Nitrogen-Inserted Gold-Nickel Layer for Hard Conductive Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gold alloys used in goldsmithing and electronics face challenges with mechanical hardness and durability due to their ductility and malleability, while maintaining conductivity, and are prone to tarnishing from chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A gold-nickel layer with nitrogen impregnation, where gold and nickel are partially diffused and nitrogen is implanted, creating a layer with improved mechanical properties and chemical resistance similar to pure gold, while maintaining conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gold is alloyed with other elements to improve hardness and mechanical resistance, then mechanical properties are improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing nitrogen atoms into the gold alloy lattice, creating a gold-nickel-nitrogen alloy with specific atomic concentrations (gold: 15-80%, nickel: 10-60%, nitrogen: 5-20%). This parameter change achieves enhanced hardness while preserving electrical conductivity through controlled compositional adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining gold, nickel, and nitrogen atoms in a layered or mixed structure. The composite nature allows synergistic effects where nickel provides structural reinforcement and nitrogen enhances hardness, while the gold matrix maintains electrical conductivity
2Strength
If gold alloy is used to improve mechanical properties, then hardness increases, but chemical resistance deteriorates due to tarnishing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition by incorporating nitrogen atoms at controlled concentrations (5-20%) into the gold-nickel alloy, creating a chemically stable configuration that resists tarnishing from sweat, chlorine, and acids while maintaining the desired hardness improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of alloying (which typically reduces chemical stability) into a benefit by selecting specific elements (nickel and nitrogen) that, when combined in controlled amounts, actually enhance both hardness and chemical resistance simultaneously, preventing tarnishing while improving mechanical properties
3Reliability
If pure gold is used to maintain electrical conductivity, then conductivity is preserved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to ductility and malleability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite gold-nickel-nitrogen alloy where gold maintains the electrical conductivity function while nickel and nitrogen provide mechanical reinforcement. The composite structure allows each element to contribute its advantageous properties without compromising the others
4Reliability
If thicker gold plating is applied to connectors to prevent wear, then durability is improved, but cost increases and gold loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by replacing a portion of expensive gold with nickel and nitrogen atoms, creating a cost-effective alloy that maintains durability. The controlled atomic concentrations ensure adequate wear resistance without requiring excessive gold content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive gold with more economical nickel and nitrogen elements in a controlled alloy formulation, reducing material cost and gold consumption while maintaining the functional durability required for connector applications
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
The gold-nickel-nitrogen layer achieves enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance with reduced gold usage, ensuring long-term connectivity and durability without compromising electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
it implements a device for ion implantation of a piece of gold alloy from a beam of nitrogen ions emitted by an ion source
Implementation Method 2
both gold and nickel are partially diffused into one another
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a gold nickel layer comprising nitrogen inserted over a thickness equal to or greater than 0.20 µm, characterized in that the atomic concentration of gold is at least 15% over said thickness, the atomic concentration of nickel is at least 10% over said thickness and the atomic concentration of nitrogen is at least 5% over said thickness. The invention further relates to a process for treating a gold nickel layer. The invention also relates to a connector comprising a portion of a surface which comprises such a gold nickel layer.