Micro Conductive Thread Interconnect for Wearable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Textile manufacturers face challenges in attaching electronic devices to conductive threads woven into fabrics due to lack of expertise, resulting in poor workmanship and low yields in wearable electronics, where traditional metal wires are cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A micro conductive thread interconnect component with a dielectric layer and embedded conductors, providing dual access openings for mechanical and electrical connections between conductive threads in fabrics and circuit boards, allowing for secure and efficient attachment using solder, laser welding, or conductive adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional metal wires are used for electrical connectivity in wearable electronics, then electrical connection is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that bridges conductive threads in fabric and circuit board contact pads. This intermediary includes a body with a first surface for receiving conductive threads, a second surface for connecting to circuit boards, and embedded conductors that provide electrical connection. This mediator eliminates the need for cumbersome traditional metal wires while maintaining electrical connectivity, directly resolving the contradiction between convenience and connection structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If textile manufacturers directly attach electronic devices to conductive threads, then integration is achieved, but workmanship quality and yield are poor due to lack of expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary component serves as a specialized adapter that textile manufacturers can use without needing expertise in electronic device attachment. The component has pre-configured surfaces and embedded conductors that simplify the attachment process, allowing textile manufacturers to achieve high-quality connections between conductive threads and electronic devices without direct expertise in electronics assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the attachment process into distinct functional zones: a first surface for receiving conductive threads, embedded conductors for electrical connection, and a second surface for circuit board connection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall attachment quality while simplifying the manufacturing process for textile manufacturers.
3Ease of operation
If conductive threads are woven into fabric, then flexibility and wearability are improved, but reliable electrical connection to circuit boards becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary component acts as a reliable bridge between the flexible conductive threads in fabric and the rigid circuit board contact pads. The body receives conductive threads on its first surface, embedded conductors provide stable electrical connection paths, and the second surface connects to circuit boards. This intermediary structure ensures reliable electrical connection while maintaining the flexibility and wearability benefits of conductive thread integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnect component is configured as an adapter or interposer providing mechanical and electrical interconnects between conductive threads, such as those woven within fabrics, and electrical connection points, such as contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and/or a rigid-flex circuit board.