Circuitry Assembly with Insulated Conductive Layer for Reliable Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical circuitry assemblies with 'back-bared' construction are prone to failure due to exposure of conductive layers, require thicker and more expensive materials, and are not flexible, leading to irreparable connections and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An electrical circuitry assembly with a conductive metal plate and a circuit partially covered by insulating films, where only a minimal area of the conductive layer is exposed for connection, supported by an adhesive means and sealed to prevent environmental exposure, using techniques like welding for secure bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conductive layer is exposed from both sides for electrical connection, then electrical connection is established, but the conductive layer is exposed to environment and requires additional protection steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the conductive layer exposure into two separate sections: a first exposed section on the first side and a second exposed section on the second side. This segmentation allows each side to be independently protected by its own insulating film, reducing the need for complex additional protection steps while maintaining reliable electrical connections on both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If thicker copper foil is used to achieve minimum connection strength, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection strengthVSAvoidcopper foil thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the conductive layer. The exposed sections are left uncovered to maintain electrical connection strength, while the non-exposed sections are covered by insulating films. This local differentiation allows the use of thinner copper foil overall while maintaining sufficient strength at the critical connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible circuit is used to provide flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but movement may cause breaking of electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit flexibilityVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies insulating films to cover the conductive layer in non-exposed sections before the flexible circuit undergoes movement or deformation. This pre-protection creates a cushioning effect that prevents the conductive layer from being damaged during flexing, while still allowing the exposed sections to maintain reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Strength

If mechanical strain relief solution is applied to achieve minimum connection strength, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection strengthVSAvoidstrain relief structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of electrical connection and mechanical protection into a single integrated structure. The insulating films serve dual purposes: they protect the conductive layer from environmental exposure and provide mechanical strain relief. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical strain relief solutions, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9844146B2Electrical circuitry assembly and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2017.12.12 SHELDAHL FLEXIBLE TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US9844146B2 patent drawing
  • US9844146B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention is related to an electrical circuitry assembly as well as a method for manufacturing such an electrical circuitry assembly, wherein the assembly basically but not exclusively comprising of an electrically conductive metal plate and a circuit including a conductive layer and wherein both the metal plate and the circuit shall be electrically connected to each other.