Indium Tin Oxide Conductive Path Segmentation for Bend Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive paths using indium tin oxide are brittle and prone to damage when bent, limiting their application in curved or bendable substrates, where they are often required for electrical energy transmission.

Innovation Solution

A conductive path comprising a first portion of non-bendable indium tin oxide connected in electrical series with a second portion of a more flexible conductor, such as copper or silver, allowing the path to follow the surface of a substrate while minimizing damage from bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If indium tin oxide is used as the conductor, then conductivity and transparency are improved, but brittleness increases making it prone to damage when bent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductivity and transparencyVSAvoidresistance to bending damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive path is segmented into multiple portions: a first portion of indium tin oxide connected in electrical series to a second portion of a different conductor. This segmentation allows each material to be used in regions where its specific properties are most beneficial, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and bend resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different conductor materials are used in different portions of the conductive path based on local requirements. Indium tin oxide is used where transparency and conductivity are critical, while a more flexible conductor is used in regions subject to bending, creating local quality variations that optimize overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If a non-bendable conductor is used, then electrical transmission efficiency is improved, but adaptability to curved or bendable substrates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical transmission efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to curved substrates

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive path is divided into segments with different material properties. The first portion uses indium tin oxide for efficient electrical transmission, while the second portion uses a flexible conductor that can adapt to curved substrates, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive path employs a composite structure combining indium tin oxide and a different flexible conductor in electrical series. This composite approach integrates the electrical efficiency of indium tin oxide with the mechanical flexibility of the other conductor, enabling adaptation to various substrate geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 use of indium tin oxide's advantages in conductivity and transparency without the constraint of brittleness, by using a flexible conductor to absorb strain and prevent breakage in curved or bent substrates, ensuring reliable electrical transmission.

Implementation Method 1

at least one conductive path extending over the substrate and comprising a first portion of non-bendable conductor connected in electrical series to a second portion of a different conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9693452B2Apparatus comprising a conductive path and a method of forming an apparatus with a conductive path

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus including a substrate; at least one conductive path extending over the substrate and including a first portion of indium tin oxide connected in electrical series to a second portion of a different conductor.