Flexible Wire With Radial P-N Diodes for Reverse-Polarity Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for fabricating semiconducting materials on flexible substrates face challenges in creating continuous fibers for wiring and wearable sensors, as traditional substrates are brittle and lack compatibility with high-temperature processing, limiting their application in advanced flexible electronics.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wire or thread with a durable, heat-resistant conductive or non-conductive core surrounded by radial p-n diodes, allowing for controlled current flow and preventing reverse-polarity damage, integrated with electronic circuits for wearable sensors and soft electronics, using high-temperature compatible fibers and anisotropic conductive threads for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional substrates (quartz, silicon) are used for high-temperature processing, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate due to brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the substrate function from the semiconductor device by using a flexible fiber as the base and depositing semiconductor materials as thin films on the fiber surface. This segmentation allows the fiber to provide flexibility while the thin-film semiconductor layer provides the required electronic functionality and temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining a flexible fiber substrate (providing mechanical flexibility) with deposited semiconductor thin films (providing electronic functionality and thermal stability). This composite approach allows both flexibility and high-temperature compatibility to coexist.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thin films are transferred onto flexible plastic surfaces, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to withstand high processing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter of the substrate by selecting fibers with high melting points and thermal stability. This allows the substrate to withstand the high temperatures required for semiconductor thin-film deposition while maintaining flexibility, unlike conventional plastic substrates.
3Productivity
If continuous fibers are used for wiring applications, then productivity and ease of manufacture are improved, but device complexity increases due to need for integrated protective structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the wiring function with the protective diode function into a single integrated fiber structure. The radial p-n diodes are formed around the conductive core of the fiber, combining signal transmission and reverse-polarity protection in one component, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a conductor for signal transmission, provides mechanical flexibility for wiring, and incorporates radial p-n diodes for reverse-polarity protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.
4Reliability
If radial p-n diodes are added to protect against reverse-polarity voltages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial p-n diodes are nested around the conductive core of the fiber, with the diode structure containing the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers arranged radially. This nested configuration provides protection while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 the creation of flexible, high-temperature compatible fibers for wearable sensors and electronic textiles, providing reliable electrical connections and reverse-polarity protection while reducing component count and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
the arrangement of the p-n diode restricts the flow of current in a direction radially away from the core, thereby preventing challenges such as reverse-polarity voltages that might damage electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible wire comprises a conductive core surrounded by one or more radial p-n diodes and alternating conductive and non-conductive bands along an outermost surface. Methods for producing the wire are also disclosed, as are textiles and other flexible materials comprising or consisting of such flexible wires.