Non-Transient Electronics Controlled Transformation via Agent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices made from traditional inorganic materials like silicon and copper are not easily convertible into transient devices that can alter their functionality in response to external stimuli, requiring specialized fabrication techniques and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a non-transient electronic device, an agent container, and a means to release the agent, which can be triggered by various methods such as heat, radiation, or mechanical force, allowing for controlled alteration of the device's functionality by physically interacting with the device, using chemical etchants or oxidizing agents to alter specific functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If non-transient electronic devices are made from traditional inorganic materials (silicon, copper) using established semiconductor fabrication processes, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to create transient devices is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electronic device into separable functional components (semiconductor substrate, conductor layers, protective layers) that can be selectively targeted by the agent. This segmentation allows the device to maintain its original high-precision fabrication while enabling controlled transformation of specific portions to achieve transient functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of specific device regions by introducing an agent that alters material properties (e.g., converting inorganic materials to transient organic states). This parameter change enables the device to transition from non-transient to transient functionality while preserving the original fabrication precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized fabrication techniques are used to create transient devices from traditional materials, then transient functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the agent and delivery mechanism into the device during standard fabrication processes, preparing the device in advance for future transformation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex specialized fabrication techniques while maintaining transient functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary agent system that mediates between the static inorganic device structure and the desired transient functionality. This intermediary approach avoids direct complex fabrication by using chemical/physical transformation as the bridge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an agent is introduced to alter device functionality, then adaptability to change functionality is improved, but harmful factors affecting the device are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful agent from the bulk environment and confines it to a specific delivery mechanism (container, layer, or integrated structure). This extraction limits chemical exposure to only the necessary device regions and duration, reducing harmful effects while maintaining functionality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the agent locally to specific portions of the device rather than uniformly throughout. This local quality approach minimizes harmful chemical exposure to unaffected regions while achieving the desired functional transformation in targeted areas.
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 transformation of commercial off-the-shelf electronic devices into transient devices capable of multiple modes of operation, including rendering them inoperable or enabling new functions, without the need for significant changes to existing semiconductor fabrication processes, maintaining compatibility with existing technology and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The agent can be, for example, a chemical etchant with a low or high pH or an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
The agent can be, for example, a chemical etchant with a low or high pH or an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 3
Release of the agent may be triggered by, among other things, heat applied to the container or the agent within the container
Implementation Method 4
In some embodiments, the agent or the container may be heated through the application of radiofrequency (RF) energy
Implementation Method 5
The container may be constructed of a material designed to degrade over time thereby releasing the agent after a predetermined amount of time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to altering the functionality of a non-transient electronic device. A container holding an agent is located proximal to a non-transient electronic device capable of performing at least one function. The agent is capable of rendering the device incapable of performing the at least one function. The container is configured to controllably release the agent to the electronic device in a variety of passive and active eventualities.