Elastomer Product Embedded Electronic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomer products with embedded electronic assemblies face issues of mechanical stress-induced disconnection and peeling of layers due to inadequate mechanical strength and separation between the elastomeric material and the electronic components, leading to potential loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a flexible gauze with electrically non-conductive threads or fibers, which connects the elastomeric material layers and securely fixes the antenna conductor, ensuring mechanical stability and maintaining the functionality of the electronic assembly under stress, along with a thermoplastic connection for the chip module, providing a robust and secure positioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thin foil serves as a carrier for the electronic circuit, then the electronic assembly can be embedded in the elastomeric material, but the mechanical strength of the connection between the elastomeric material layers and the carrier is insufficient, leading to potential disconnection under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a thin foil carrier combined with elastomeric material layers. The carrier provides a stable base for mounting electronic components, while the elastomeric material provides flexibility and mechanical strength, creating a composite assembly that combines the advantages of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin foil as a carrier for the electronic circuit, which allows the electronic assembly to be flexibly embedded within the elastomeric material. This thin film approach enables integration while maintaining the flexibility and conformability of the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the layers of elastomeric material are separated to accommodate the electronic circuit, then the electronic components can be mounted, but the layers may peel apart and create gaps that propagate into the surrounding elastomeric material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastomeric material layers with the thin foil carrier by bonding them together. This combination creates a unified structure where the layers work together to support the electronic components while maintaining structural integrity and preventing peeling or gap formation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna conductor is directly placed in the elastomeric material, then the antenna can function, but its position may not be precisely controlled during manufacturing and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thin foil carrier as an intermediary structure that holds the antenna conductor in a predetermined position. This carrier serves as a mediator between the manufacturing process and the final product, enabling precise positioning of the antenna conductor while simplifying the manufacturing process through standardized carrier designs.
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
This design ensures reliable retention of both elastomeric properties and electronic functionality by preventing peeling and maintaining the structural integrity of the elastomeric product under mechanical loads, while enhancing the antenna's resistance to detuning and improving radiation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The chip module is arranged on the antenna module and the coupling loop is inductively coupled to the antenna conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The product has an electronic component embedded in and enclosed by elastomeric material. The component comprises a chip module and an antenna module (10). The chip module comprises a carrier that contains a chip and an inductive coupling loop. The chip is provided with an integrated electronic circuit. The inductive coupling loop is connected with the chip. The antenna module comprises another carrier i.e. pliable gauze sheet, and an antenna conductor (14). The chip module is arranged in or on the antenna module. The inductive coupling loop is coupled with the antenna conductor.