Photo-Patterned Solid Electrolyte Composition for Stretchable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stretchable electronics face limitations in achieving high-resolution patterns, efficient process efficiency, and uniformity due to the flexible mechanical properties of ionic elastomers, which restrict their application in low-power, highly integrated, and elastic 'skin-like' electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinkable compound represented by Formula 1 is used in a composition with an ionic elastomer and ionic liquid, activated by ultraviolet rays to form a solid electrolyte with improved ionic conductivity and high-resolution patterns through a photo-patterning process, enabling the creation of high-quality, stretchable electronic elements with low power consumption and high integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If photolithography process is used for pattern formation, then high-resolution patterns can be achieved, but the flexible mechanical properties of elastomers prevent effective pattern formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern resolutionVSAvoidmechanical property stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical state of the elastomer from flexible to rigid through UV-induced crosslinking. The elastomer composition is transformed into a solidified structure with enhanced mechanical stability, enabling it to maintain precise photolithography patterns while retaining the underlying flexible substrate properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining UV-crosslinkable elastomer material with photoresist components. This composite formulation enables simultaneous compatibility with photolithography processing and flexible substrate requirements, resolving the contradiction between pattern formation capability and mechanical flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If inkjet printing or spray coating is used for pattern formation, then process flexibility is improved, but pattern uniformity and resolution are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidpattern uniformity and resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical deposition methods (inkjet printing, spray coating) with photolithography-based patterning. By using UV light exposure and photoresist chemistry, the system achieves high-resolution patterns with superior uniformity while maintaining process flexibility through mask design and substrate compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If single elastomer patterning is used, then integration is simplified, but high driving voltage is required limiting low-power application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoiddriving voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical properties of the elastomer through UV crosslinking, transforming it into a solidified ionic conductor. This parameter change enables the material to function as both a structural matrix and an active ionic conducting layer, reducing the need for high driving voltages while maintaining integration simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If linear block copolymer ion-gel is used, then stable operation is achieved, but operation is limited to extremely limited tensile rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidtensile rate range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic mechanical properties through UV-crosslinked elastomer composition that can adapt to varying tensile rates. The crosslinked network structure provides mechanical stability during operation while the elastomeric nature allows for stretchable deformation at different rates, enhancing adaptability without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution results in a solid electrolyte with excellent electrochemical characteristics and flexibility, allowing for the development of high-quality electronic elements with high elasticity, low power consumption, and high integration, suitable for applications in bio-implantable medical devices and soft robotics.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240061335A1Crosslinkable compound, composition containing same for formation of solid electrolyte, method for preparation of solid electrolyte by using same, and electronic element including same solid electrolyte

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 UNIST (ULSAN NAT INST OF SCI & TECH)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a crosslinkable compound, a composition containing the same for formation of a solid electrolyte, a method of preparing a solid electrolyte by using the composition, a solid electrolyte, and an electronic element including the solid electrolyte.