Elastic Circuit With Orthogonal Patterns for 3D Conformability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stretchable electronic circuits are limited to two-dimensional elasticity, failing to provide the necessary flexibility to conform to three-dimensional structures, which restricts their application on flexible substrates.
Innovation Solution
An elastic electronic circuit design incorporating three patterns - a first pattern for x-axis elasticity, a second pattern embedded within for y-axis elasticity, and a third pattern applied to the surface for z-axis elasticity, allowing the circuit to conform to a flexible substrate and maintain electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wave pattern is used for stretchability, then the circuit can stretch in one or two dimensions, but it cannot provide three-dimensional elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into three distinct elastic patterns oriented along different axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis). Each pattern provides elasticity in a specific dimension, and together they enable three-dimensional stretchability. This segmentation allows the circuit to independently accommodate stretching in multiple directions without requiring a single complex pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional elasticity (using single wave patterns) to three-dimensional elasticity by introducing a third elastic pattern along the z-axis. This dimensional expansion is achieved by layering patterns at different orientations and depths, allowing the circuit to conform to three-dimensional curved surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit is made rigid to maintain electrical connectivity, then connectivity is preserved, but the circuit cannot conform to flexible substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs multiple elastic patterns that function as flexible interconnect structures. These patterns are designed with inherent elasticity to accommodate substrate deformation while maintaining electrical pathways. The layered configuration of patterns along different axes ensures that connectivity is preserved even when the substrate undergoes complex three-dimensional deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit combines multiple elastic patterns with different orientations and mechanical properties to create a composite structure. This composite design integrates the flexibility needed for conformability with the structural integrity required for reliable electrical connectivity. The interaction between patterns at different levels and orientations provides both adaptability and reliability.
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 three-dimensional elasticity, allowing electronic circuits to be used on flexible substrates without compromising their intended purpose, providing a flexible and conformal electronic solution for curved structures.
Implementation Method 1
The first pattern of the elastic circuit comprises a generally horseshoe-shaped pattern and provides elasticity along the x-axis. The second pattern of the elastic circuit is embedded within the first pattern and provides elasticity along the y-axis. The third pattern is applied to the surface of the elastic circuit and provides elasticity along the z-axis.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an elastic electronic circuit adapted to provide three-dimensional elasticity. This is accomplished through a first pattern, a second pattern embedded within the first pattern, and a third pattern. The three-dimension elastic electronic circuit is adapted to conform to a flexible substrate, such as flexible plastic substrates and the like. The resulting three-dimensional elasticity enables the use of electronic circuits on such flexible substrates.