Elastomeric Diaphragm Conductive Insert Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane technologies face challenges in electrical contacting, which often require openings in the laminate structure, altering the membrane properties and complicating manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a conductive insert within the membrane layers, using conductive particles or linear lines, allows for electrical connection without openings, maintaining membrane properties and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If openings are made in the laminate structure for electrical contacting, then electrical connection is achieved, but the membrane properties are altered and manufacturing is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical circuit with the membrane structure by integrating conductive inserts directly into the laminate layers. The conductive insert consists of conductive particles embedded within the membrane material itself, combining the electrical conduction function with the structural membrane function, thereby eliminating the need for separate openings that would compromise membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by incorporating conductive particles (such as carbonaceous material) into the elastomeric layers of the membrane. This creates a composite structure where the base membrane material provides mechanical properties while the embedded conductive particles provide electrical conductivity, achieving both functions within a unified material system without requiring openings.
2Reliability
If openings are made in the laminate structure for electrical contacting, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical circuit with the membrane structure by integrating conductive inserts directly into the laminate layers. The conductive insert consists of conductive particles embedded within the membrane material itself, combining the electrical conduction function with the structural membrane function, thereby eliminating the need for separate openings that would compromise membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive particles are introduced into the membrane material during the manufacturing process, specifically during the molding or lamination stages. This preliminary incorporation of conductive elements allows the electrical circuit to be built-in during membrane formation, eliminating subsequent steps required for creating openings and installing separate conductive components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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
Enables reliable electrical connection without altering the membrane's properties and simplifies manufacturing, while allowing for flexible integration of electrical circuits within the membrane structure.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive insert contains conductive particles that are introduced into the material of the affected layer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a diaphragm (10), said diaphragm (10) having at least two layers (14, 15), at least one of the two layers (14, 15) consisting of an elastomer, and an electrical circuit (20) between the two layers (14, 15). A conducting insert (26, 28) is present in at least one of the two layers (14, 15) of the diaphragm (10) and serves to make an electrical connection of the electrical circuit (20) to or from outside of the diaphragm (10).