Flexible Filter Element Using Liquid Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices face challenges in maintaining sensitivity when attached to curved or fluid surfaces due to poor adhesion, leading to degradation in sensing performance, particularly in flexible and stretchable applications where wiring stability is critical.
Innovation Solution
A flexible filter element is developed using liquid metal patterns with varying permeability bases and contactors to establish stable electrical connections between inductor and capacitor elements, enhancing flexibility and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal layer is used to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but the wiring is damaged when the degree of bending is large or when completely folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film structure with embedded conductive patterns that can bend and fold without damaging the wiring. The flexible substrate with integrated circuits is designed to maintain electrical connectivity through large deformations, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and wiring stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If carbon nanotubes are used to form electrodes, then local electrode formation is achieved, but it is extremely difficult to form wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrode formation and wiring formation into a single integrated process using conductive patterns deposited on the flexible substrate. This merging of functions simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the separate step of forming wiring connections between electrodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wiring of filter element is partially damaged or deformed, then flexibility is maintained, but the filter element does not exhibit stable characteristic and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit design where the wiring structure can dynamically adapt to bending and folding without permanent deformation or damage. The dynamic flexibility of the substrate and conductive traces maintains stable electrical characteristics even during large deformations, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and filter characteristic stability.
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 provides a stable and flexible filter element with improved electrical connections, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing damage from bending or folding, thus maintaining performance across diverse surface types.
Implementation Method 1
a first liquid metal pattern disposed in the first channel; a second liquid metal pattern disposed in the second channel
Implementation Method 2
the first liquid metal pattern forms an inductor element; and the second liquid metal pattern forms a capacitor element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a filter element and a method of preparing a filter element. The filter element includes a pattern substrate having a first channel formed on one surface and a second channel formed on the other surface and including a first base and a second base which have different liquid permeabilities; a first liquid metal pattern disposed in the first channel; a second liquid metal pattern disposed in the second channel and at least partially overlapping the first liquid metal pattern; and a contactor configured to invade in the first base and the second base and electrically connect the first liquid metal pattern to the second liquid metal pattern.