Flexible Substrate Electronic Devices for Curved Surface Conformal Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological measurement and stimulation technologies face challenges in creating high-fidelity, robust, and reliable electronics that can conform to complex and curved surfaces, such as those found on moving body parts, due to difficulties in establishing long-lasting electrical contacts and achieving comfortable, integrated systems.
Innovation Solution
Development of ultrathin, flexible, and stretchable electronics with a substrate that can conform to curved surfaces, incorporating sensors and actuators with inorganic semiconductor and metallic components, allowing for conformal contact and flexible integration on various shapes, including those that change over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bulk electrodes mounted on adhesive tapes or mechanical clamps are used, then electrical contacts can be established, but the system causes skin irritation and discomfort during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film flexible substrates (e.g., polyimide, PDMS) as the base for electrode arrays, replacing traditional bulk electrodes and adhesive tapes. This allows the electrode array to conform to curved skin surfaces while maintaining electrical contact, reducing skin irritation through flexible, biocompatible materials that accommodate skin movement and morphology.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple small electrodes arranged in arrays on flexible substrates, rather than using few large bulk electrodes. This segmentation allows better distribution of contact pressure, improved conformability to skin surfaces, and reduced irritation while maintaining reliable electrical contacts for physiological measurements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid circuit boards and separate terminal connections are used, then system capabilities can be achieved, but the overall size and weight cause discomfort during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors, signal processing circuits, power management, and communication components into a single flexible wearable device. The rigid circuit boards and separate terminal connections are replaced with flexible printed circuits and integrated circuits on the same flexible substrate, merging multiple functional components into one lightweight unit that maintains full system capability while dramatically reducing weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional rigid box structures housing separate components to two-dimensional flexible planar integration. Electronic components are arranged in layered configurations on flexible substrates, enabling integration of multiple functions in a thin, lightweight form factor that conforms to the body rather than adding bulk.
3Measurement precision
If traditional electrode arrays are used, then basic sensing can be performed, but high-fidelity measurements on complex curved surfaces cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin-film substrates for electrode arrays that can conform to complex curved surfaces such as fingers, hands, and other body parts. The flexibility and thinness of the substrate enable intimate contact with irregular surfaces, ensuring high-fidelity physiological measurements by maintaining consistent electrical contact across the entire measurement area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs densely packed arrays of small electrodes on flexible substrates, providing high spatial resolution for capturing physiological signals on curved surfaces. The segmented electrode configuration allows precise localization of signals and adapts to complex surface geometries, achieving measurement fidelity that cannot be obtained with traditional sparse electrode placements.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(f)
AI summary
Disclosed are appendage mountable electronic systems and related methods for covering and conforming to an appendage surface. A flexible or stretchable substrate has an inner surface for receiving an appendage, including an appendage having a curved surface, and an opposed outer surface that is accessible to external surfaces. A stretchable or flexible electronic device is supported by the substrate inner and/or outer surface, depending on the application of interest. The electronic device in combination with the substrate provides a net bending stiffness to facilitate conformal contact between the inner surface and a surface of the appendage provided within the enclosure. In an aspect, the system is capable of surface flipping without adversely impacting electronic device functionality, such as electronic devices comprising arrays of sensors, actuators, or both sensors and actuators.