Stretchable electronic patch having a circuit layer undulating in the thickness direction

Abstract

An electronic patch includes a first circuit layer comprising a substantially flat first substrate and a first conductive circuit, a second circuit layer comprising a substantially flat second substrate and a second conductive circuit, and an undulated ribbon that connects the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer. The undulated ribbon includes a third conductive circuit that connects the first conductive circuit and the second conductive circuit. An elastic layer encloses the first circuit layer, the second circuit layer, and the undulated ribbons.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present application relates to electronic devices, and in particular, to electronic patches that can adhere to human skin or the surface of an object, including curved surfaces.[0002]Wearable tags are a specific type of electronic patches. In general, electronic patches or stickers can be attached not only to human bodies but also to other objects such as merchandized goods such as computers, machineries, and clothes, packaging material and shipping boxes. Electronic patches can communicate with smart phones or other devices wirelessly, through NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other methods.[0003]Electronic patches can be used for tracking objects, for performing functions such as producing sound, light or vibrations, and so on. As the applications and human needs become more sophisticated and complex, there are a rapidly increasing number of tasks that electronic patches are required to perform. Because of the complex curvatures of the objects, the elec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about improving electronic patches by making them more flexible, stretchable, and durable. They can change their shape to relieve stress and are breathable, making them more comfortable for users. This allows them to make constant contact with the skin while enduring muscle movements.

Problems solved by technology

As the applications and human needs become more sophisticated and complex, there are a rapidly increasing number of tasks that electronic patches are required to perform.

Despite initial development efforts, conventional wearable devices still face several drawbacks: they may not provide adequate comfort for users to wear them; they may not stay attached to user's body for the required length of time; they are usually not aesthetically appealing.

Human skin can move around with high percentage of deformation, whereas a conventional electronic patch cannot move with the same amount of strains as the skin, which is one reason for user's feeling of discomfort.

Another drawback of conventional electronic patches is that the rigid polymer substrate does not allow much breathability to the skin.

The build-up of sweat and moisture can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin, especially after wearing it for an extended period of time.

In addition, their rigid substrates are very difficult to conform to curved surfaces.

Moreover, conventional wearable devices are often not robust enough to sustain repeated elongations during the movements of the body that the electronic patches are attached to.

Under stress, different layers in electronic patches can break or delaminate rendering the patches inoperable.

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