Functional Substrates for Printed Electronics With Active Circuit Roles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed electronic devices rely on passive substrates for mechanical support, lacking functional interaction that could enhance device performance beyond mechanical capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A circuit device formed from a functional substrate component that interacts with printed electronic elements to perform additional functions, such as frequency stabilization, data storage, and signal emission, using materials like glass, stainless steel, or magnetic materials, allowing the substrate to be modified by the electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If passive substrates (glass, metals, plastics) are used to support printed electronic devices, then mechanical support is provided, but functional interaction with the electronics is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate material parameters are changed from passive mechanical properties to active functional properties. The substrate is engineered to exhibit specific electrical, magnetic, or acoustic characteristics that enable functional interaction with the printed electronic elements, transforming it from a mere support structure to an active component that participates in device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support while also serving as an active functional element that interacts with the electronics. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both structural and operational roles, enhancing the overall device capabilities without adding separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate is made functional to interact with printed electronic elements, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional substrate integrates multiple functions into a single component. Rather than having separate mechanical support structures and functional elements, the substrate combines both roles, merging the structural foundation with active functional capabilities into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical support and performs active functions such as electrical conduction, magnetic interaction, or acoustic wave propagation. This universal approach allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, avoiding the need for additional separate components and reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If base material is removed after circuit device construction, then device flexibility is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional substrate is designed and prepared in advance to serve as both the manufacturing support and the final functional component. By pre-engineering the substrate with its functional properties, the need for post-construction removal of base materials is eliminated, as the substrate itself becomes the permanent functional element of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves dual purposes throughout the manufacturing process and in the final device: it acts as the temporary support during fabrication and then becomes the permanent functional component. This universal role eliminates the need for separate base materials that would need to be removed, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining device flexibility.
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 enhanced functionality beyond mechanical support, including frequency stabilization, data storage, and bidirectional communication, while maintaining the flexibility and versatility of printed electronics.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit device comprises a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device which is designed to act as a frequency stabilizing element in an oscillator
Implementation Method 2
The electronic components comprise coils that exhibit magneto resistance and that interact with magnetic areas in the substrate component
Implementation Method 3
The electronic components comprise coils that exhibit magneto resistance and that interact with magnetic areas in the substrate component
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit device formed from a functional substrate. The circuit device comprises a functional substrate component and printed electronic elements formed on the functional substrate component. The printed electronic elements formed on the functional substrate component interact with the substrate component to perform a function and to modify the functional substrate component. The circuit device typically needs a passive base material that takes no functional part in the device operation except mechanical support.