Deformable PCB with Honeycomb Holes for Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuits face signal transmission instability and cracking when stretched due to their limited flexibility, which restricts their application in devices requiring extensive deformation.
Innovation Solution
A length- and width-deformable printed circuit board is designed with an elastic film and conductive circuit layers, where the elastic via and cover layers are made of polydimethylsiloxane, and conductive via holes are formed through the elastic base layer, allowing the board to stretch without cracking by compressing honeycomb holes, ensuring stability in signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible printed circuit is made more flexible to allow stretching, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to cracks and signal transmission instability
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive circuit layer is segmented into multiple independent conductive segments separated by elastic non-conductive portions. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently during stretching, preventing crack propagation while maintaining electrical connectivity through the elastic material's conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and electrical parameters of the elastic material by incorporating conductive fillers (such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or metal particles) into the elastic polymer matrix. This creates an elastic material that maintains electrical conductivity while providing mechanical flexibility and stretchability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible printed circuit is stretched, then the adaptability is improved, but the strength deteriorates due to cracking of the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic film as the base material for the printed circuit board, replacing traditional rigid substrates. This flexible film allows the circuit to stretch and deform without cracking, maintaining structural integrity while providing the needed adaptability for wearable and deformable electronic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining elastic polymer matrix with conductive fillers. This composite provides both the mechanical flexibility needed for stretching and the electrical conductivity required for circuit operation, resolving the contradiction between stretchability and crack resistance.
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 board maintains signal stability and flexibility in both length and width directions, preventing cracks and ensuring reliable signal transmission even when stretched, enhancing its usability in deformable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic via and cover layers are made of polydimethylsiloxane, and conductive via holes are formed through the elastic base layer, allowing the board to stretch without cracking by compressing honeycomb holes
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board deformable in both length and width includes a first conductive circuit layer, a second conductive circuit layer, an elastic film, and conductive via holes. The first conductive circuit layer includes first conductive circuits. First honeycomb holes are defined on the first conductive circuits. The second conductive circuit layer faces away from the first conductive circuit layer, the second conductive circuit layer comprises second conductive circuits, second honeycomb holes being defined on the second conductive circuits, each of the second honeycomb holes corresponds to one of the first honeycomb holes. The first conductive circuits are embedded in the elastic film. Each of the conductive via holes corresponds to one first honeycomb holes.