Flexible EMI Shielding Laminate With Incisions for 3D Stretchability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminates for shielding electromagnetic radiation lack high stretchability and tend to tear uncontrollably when applied to complex three-dimensional structures, leading to impaired shielding effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A flexible laminate comprising a metal foil and a flat substrate with specific geometric incisions that allow for complete cutting through both materials, enhancing extensibility and maintaining electromagnetic shielding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laminates without incisions are used, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is maintained, but stretchability is limited and uncontrollable tearing occurs when applied to complex three-dimensional structures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidshielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The laminate is segmented through incisions that divide the continuous metal foil and substrate into sections. These incisions create controlled separation points that allow the laminate to stretch and conform to three-dimensional structures without causing uncontrolled tearing, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining shielding effectiveness through the remaining continuous conductive paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the laminate is made more flexible through traditional methods, then it can be applied to complex structures, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates due to material damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidshielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The incisions are strategically positioned in specific local regions of the laminate where flexibility is needed, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized modification allows the laminate to bend and stretch in specific areas to conform to complex structures while maintaining continuous conductive paths in other areas, thus preserving electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If preforming is used to prepare the laminate for complex structures, then fit is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to complex structuresVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The incisions are created during the laminate manufacturing process as a preliminary action, before the laminate is applied to the final structure. This pre-preparation of the laminate with strategic cut patterns enables it to be directly formed and conform to complex three-dimensional structures without requiring additional preforming steps, thereby improving fit while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 laminate achieves high extensibility in multiple directions with improved mechanical properties, allowing for effective electromagnetic shielding of complex structures without preforming, suitable for use in electric vehicles and aerospace applications.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible laminate for shielding electromagnetic radiation, comprising a) at least one metal foil, and b) a flat substrate as carrier material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Implementation Method 2

the laminate comprises a plurality of objects formed from cuts in the base surface of the laminate, each object consisting of two or more cuts having a common starting point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4062725B1Flexible laminate for shielding electromagnetic radiation
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP4062725B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP4062725B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4062725B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flexible laminate for shielding electromagnetic radiation, comprising a) at least one metal film and b) a planar substrate, comprising or consisting of a fiber material, film material or foam material, wherein the laminate has a multiplicity of objects formed by incisions into the base of the laminate, to a method for producing a component shielded from electromagnetic radiation, in which such a laminate is used, and to the use of the laminate for shielding electromagnetic rays.