Carbon Nanotube Electromagnetic Shielding Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic shielding layers for compact electronic devices are inadequate due to their thin conductive coatings, which are costly and lack steady electrical conductivity, and thick coatings compromise performance.

Innovation Solution

A carbon nanotube-based electromagnetic shielding layer is created by forming a carbon nanotube film with aligned segments joined by van der Waals forces, combined with conductive layers of metal or polymer, providing effective shielding with a thickness of 20-30 microns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the conductive coating is made thicker to improve electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, then the shielding performance is improved, but the electrical conductivity becomes less steady and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidelectrical conductivity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining carbon nanotubes with metal particles or conductive polymers. The carbon nanotubes form a three-dimensional network that provides both structural support and conductive pathways, while the metal particles or conductive polymers fill gaps and enhance electrical conductivity. This composite approach achieves both effective electromagnetic shielding and stable electrical conductivity without requiring excessively thick coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters by using carbon nanotubes with specific diameter ranges (0.5-50 nm) and controlling their arrangement density. By optimizing the carbon nanotube diameter and distribution, the patent achieves effective shielding at thinner coating thicknesses, thereby maintaining steady electrical conductivity while improving shielding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the conductive coating is made thicker to improve electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, then the shielding performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of carbon nanotubes with metal particles or conductive polymers allows for effective shielding at reduced thicknesses. This reduces the amount of conductive material needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving shielding effectiveness compared to traditional thick coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By optimizing carbon nanotube diameter and arrangement parameters, the patent achieves effective shielding with thinner coatings, reducing material consumption and manufacturing cost while maintaining shielding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional conductive coating is used to shield electromagnetic interference, then the device can be shielded, but the coating is too thin to provide effective shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidcoating thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon nanotube composite structure provides a three-dimensional conductive network that enhances shielding effectiveness at thinner thicknesses. The combination of carbon nanotubes with metal particles or conductive polymers creates multiple conductive pathways that improve shielding performance without requiring excessive coating thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the conductive coating by using nanoscale carbon nanotubes with controlled diameters and arrangements. This nanoscale structuring increases the effective conductivity and shielding efficiency per unit thickness, allowing effective shielding with thinner coatings compared to traditional bulk materials.

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 carbon nanotube-based shielding layer offers superior electromagnetic shielding with excellent conductivity and a simple manufacturing process, effectively addressing interference in devices like mobile communication terminals and medical equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive polymer or metal particles are distributed throughout the carbon nanotube film, with the conductive polymer or metal particles joining the carbon nanotubes end-to-end to form continuous conductive pathways.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVan der Waals force: Van der Waals Force

Data Source

PatentUS9095049B2Method for making an electromagnetic shielding layer
Publication Date: 2015.07.28 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US9095049B2 patent drawing
  • US9095049B2 patent drawing
  • US9095049B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for making the electromagnetic shielding layer is provided. An electronic element has a surface is provided. At least one carbon nanotube film is fabricated. A carbon nanotube film structure is formed on the surface of the electronic element. A conductive layer is formed on the carbon nanotube film structure to obtain the electromagnetic shielding layer on the surface of the electronic element.