Stretchable Electroluminescent Device Using Ionic Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stretchable electroluminescent devices face limitations in mechanical deformability and transmittance, with conductors like carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires achieving only up to 100% strain before deteriorating, making them unsuitable for applications requiring higher flexibility and transparency.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electroluminescent device with an ionic conductor layer and a further ionic conductor layer, sandwiching an emission layer, which allows for improved stretchability and transparency by maintaining electrical properties under harsh mechanical conditions, enabling strains beyond 100% without deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If carbon nanotubes or silver nanowires are used as transparent conductors, then transmittance is improved, but stretchability is limited to 100% strain before deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransmittanceVSAvoidstretchability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of conductivity mechanism from electronic conduction (in CNTs and AgNWs) to ionic conduction (in gel electrolyte). This parameter change enables the conductor to achieve both high transmittance and superior stretchability beyond 100% strain, as the ionic gel can deform without the network damage that plagues nanowire structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining gel electrolyte (providing ionic conductivity and stretchability) with transparent electrode materials (providing transmittance). This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high transmittance and exceptional stretchability, overcoming the limitations of single-material solutions like CNTs or AgNWs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal films are patterned into stretchable structures, then stretchability is improved, but transmittance deteriorates due to opacity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidtransmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electronic conductor (metal films) with a chemical/ionic conductor (gel electrolyte). This substitution allows the system to achieve stretchability through ionic mobility rather than mechanical deformation of metal patterns, thereby maintaining both stretchability and transmittance properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional transparent conductors are used in electroluminescent devices, then device fabrication is simplified, but mechanical stability deteriorates under strains beyond 100%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the conductor type from electronic to ionic, which fundamentally alters the mechanical response to strain. The ionic gel conductor maintains its functional properties at strains beyond 100%, providing superior mechanical stability while remaining compatible with electroluminescent device fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device achieves enhanced mechanical stability and transmittance, allowing it to withstand strains up to 700% while maintaining luminance and electrical conductivity, surpassing the limitations of conventional transparent conductors.

Implementation Method 1

The first contact structure may include an ionic conductor layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The emission layer may be configured to emit light when an alternating voltage is applied between the first contact structure and the second contact structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10251238B2Electroluminescent device and method of forming the same

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 NANYANG TECH UNIV

AI summary

In various embodiments, a stretchable electroluminescent device may be provided. The electroluminescent device may include a first contact structure. The first contact structure may include an ionic conductor layer. The electroluminescent device may also include a second contact structure. The electroluminescent device may additionally include an emission layer between the first contact structure and the second contact structure. The emission layer may be configured to emit light when an alternating voltage is applied between the first contact structure and the second contact structure.