Bio-based Polymer Composition for Wearable Device Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for materials that maintain hardness while ensuring formability and environmental friendliness in the development of slimmer, multifunctional electronic devices, particularly in wearable devices, which require improved durability and comfort without causing skin issues.

Innovation Solution

A polymer composition is developed by blending thermoplastic resin, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, with eco-friendly resins like PA11 derived from castor beans and corn-derived resins, and silicone resin, which are processed using extrusion and injection molding to create a durable and comfortable material for electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional thermoplastic resins are used to maintain hardness in slimmer products, then mechanical strength is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehardnessVSAvoidenvironmental friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the thermoplastic resin by incorporating bio-based components (castor bean oil, corn-derived ingredients) to replace conventional petroleum-based materials, thereby improving environmental friendliness while maintaining mechanical hardness through optimized molecular structure and blending ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining thermoplastic resin with specific additives including silane-modified polyethylene wax and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene in controlled proportions, forming a multi-component composition that achieves both environmental sustainability and mechanical performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If elastomeric materials are used in wearable devices for skin contact, then wearing comfort is improved, but durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite elastomeric material combining thermoplastic resin with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (10-30 parts by weight) and silane-modified polyethylene wax (5-20 parts by weight), creating a multi-phase structure that provides both the softness needed for skin comfort and the mechanical strength required for durability in wearable applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If more silicone resin is added to improve tactile properties, then wearing comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the silicone resin content parameter within a specific range (1-60 parts by weight based on total composition) and combines it with silane-modified polyethylene wax to achieve desired tactile properties while maintaining processability and avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity through balanced formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The polymer composition achieves high tensile strength, improved wear resistance, and enhanced tactile properties, ensuring both mechanical durability and user comfort while being environmentally friendly, reducing the risk of skin irritation and aligning with eco-friendly policies.

Implementation Method 1

mixing 30 to 70 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, 1 to 50 parts by weight of an eco-friendly resin, and 1 to 60 parts by weight of a silicone resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

introducing the mixed polymer composition into a hopper of an extruder to produce the polymer composition in pellet form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

introducing the pellet into an injection molding device for injection molding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3176218B1Polymer composition, electronic device and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3176218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3176218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3176218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a polymer composition including eco-friendly materials, an electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. The polymer composition according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a thermoplastic resin at 30 to 70 parts by weight; an eco-friendly resin, including a bio-resin, at 1 to 50 parts by weight; and a silicone resin at 1 to 60 parts by weight based on the total weight of the polymer composition.