Liquid Electrical Connectors for Detachable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection methods, such as solder bump technology, form permanent connections which are not suitable for devices with sensitive components and require extreme conditions for assembly, and self-assembly techniques often damage fragile components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electrical device using an array of electrical connectors comprising electrically conductive liquid and electrodes, allowing for multiple connections at close pitches and small scales without extreme conditions, enabling component replacement and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solder bump technology is used to make multiple connections in a small area, then manufacturing precision and reliability of electrical connections are improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process and the need for extreme conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical soldering processes with a self-assembling system using capillary forces and surface tension. Liquid electrical connectors are drawn into contact with electrodes through capillary action in recesses, eliminating the need for soldering equipment, heat treatment, and complex alignment mechanisms while achieving reliable electrical connections at small scales
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-assembling electrical connections where liquid connectors automatically flow into contact with electrodes through capillary forces without external intervention. The recesses in the substrate guide and contain the liquid connectors, creating reliable electrical connections through self-organization rather than manual or automated assembly processes
2Reliability
If permanent electrical connections are made using solder bump technology, then reliability of electrical connections is improved, but adaptability and ease of repair worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamically reversible electrical connections using liquid connectors that can be easily added, removed, or replaced. The liquid state allows connectors to be introduced and removed without damaging the substrate or electrodes, enabling component replacement and device reconfiguration while maintaining reliable electrical contact during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows liquid electrical connectors to be discarded and replaced independently of the substrate and electrodes. If a connector fails or needs replacement, only the liquid connector needs to be removed and a new one added, while the expensive substrate and electrode array remain intact and reusable
3Ease of manufacture
If self-assembly techniques are used to make connections, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability and damage to fragile components worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressing or bonding forces with capillary forces and surface tension to create electrical connections. The liquid connectors are drawn into contact with electrodes through capillary action in recesses, providing gentle, controlled forces that assemble connections easily without damaging fragile components like thin films or delicate structures
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid electrical connectors act as intermediaries between the substrate and additional components. They provide a compliant, adaptable interface that can conform to slight variations in positioning while maintaining reliable electrical contact, and their liquid state allows them to accommodate fragile components without mechanical stress
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
Facilitates the renovation or maintenance of electrical devices by allowing detachable connections, reducing the need for full device replacement and extending the life of expensive components, while maintaining reliable electrical contacts.
Implementation Method 1
an array of electrical connectors, each electrical connector comprising an electrically conductive liquid; and an array of electrodes; wherein the arrays can be brought into contact with each other so as to provide a plurality of electrical connections
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable electrical device can be formed from a kit comprising a pair of component parts adapted for connection to each other, wherein the connected components of the device may be subsequently disconnected, comprising: an array of electrical connectors, each electrical connector comprising an electrically conductive liquid; and an array of electrodes; wherein the arrays can be brought into contact with each other so as to provide a plurality of electrical connections between the electrically conductive liquid of the array of electrical connectors and the electrodes of the array of electrodes, and wherein the electrical connections may be subsequently broken by detaching the electrically conductive liquid from the electrodes of the array.