Flexible Infrared Sensor with CNT-NiPc Composite
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared and temperature sensors are expensive, energy-consuming, not environmentally friendly, and lack directional flexibility and shockproof capabilities, as they can only receive infrared irradiation from one direction and are prone to mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible infrared and temperature sensor is developed using a deformable rubber substrate with a conductive layer comprising a composite film of carbon nanotubes and nickel phthalocyanine, allowing for omnidirectional infrared detection and featuring metallic wire electrodes for enhanced durability and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infrared and temperature sensors are used, then they can detect infrared irradiation and temperature, but they are expensive, energy-consuming, and not environmentally friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) to create the conductive layer. This composite provides both infrared detection capability and temperature sensing functionality while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, replacing expensive conventional sensor materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using carbon nanotubes and nickel phthalocyanine in specific ratios (30:70 wt% to 50:50 wt%) to achieve optimal detection performance while reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional sensor materials.
2Reliability
If conventional sensor construction is used, then they can detect infrared irradiation, but they can only receive infrared irradiation from one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the conductive layer containing carbon nanotubes and nickel phthalocyanine within a three-dimensional rubber substrate. This spatial arrangement allows the sensor to receive infrared irradiation from multiple directions simultaneously, adding directional versatility while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design enables omnidirectional infrared detection capability, making the sensor universally applicable in various orientations and positions. The conductive layer embedded in the rubber substrate provides multi-directional sensitivity, allowing the same sensor to function effectively regardless of the direction from which infrared radiation arrives.
3Reliability
If conventional sensor construction is used, then they can detect temperature and infrared irradiation, but they are not shockproof and can be damaged under mechanical influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible rubber substrate to embed the conductive layer, creating a shockproof sensor that can withstand mechanical stress and deformation. The rubber matrix protects the sensitive conductive materials from damage while maintaining detection functionality, providing both flexibility and mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of carbon nanotubes, nickel phthalocyanine, and rubber creates a composite structure that integrates detection functionality with mechanical robustness. The rubber substrate acts as a protective matrix that shields the conductive materials from mechanical damage while allowing the sensor to maintain its detection capabilities under various physical conditions.
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 sensor provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution with improved sensitivity and durability, capable of receiving infrared irradiation from multiple directions and withstanding mechanical stress, while maintaining linear response to infrared intensity and temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer embedded in the rubber substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a middle portion comprising a composite film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc)
Implementation Method 2
flexible infrared irradiation and temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible infrared irradiation and temperature sensor is provided. The sensor includes a substantially cubic deformable rubber substrate and a conductive layer embedded in the rubber substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a middle portion comprising a composite film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc); and one or more exterior portions comprising carbon nanotubes, wherein the one or more exterior portions do not include NiPc.