Penetrating Electrode Temperature Switch via Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, particularly semiconductor devices, there is a need for a compact temperature measurement solution that does not increase circuit size, as existing methods require detection elements, driving circuits, and output processing circuits, which can be cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a substrate having penetration holes and electrodes, where a penetrating electrode with a higher linear thermal expansion coefficient than the substrate is used to create a temperature switch by varying its contact with an electrode based on temperature, allowing for a simple structure that adjusts its on/off state with temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional temperature measurement system with detection elements, driving circuits, and output processing circuits is used, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but circuit size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the temperature measurement function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a simple penetrating electrode structure that utilizes thermal expansion differences. The temperature detection capability is achieved by observing contact state changes between the penetrating electrode and electrode, eliminating the need for separate detection elements, driving circuits, and output processing circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The penetrating electrode serves dual functions: it acts as both the structural component filling the penetration hole and the temperature detection element. The electrode's thermal expansion properties enable it to automatically indicate temperature changes through contact state changes with the electrode, without requiring external detection mechanisms or processing circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a conventional temperature measurement system with multiple circuits is used, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but circuit size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature detection function with the existing penetrating electrode structure. The penetrating electrode, which is already present to fill the penetration hole, is utilized as the temperature sensing element. This integration eliminates the need for separate detection elements and circuits, significantly reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining temperature measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a penetrating electrode with higher linear thermal expansion coefficient than substrate is used, then temperature switch functionality is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature switch functionalityVSAvoidcontact control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically the linear thermal expansion coefficient, to achieve temperature switch functionality. By selecting a penetrating electrode material with a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the substrate, the electrode expands more than the substrate when heated, causing it to contact the electrode and switch the circuit on. This parameter-based approach enables automatic temperature sensing without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables a compact temperature switch that adjusts its electrical connectivity based on temperature, reducing circuit complexity and size while effectively measuring temperature changes, allowing for efficient temperature monitoring in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a penetrating electrode with a higher linear thermal expansion coefficient than the substrate is used to create a temperature switch by varying its contact with an electrode based on temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

forming a seed layer in the first penetration hole and the second penetration hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

forming a first penetrating electrode in the first penetration hole and a second penetrating electrode in the second penetration hole by plating using the seed layer as a seed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentUS10319667B2Electronic device and method of fabricating the same

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 FUJITSU LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a substrate that includes a first penetration hole; a first electrode that is located on a first surface of the substrate so as to cover the first penetration hole; and a first penetrating electrode that is located in the first penetration hole and is in contact with or away from the first electrode depending on temperature.