Graphite-Graphene Composite Ribbon for Printable Conductive Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and time-consuming manufacturing process of graphene-coated ribbons for producing printable conductive elements make their deployment in applications such as sensors economically impractical, as they require costly materials and complex manufacturing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A media processing device is used to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to a ribbon, which is then transferred onto media using a thermal printer, allowing for the cost-effective production of conductive elements by utilizing standard ribbon and applying the conductive material via frictional engagement with a graphite applicator, reducing the need for expensive graphene coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphene-coated ribbon is used for producing printable conductive elements, then conductivity and sensor performance are improved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining graphite and graphene in a single ribbon coating. The graphite provides structural stability and cost-effectiveness, while the graphene contributes electrical conductivity and sensor performance. This composite approach allows the ribbon to achieve the necessary conductive properties without requiring pure graphene coating, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameter by using a mixture of graphite and graphene instead of pure graphene. This parameter change optimizes the balance between conductivity, mechanical properties, and manufacturing cost. The specific ratio and composition can be adjusted to achieve the desired performance at lower cost.
2Reliability
If pure graphene coating is applied to ribbon, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing process by using a composite coating of graphite and graphene that can be applied through standard coating techniques. This avoids the need for complex, specialized processes required for pure graphene deposition, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing time while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective graphite-based composite coating that can be applied using simpler, more accessible manufacturing techniques. This approach trades off some of the extreme performance of pure graphene for significantly reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, making the solution more practical for widespread deployment.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard ribbon is used instead of graphene-coated ribbon, then production cost decreases, but conductive element performance may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material containing both graphite and graphene, where the graphene component ensures sufficient electrical conductivity and sensor performance, while the graphite provides structural support and cost benefits. This composite formulation allows standard ribbon manufacturing processes to be used with acceptable cost, while the graphene content ensures the conductive elements meet performance requirements.
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
This method enables the cost-effective production of conductive elements with sufficient conductivity and temperature sensitivity for sensor applications, reducing the economic impracticality of deploying graphene-coated ribbons by using a combination of graphite and graphene, which maintains the necessary performance while lowering production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a graphite applicator configured to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to an active side of the ribbon via frictional engagement with the ribbon
Implementation Method 2
transfer of at least a portion of the combination of graphite and graphene from the active side of the ribbon onto the media via application of at least one of heat and pressure at the media processing head
Data Source
AI summary
A media processing device includes: a media processing head; a ribbon transport assembly configured to transport ribbon along a ribbon path between a ribbon dispenser and the media processing head; a graphite applicator disposed along the ribbon path, the graphite applicator configured to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to an active side of the ribbon via frictional engagement with the ribbon; and a media transport assembly configured to transport media from a media supply to the media processing head for transfer of at least a portion of the combination of graphite and graphene from the active side of the ribbon onto the media via application of at least one of heat and pressure at the media processing head.