Printable Ionic Thermal Sensor Composition for Flexible Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature sensing materials, such as NTC thermistor-based ceramic/metal composites and resistance temperature detectors, are expensive, complex to fabricate, and not suitable for flexible or large-scale applications due to their stiffness and lack of printability, making them unsuitable for applications like electronic skins and soft robotics.
Innovation Solution
An ionically conductive composition comprising an ionic liquid and a thermoplastic resin is used to create a printable thermal sensor, which provides high thermal coefficients and ease of fabrication, allowing direct application to surfaces including skin, without requiring expensive base materials or complex synthesis pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NTC thermistor-based ceramic/metal composites are used for temperature sensing, then high thermal coefficient and good stability are achieved, but complex high temperature fabrication process and stiffness are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polymer composites with controlled filler content (30-70 wt% conductive filler) and glass transition temperature (Tg) between 20-100°C to achieve desired thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) values, eliminating the need for complex high-temperature ceramic fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix combined with conductive fillers (metal particles, carbon black, graphite, or conductive polymers) to create a material that exhibits both flexibility and temperature-dependent resistance characteristics, replacing traditional ceramic/metal composites
2Reliability
If NTC thermistor-based ceramic/metal composites are used for temperature sensing, then high thermal coefficient is achieved, but stiffness and non-printability result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by selecting polymer matrices with appropriate Tg values (20-100°C) and controlling the conductive filler content (30-70 wt%) to achieve the desired thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) while maintaining printability and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible polymer composite materials that can be deposited as thin films through printing techniques, enabling integration on flexible substrates and large-area applications, unlike rigid ceramic/metal composites
3Measurement precision
If resistance temperature detector is used for temperature sensing, then accurate temperature measurement is achieved, but high cost and non-printability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensing mechanism by utilizing the temperature-dependent electrical resistance of polymer composite materials, where the resistance changes with temperature according to the thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR), achieving temperature measurement without requiring expensive platinum-based resistance temperature detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective polymer composite materials with conductive fillers that can be mass-produced through printing, replacing expensive platinum-based resistance temperature detectors while maintaining adequate measurement precision for practical applications
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 ionically conductive composition enables accurate temperature sensing with high thermal coefficients, ease of fabrication, and compatibility with skin applications, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for temperature measurement across large areas.
Implementation Method 1
Such temperature sensitive inks may comprise metal oxide nanoparticles, a binder, a solvent, an optional dispersant, and an optional surfactant. These inks exhibit a change in resistance which is dependent on a temperature.
Implementation Method 2
an ionically conductive composition for use in a thermal sensor, wherein said ionically conductive composition comprises an ionic liquid and a thermoplastic resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates a thermal sensor comprising an ionically conductive composition and a conductive layer, wherein said ionically conductive composition comprises an ionic liquid and a thermoplastic resin. The thermal sensor according to the present invention can be used for sensing a temperature from skin, a metal surface, and a conductive polymer.