Stretchable Anisotropic Conductive Film Using Patterned Liquid Metal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anisotropic conductive films (ACFs) face challenges with unstable connections when stretched due to differences in elastic moduli between device components, limitations in regular arrangements at fine spacings or large-scale, and issues with detachment of conductive balls or electrical disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable anisotropic conductive film is developed, comprising a patterned stretchable polymer with liquid metal filled in the patterned portions, allowing for high anisotropic conductivity and stretchability. The liquid metal includes gallium or eutectic alloys, and solid particles can be dispersed to enhance stability and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard microparticles or solder balls are used for conductivity in ACF, then electrical connection is achieved, but the conductive balls detach from the film or electrical disconnection occurs when stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the conductive material from solid (microparticles or solder balls) to liquid metal. This parameter change allows the conductive material to deform with the stretchable polymer, maintaining electrical connection stability while preventing detachment during stretching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where liquid metal is embedded within a stretchable polymer matrix. This composite material combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the elasticity of the polymer, enabling both electrical connection and stretchability without the detachment issues of solid conductive particles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ACF is stretched, then flexibility is achieved, but unstable connections occur due to differences in elastic moduli between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the elastic modulus parameter of the conductive material by using liquid metal instead of solid particles. This allows the conductive material to have matching elasticity with the stretchable polymer, enabling the film to be stretched while maintaining stable electrical connections without the mismatch issues of conventional materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductive particles are randomly arranged in ACF, then manufacturing is simplified, but resolution and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by filling liquid metal specifically in patterned portions of the stretchable polymer where electrical connections are needed. This selective placement achieves regular arrangements at fine spacings with high precision while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a simplified filling process compared to traditional particle arrangement methods.
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 stretchable anisotropic conductive film achieves high anisotropic conductivity at a metal level (>10^6 S/m) with high stretchability, enabling reliable electrical connections in flexible electronic devices and wearable displays.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid metal filled in a patterned portion of the stretchable polymer... allow current to pass through both sides of the anisotropic conductive film
Implementation Method 2
a patterned stretchable polymer... when the ACF is used as a stretchable anisotropic conductive film (S-ACF) and stretched
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stretchable anisotropic conductive film, a method for manufacturing same, and a stretchable electronic device comprising same. The stretchable anisotropic conductive film according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a patterned stretchable polymer; and liquid metal which fills the patterned portion of the stretchable polymer.