Soft Electronic Component Capacitive Coupling for Shielded Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission methods for soft flexible electrical components face challenges such as mechanical failure, complexity, and the need for permanent connections, especially in wet environments, due to the exposure of conductive structures and reliance on mechanical connections that are prone to corrosion and signal noise.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission apparatus using soft electronic components with overlapping shielding electrodes that create capacitive coupling regions, allowing for electrical communication without piercing or compromising the structural integrity, and enabling easy connection and disconnection of modular elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical connections are used to connect soft flexible circuits to rigid circuits, then electrical connection is achieved, but mechanical failure occurs due to exposure of conductive structures and corrosion in wet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connections (crimp connectors, exposed terminals) with capacitive coupling. The soft flexible circuit contains conductive traces that are capacitively coupled to corresponding conductive traces on the rigid circuit board through a dielectric barrier, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and exposure of conductive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dielectric film or encapsulating layer to cover and protect the conductive traces on the soft flexible circuit. This thin film barrier prevents exposure of conductive structures while allowing capacitive coupling to occur, thus protecting against corrosion and mechanical failure in wet environments.
2Reliability
If conductive structures are exposed to enable direct mechanical contact, then electrical connection is established, but signal noise and corrosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between conductive structures with capacitive coupling. The conductive traces on the soft flexible circuit are coupled to the rigid circuit board through a dielectric barrier, eliminating the need for exposed terminals and direct mechanical contact, thus preventing signal noise and corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric film or encapsulating layer as an intermediary between the conductive traces of the soft flexible circuit and the rigid circuit board. This intermediary enables electrical connection through capacitive coupling while preventing direct contact that would cause signal noise and corrosion.
3Strength
If crimp-style connectors with teeth are used to pin the connection, then mechanical connection is achieved, but the flexible circuit is pierced creating mechanical weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces crimp-style mechanical connectors that pierce the flexible circuit with capacitive coupling. The conductive traces are coupled through a dielectric barrier without piercing or creating mechanical weak points, thus maintaining structural integrity while achieving reliable electrical connection.
4Reliability
If additional processing steps are performed to seal or protect the flexible circuit after connection, then protection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the dielectric encapsulating layer or conformal coating as part of the soft flexible circuit structure before connection is made. This preliminary protection eliminates the need for additional post-connection sealing or protecting steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 provides a reliable, repeatable, and environmentally robust signal transmission method that maintains continuous shielding and reduces post-processing steps, minimizing mechanical failure and signal interference while allowing for flexible and stretchable components to maintain functionality across various motions and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the signal electrode is exposed by the one or more shielding electrodes to allow capacitive coupling of the signal electrode to a signal electrode of another component
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the invention provides a soft electronic component having a signal electrode and one or more shielding electrodes overlapping the signal electrode to shield the signal electrode, wherein the soft electronic component is arranged to provide one or more signal-coupling regions in which the signal electrode is exposed by the one or more shielding electrodes to allow capacitive coupling of the signal electrode to a signal electrode of another component, wherein the one or more shielding electrodes are arranged to provide one or more shield-coupling regions to allow the capacitive coupling of a shielding electrode to the other component, and wherein the coupling region is covered by a dielectric material.