Nanomembrane Structure for Skin Attachment Without Conductivity Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin electronic devices are thick, leading to difficulties in attachment to the skin and a feeling of heterogeneity, and reducing thickness compromises performance such as elasticity and conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A nanomembrane comprising an elastomer layer with nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanoparticles, is formed by a method involving the assembly of a nanocomposite solution on a solvent interface, followed by drying to create an ultra-thin, elastic, and conductive membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thickness of the electronic device is reduced to enable skin attachment, then the ease of attachment and comfort are improved, but the elasticity and conductivity performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ultra-thin nanomembrane structure with thickness of several hundred nanometers to several micrometers, which provides flexibility for skin attachment while maintaining functional performance. The nanomembrane serves as a thin film substrate that enables conformal contact with skin surfaces without compromising the embedded nanostructures' electrical and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of an elastomer layer combined with conductive nanostructures (such as metal nanowires or carbon nanotubes) embedded within or on the elastomer matrix. This composite approach allows the thin nanomembrane to simultaneously achieve flexibility for skin attachment and adequate conductivity through the nanoscale conductive elements
2Reliability
If conventional thick electronic device structures are used, then the elasticity and conductivity performance are maintained, but the ease of attachment to skin and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ultra-thin nanomembrane structure with thickness of several hundred nanometers to several micrometers, which provides flexibility for skin attachment while maintaining functional performance. The nanomembrane serves as a thin film substrate that enables conformal contact with skin surfaces without compromising the embedded nanostructures' electrical and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dramatically reduces the thickness parameter from conventional electronic device scales (millimeters) to nanoscale (hundreds of nanometers to micrometers). This parameter change enables the device to conform to skin surfaces while the nanoscale engineering of embedded structures maintains adequate electrical conductivity and mechanical elasticity
3Reliability
If nanostructures are embedded in the elastomer layer to enhance conductivity, then the electrical performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates conductive nanostructures during the formation process of the elastomer layer itself, rather than adding them as a separate subsequent step. The nanocomposite solution is applied and processed together with the elastomer, so that nanostructures become embedded within or on the elastomer layer in a single integrated manufacturing process, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nanocomposite solution as an intermediary medium that simultaneously delivers both the elastomer matrix and the conductive nanostructures to the substrate. This single nanocomposite formulation acts as a mediator that combines multiple functional components into one applyable solution, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to separate deposition steps
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 nanomembrane achieves high elasticity and conductivity, enabling the development of multifunctional electronic devices with improved attachment to the skin and maintaining performance under strain.
Implementation Method 1
providing the nanocomposite solution on a first solvent to form an elastomer solution layer
Implementation Method 2
drying the elastomer solution layer to form an elastomer layer and form a nanomembrane comprising the elastomer layer and the nanostructures bonded to the elastomer layer
Implementation Method 3
The method may further comprise performing cold welding on the nanomembrane. The cold welding may be performed by providing a sodium chloride solution to the nanomembrane. The nanostructures may have an amphiphilic ligand, and the amphiphilic ligand may be removed by the cold welding to strengthen the connection between the nanostructures
Data Source
AI summary
A nanomembrane and a forming method thereof are provided. The nanomembrane according to embodiments of the present invention comprises an elastomer layer and nanostructures disposed on the elastomer layer. The method for forming a nanomembrane according to embodiments of the present invention comprises forming a nanocomposite solution comprising nanostructures and an elastomer solution, forming an elastomer solution layer by providing the nanocomposite solution on a first solvent, and forming an elastomer layer by drying the elastomer solution layer, and forming a nanomembrane comprising the elastomer layer and the nanostructures bonded to the elastomer layer. The nanocomposite solution is formed by mixing the nanostructures and the elastomer solution with a second solvent, and the elastomer solution is formed by mixing elastomer and a third solvent.