Flexible Substrate Load Measurement During Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible substrate testing systems do not measure loads or stresses on flexible substrates during folding or unfolding, which limits the accuracy of reliability testing and failure mode analysis.
Innovation Solution
The disclosed flexible substrate testing systems include a first and second substrate support structure, actuators to move these structures at angles to fold the substrate, and load cells to measure loads on the support structures during folding and unfolding, minimizing additional stress induced by the testing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flexible substrate testing systems are used, then the testing system is simple, but load measurements during folding or unfolding cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces substrate support structures as intermediary elements between the testing system and the flexible substrate. These support structures include load cells that indirectly measure the loads during folding/unfolding by measuring the forces required to move the substrate between folded and unfolded states, thereby enabling load measurement without direct contact that would complicate the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with a system that uses actuators to perform controlled folding/unfolding movements and load cells to measure the forces involved. This substitution allows for automated, precise load measurements while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of standard components
2Reliability
If the substrate is folded repeatedly for reliability testing, then reliability data can be collected, but additional stress is induced by the testing system
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate support structures are designed to distribute and balance the loads during folding and unfolding operations. By positioning the support structures at specific locations and using load cells to measure and monitor forces, the system counteracts excessive or uneven stress distribution that would otherwise be induced by the testing apparatus itself, thereby reducing stress-induced failures while maintaining reliable testing
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system uses actuators to dynamically control the folding and unfolding movements of the substrate, adjusting the speed, angle, and sequence of movements to minimize stress concentrations. The load cells provide real-time feedback on the forces applied, allowing the system to adapt the testing parameters to maintain optimal stress levels throughout the reliability testing process
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
These systems provide accurate measurements of dynamic and static loads on flexible substrates during deformation, enhancing the reliability of testing and reducing stress-induced failures.
Implementation Method 1
load cells to measure loads on the support structures during folding and unfolding
Data Source
AI summary
An example flexible substrate testing system includes: a first substrate support structure configured to hold a first portion of a flexible substrate under test; a second substrate support structure configured to hold a second portion of the flexible substrate; one or more actuators configured to move the first and second substrate support structures at respective angles to fold the flexible substrate; and load cells configured to measure loads on the first substrate support structure and the second substrate support structure while the actuator moves the first substrate support structure and the second substrate support structure.