Expandable Detection Device with Composite Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection devices with expandable and contractible circuit bodies often experience breakage and loss of electric connection due to frequent expansion and contraction, which limits their robustness and reliability, especially in applications requiring repeated deformation.

Innovation Solution

A detection device design featuring an expandable and contractible base with a higher Young's modulus, a first base with an even higher modulus for connection, a connection member, and a mold portion, which together prevent loss of electric connection through controlled expansion and contraction, and include a recessed portion for positional shift absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the expandable and contractible circuit body is frequently expanded and contracted, then the adaptability to movable portions is improved, but the reliability of electric connection deteriorates due to breakage between the circuit body and component mounting substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to movable portionsVSAvoidreliability of electric connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of an expandable and contractible circuit body made of elastic material, a rigid component mounting substrate, and a reinforcing plate. This composite configuration allows the circuit body to expand and contract for adaptability while the rigid substrate and reinforcing plate maintain structural integrity and prevent breakage, thereby preserving electric connection reliability during frequent deformation cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the detection device into distinct functional segments: the expandable and contractible circuit body (first substrate with wiring), the rigid component mounting substrate, and the reinforcing plate. Each segment serves a specific purpose - the flexible circuit body provides adaptability for movement, while the rigid substrate and reinforcing plate provide structural support to prevent breakage and maintain reliable electric connections during repeated deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a rigid substrate is mounted on the flexible printed substrate to enhance robustness, then the strength of the flexible printed substrate is improved, but the reliability of electric connection during frequent expansion and contraction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of flexible printed substrateVSAvoidreliability of electric connection during expansion and contraction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where a rigid substrate is mounted on the flexible printed substrate, and a reinforcing plate is added on the opposite side. This multi-layer composite configuration enhances the overall strength and robustness of the flexible printed substrate while maintaining its ability to expand and contract, thereby preserving electric connection reliability during frequent deformation cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing plate is positioned on the side of the flexible printed substrate opposite to the rigid substrate, acting as a protective cushion that prevents breakage during frequent expansion and contraction. This beforehand cushioning structure protects the electric connections from damage before they can fail, maintaining reliability while allowing the substrate to remain flexible for repeated deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution effectively minimizes the risk of electric disconnection during expansion and contraction, enhancing the reliability and robustness of the detection device, allowing it to function as a motion or vital sensor with high accuracy and durability.

Implementation Method 1

an expanding and contracting base (2) having elasticity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a connection member (51) which electrically connects the expanding and contracting base (2) and the first base (3) to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10285266B2Detection device
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US10285266B2 patent drawing
  • US10285266B2 patent drawing
  • US10285266B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detection device includes: an expanding and contracting base having elasticity; a first base which is provided to overlap the expanding and contracting base, has a Young's modulus higher than that of the expanding and contracting base, and includes a connection portion to which a sensing section is connectable; a second base which is provided on a side of the expanding and contracting base opposite to the first base, and has a Young's modulus higher than that of the expanding and contracting base; a connection member which electrically connects the expanding and contracting base and the first base to each other; and a mold portion which is provided to come into contact with the connection member, has a Young's modulus higher than that of the expanding and contracting base, and has a Young's modulus lower than that of the first base.