Photosensitive Layer Dynamic Conductive Pathway Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical supports for electrical connections, such as printed circuit boards, require pre-planned conductive pathways and additional components like switches to facilitate changes in connectivity, which can lead to loose connections and limited flexibility in routing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a photosensitive layer on a substrate with optically switchable elements and field transmission elements, where a light source dynamically defines conductive pathways by controlling photoexcitation, allowing for changes in conductivity without pre-planned paths or additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-planned conductive pathways are used on PCB, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection integrityVSAvoidrouting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic conductive pathways using optically switchable elements that can change their electrical state between insulating and conductive. This allows the circuit board to reconfigure connection routes in real-time based on operational needs, transforming a static PCB into a dynamically adaptable system that maintains reliable connections while providing routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (conductivity) of the photosensitive layer by applying optical energy. The photosensitive material transitions between insulating and conductive states through photoexcitation, enabling the same physical pathway to serve different electrical functions without physical reconfiguration or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components like switches are added to facilitate connectivity changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity reconfigurationVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the substrate, conductive pathways, and switching elements into a single integrated photosensitive layer. This eliminates the need for separate switches and additional components, as the photosensitive material itself provides both the conductive pathway and the switching capability through optical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical switching components with optical control mechanisms. Instead of using physical switches that require manual operation or mechanical actuation, the system uses light to control the electrical state of the photosensitive layer, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical supports with fixed conductive traces are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrace placement accuracyVSAvoidpathway reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed, static conductive traces into dynamic, reconfigurable pathways. The photosensitive layer maintains precise manufacturing placement like traditional PCB traces but gains the operational capability to change conductivity patterns dynamically through optical control, making the system easy to reconfigure without physical modification.

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

Enables dynamic reconfiguration of conductive pathways without the need for pre-planned routes or additional components, enhancing flexibility and maintaining connectivity integrity by using a photosensitive layer with optically switchable elements and field transmission elements.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to controllably define the conductive pathway in the photosensitive layer based on photoexcition of an area of the photosensitive layer corresponding with the conductive pathway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoexcitation: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9639001B2Optically transitioned metal-insulator surface

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A system to dynamically configure a conductive pathway and a method of forming a dynamically configurable conductive pathway are described. The system includes a substrate to mechanically support a circuit, and a photosensitive layer disposed on at least a portion of at least one side of the substrate. The system also includes a light source to controllably define the conductive pathway in the photosensitive layer based on photoexcitation of an area of the photosensitive layer corresponding with the conductive pathway, a change in the area photoexcited by the light source facilitating a change in the conductive pathway.