second electrically conductive pathway 119 extending from the inner electrode 111. The inner electrode 111 is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive pathway 119.

The electrode arrangement comprises 108 an inner non-conductive ink layer 129 which covers the second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119.

The electrode arrangement 108 comprises an outer non-conductive ink layer 131. The first and second electrically conductive layers 109, 117, 111 , 119 are provided between the inner non- conductive ink layer 129 and the outer non-conductive ink layer 131. The outer non-conductive ink layer 131 is provided on the substrate 127. The outer non-conductive ink layer 131 comprises openings to expose the outer electrode 109 and the inner electrode 111. The outer non- conductive ink layer 131 also comprises openings to expose an electrical contact point 117a of the first electrically conductive pathway 117 and an electrical contact point 119a of a second electrically conductive pathway 119.

In the example of Figure 5, the conductive ink of the first and second electrically conductive layers 109, 117, 111 , 119 has flown into the openings formed by the outer non-conductive ink layer 129. This is not required for all aspects of the present disclosure.

The electrode arrangement 108 comprises a middle non-conductive ink layer 133. The middle non-conductive ink layer 133 covers the first electrically conductive layer 109, 117. The second electrically conductive pathway 119 extends over the middle non-conductive ink layer 133 such that the second electrically conducive pathway 119 is provided between the first and middle non- conductive ink layers 129, 133. The middle non-conductive ink layer 133 comprise an opening to expose the inner electrode 111. The middle non-conductive ink layer 133 comprise an opening to expose the electrical contact point 119a of the second electrically conductive pathway 119.

The electrode arrangement 108 further comprises an adhesive layer 137. The adhesive layer 137 is provided over the inner non-conductive ink layer 129.

The electrode arrangement 108 therefore comprises, in order, substrate 127; outer non- conductive ink layer 131 provided on the substrate 127; first electrically conductive layer 109, 117 provided on outer non-conductive ink layer 131 ; middle non-conductive ink layer 133 provided on first electrically conductive layer 109, 117; second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119 provided on middle non-conductive ink layer 133; inner non-conductive ink layer 129 provided on second electrically conductive layer 111 , 119; and adhesive layer 137 provided on the inner non-conductive ink layer 129. When the electrode arrangement 108 is attached to a surface, the inner non-conductive ink layer 129 is closest to the surface and the outer non- conductive ink layer 131 is furthest form the surface.

It will be appreciated that Figure 5 is just a simplified diagrammatic arrangement for the purposes of explaining the structure of the electrode arrangement 108 and does not necessarily reflect the true relative thicknesses of the layers in the electrode arrangement 108.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a view of a second side 104 of the textile panel 100 shown in Figure 1. The second side 104 is opposite to the first side 102. A second element 200 is located on the second side 104 of the textile panel 100. The second element 200 is in the form of two separate electronics components 201 , 203. The component 201 is a controller 201 for controlling the sensing units 107, 109, 111 provided on the first side of the textile panel 100. The component 203 is a power source 203 for powering the controller 200.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown the textile panel 100 of Figure 6 after the foldable region 103 has been folded. The electrical connector 121 has been brought into position close to the electronics components 201 , 203 such that the electronics components 201 , 203 can be electrically connected to the electrical connector 121. In this way, the electronics components 201 , 203 are brought into electrical connection with the electrodes 107, 109, 111 via the electrical connector 121 and the electrical conductive pathways 113, 117, 119.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a front view of an example garment 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 400 comprises a T-shirt 401 with the textile 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure incorporated into a side of the T-shirt 401. The textile 100 extends round to the back of the T-shirt 401 .

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a front view of an example garment 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 400 comprises an outer textile layer 401 in the form of a T-shirt 401 .The garment 400 comprises an inner textile layer 403 disposed within the outer textile layer 401. The inner textile layer 403 comprises the textile 100. The textile 100 is incorporated into the side of the inner textile layer 403 and extends round the back of the inner textile layer 403 as shown in Figure 10.

The inner textile layer 403 is in the form of a crop that covers the front and back upper chest regions of the wearer. The crop provides a relatively tight fit so as to help hold the sensing units in close proximity/skin contact with the skin surface of the wearer. The outer textile layer 401 may be loose fitting for comfort and appearance. The inner textile layer 403 is attached to the outer textile layer 401 at the shoulder regions 405 using a twin needle top stitch. The inner textile layer 403 defines armholes through which the arms may pass through when worn. The inner textile layer 403 formed of a raw edge mesh material. The textile 100 is made of a woven textile material. The woven textile material in this example is cut on the grain

Referring to Figures 11 to 15, there is a sequence of steps by which the electrode arrangement 108 is formed.

Referring to Figure 11 , an outer non-conductive ink layer 131 is printed on transfer substrate 127. The outer non-conductive ink layer 131 defines the boundaries of the outer electrode 109 and the separate electrode 107. Figure 12 shows that a first conductive layer 107, 109, 113, 117 is printed over the outer non-conductive ink layer 131. The first conductive layer 107, 109, 113, 117 forms the electrodes 107, 109 and the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117. The electrodes 107, 109 are provided in the openings defined by the outer non-conductive ink layer 131 and are therefore not (completely) covered by the outer non-conductive ink layer 131 which leaves them exposed to sense signals. In addition, the contact points of the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117 are not covered by the outer non-conductive ink layer 131 so as to enable the electrical connector 121 (Figure 1) to form an electrical connection with the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117. Figure 13 shows that a middle non-conductive ink layer 133 is printed over the first conductive layer 107, 109, 113, 117. The middle non-conductive ink layer 133 covers the electrodes 107, 109 and the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117. The middle non-conductive ink layer 133 further defines the boundary of the inner electrode 111. Figure 14 shows that the second conductive layer 111 ,119 is printed over the middle non- conductive ink layer 133 to form the inner electrode 111 and the electrically conductive pathway 119. The inner electrode 111 and a contact point 119a of the electrically conductive pathway 119 are not covered by the outer non-conductive ink layer 131 or the middle non-conductive ink layer 133. Figure 15 shows that an inner non-conductive ink layer 129 is printed over the second conductive layer 111 ,119 to cover the inner electrode 111 and the electrically conductive pathway 119. An adhesive layer is printed over the inner non-conductive ink layer 129 to enable the conductive transfer to be attached to a textile. The transfer substrate 127 is then peeled away.

The conductive layers 107, 109, 113, 117, 111 , 119 comprise conductive inks and in particular comprises a silver/graphene composite ink. Of course, other conductive inks can be used to form the conductive layers.

Referring to Figure 16, there is shown an example method of manufacturing a textile panel according to aspects of the present disclosure. Step S101 of the method comprises printing an electrically conductive ink onto a surface to form one or more electrically conductive layers which form an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement, and which form an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement, wherein the outer electrode has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located. Step 102 of the method comprises printing a non-conductive ink over the one or more electrically conductive layers to form an inner non-conductive ink layer covering the one or more electrically conductive layers.

The method referred to in Figure 16 may be performed using a screen-printing process. The substrate may be laid onto a printing surface. Ink may be applied to the substrate via ink being applied through a screen. The screen includes a stencil which indicates the design to be printed. Once a layer has been printed, the layer is cured. The present disclosure is, however, not limited to screen printing. The method may be conducted by any form of printing such as inkjet printing, flexographic printing, digital printing or gravure printing.

Referring to Figure 17, there is shown an example method of applying an electrode arrangement to a surface. Step S201 of the method comprises providing an electrode arrangement in the form of a transfer, the electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrically conductive layers which form an outer electrode of the electrode arrangement, and which form an inner electrode of the electrode arrangement, wherein the outer electrode has an outer boundary and an inner boundary and defines an internal space in which the inner electrode is located; an inner non- conductive ink layer covering the one or more electrically conductive layers. Step S202 of the method comprises positioning the electrode arrangement onto the surface such that the adhesive layer contacts and adheres to the surface. A heat press may be used to adhere the electrode arrangement to a surface.

In the above examples, the non-conductive ink layers 129, 131 , 133 may comprise a suitable printing ink such as a water-based printing ink; an ultraviolet cured printing ink; a solvent based ink; or a latex printing ink. Any other printing ink may be used. The electrically conductive layers 109, 117, 111 , 119 may comprise any suitable conductive ink of any specified resistance and is configured to provide a conductive path on application of an electric current or voltage. The conductive ink may comprise silver ink. The conductive ink may comprise graphene ink. The conductive ink may comprise a combination of silver and graphene ink.

The adhesive layer 139 may comprise a water based, solved based, printable, powder or any other suitable adhesive which can adhere the transfer to a surface. The substrate 127 may be any form of substrate onto which the layers mentioned above may be printed onto. The substrate may be, for example, a paper film, polyester fil, coated paper or thermoplastic polyurethane film.

The total thickness of the layers forming the transfer may be between zero point five millimetres and five millimetres.

At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.