Flexible Temperature Sensor Using Ionic Liquid and Porous Particles
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal resistance temperature sensors are non-flexible, limiting their use to flat surfaces and lacking biocompatibility, with complex preparation processes and low detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible temperature sensor comprising a flexible substrate with an electrode, a mixed fluid of ionic liquid and porous conductive particles, and a protective plate, allowing for accurate temperature detection and flexibility, prepared through methods like inkjet printing or spraying, and optionally including a chip for current measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal resistance temperature sensors are used, then stable performance and high reliability are achieved, but flexibility and biocompatibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional rigid sensor structures with flexible components including a flexible substrate, flexible electrode, and flexible protective plate. The ionic liquid filling the porous conductive particles provides fluidity and flexibility while maintaining thermal conduction, enabling the sensor to conform to curved and uneven surfaces while preserving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including: (1) porous conductive particles combined with ionic liquid to create a flexible yet conductive filling layer; (2) flexible substrate combined with protective plate to maintain structural integrity while enabling bending; (3) combination of ionic liquid and porous particles to achieve both flexibility and thermal conduction. These composite structures resolve the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility
2Reliability
If conventional thermal resistance temperature sensors are used, then stable performance is achieved, but detection sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous conductive particles as the filling material, which provides large specific surface area and numerous contact interfaces with the ionic liquid. This porous structure enhances thermal conduction efficiency and detection sensitivity by increasing the interaction area between the thermal resistance element and the surrounding medium, while maintaining stable performance through the structured porous network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional solid thermal resistance materials with an ionic liquid-filled porous structure. The ionic liquid provides superior thermal conduction properties and responsiveness to temperature changes, enhancing detection sensitivity while the porous structure maintains mechanical stability and performance reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then manufacturing is achieved, but the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the flexible substrate serves as both the structural base and the mounting platform for the electrode and filling layer; the protective plate simultaneously protects the ionic liquid and provides structural support; the porous conductive particles and ionic liquid are combined into a single filling composite that provides both thermal conduction and flexibility. This merging reduces manufacturing steps and simplifies the preparation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of materials to simplify manufacturing: using ionic liquid (fluid state) instead of solid thermal conduction materials allows for easier infiltration into porous structures; using flexible substrates and protective plates enables simpler assembly processes compared to rigid component alignment; the porous structure of conductive particles provides natural capillary action for ionic liquid infiltration, eliminating complex filling procedures
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
Enables flexible, high-sensitivity temperature measurement on uneven surfaces with improved biocompatibility and simplified manufacturing, suitable for medical and wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes the principle that the resistance value of a conductor or a semiconductor changes with temperature
Implementation Method 2
a mixed fluid arranged on the flexible substrate and in contact with the electrode, in which the mixed fluid includes an ionic liquid and porous conductive particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flexible temperature sensor, a method for preparing the same, and a flexible device. The flexible temperature sensor includes: a flexible substrate; an electrode arranged on the flexible substrate; a mixed fluid arranged on the flexible substrate and in contact with the electrode, in which the mixed fluid includes an ionic liquid and porous conductive particles; and a protective plate arranged on a surface of the flexible substrate having the mixed fluid to protect the mixed fluid.