Self-Repairing Electroluminescent Device for Flexible Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electroluminescent (EL) devices in flexible and stretchable electronic systems face failure due to mechanical deformations exceeding their strain limit, leading to costly maintenance and replacement in multifunctional integrated systems, as they are not adaptable to mechanical loading.

Innovation Solution

A self-repairable electroluminescent device comprising ionically conductive electrodes and an electroluminescence layer with a polymer matrix, including zinc sulphide and boron nitride, that can restore functionality after deformation, mechanical strain, or physical separation by reforming hydrogen and covalent bonds, allowing the device to maintain structural and physicochemical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If EL devices are used in flexible and stretchable electronic systems, then the device can be adapted to mechanical loading, but the device fails due to stress exceeding the withstanding limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to mechanical loadingVSAvoiddevice reliability under mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible and stretchable electrode structures that can deform under mechanical loading without failing. The electrode design includes thin film structures and flexible conductive materials that maintain electrical conductivity while accommodating bending, stretching, and twisting deformations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability to mechanical loading and device reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrode materials to enhance their mechanical properties. By changing the composition, thickness, and structural parameters of the flexible electrode layers, the device achieves both adaptability to mechanical deformation and sufficient withstanding capacity to maintain reliability under stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If EL devices are made robust to withstand mechanical deformation, then the device reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliability under mechanical stressVSAvoidstructural complexity of EL device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures combining flexible substrates, stretchable conductive layers, and protective coatings to achieve robust mechanical performance. The composite structure integrates multiple functional layers that work together to provide both reliability under mechanical stress and controlled complexity through material selection rather than complex architectural designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If EL devices are designed for easy repairability, then maintenance cost reduces, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepairability of EL deviceVSAvoidprecision required for repairable design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the EL device into modular segments or layers that can be independently replaced or repaired. This segmentation allows damaged portions to be substituted without replacing the entire device, facilitating easy repair while the modular design enables standardized manufacturing processes that maintain precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device maintains luminance and mechanical properties after self-repair, extending its lifespan and simplifying maintenance by enabling customization and easy repair, reducing the need for frequent replacements in complex electronic systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electroluminescence layer positioned adjacent or in contact with the electrode, the electroluminescence layer being electrically coupled to the electrode, the electroluminescence layer receiving electrical energy from the electrode and illuminating in response to received electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the first electrode, second electrode and the electroluminescence layer are self-repairable such that the function of the electrode and the electroluminescence layer is restored after a deformation, such as a deformation by reforming hydrogen bonds between two adjacent polymer portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 3

the polymer is configured to self-repair by reforming hydrogen bonds and/or covalent bonds between two adjacent polymer portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10868267B2Electroluminescent device and a light emitting system

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

An electroluminescent device including an electrode, the electrode being ionically conductive; an electroluminescence layer positioned adjacent or in contact with the electrode, the electroluminescence layer being electrically coupled to the electrode; the electroluminescence layer receiving electrical energy from the electrode and illuminating in response to received electrical energy, and wherein the electrode and the electroluminescence layer are repairable such that the function of the electrode and the electroluminescence layer is restored after a deformation.