Spiral LCP Conductor Layout for Multi-Directional Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elongate conductor arrangements using LCP technology are limited in flexibility, as they can only be bent in one plane, and combining them with other conductor types like wires or coils reduces the economic potential and increases mechanical stress and material fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A twisted spiral configuration of an elongate sheet substrate with LCP material, allowing conductor lines to be easily bent in various directions, minimizing mechanical stress and fatigue by ensuring a section always extends orthogonal to bending forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an LCP substrate is used for conductor paths, then high conductor density and integration are achieved, but the substrate can only be bent in one plane due to sheet geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by transforming the flat LCP substrate into a spiral configuration with continuous curvature. The conductor path is wound into a spiral shape that can be bent in multiple directions, converting the limitation of planar bending into a multi-directional flexibility advantage through geometric curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar substrate to a three-dimensional spiral structure. This dimensional change enables the conductor arrangement to be bent and configured in various spatial directions while maintaining the LCP substrate's inherent properties, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wires or wire coils are used instead of LCP substrates, then flexibility in various directions is achieved, but LCP technology advantages are reduced and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexibility advantages of coiled structures with the material properties of LCP substrates. By forming a spiral configuration from the LCP substrate itself rather than combining LCP with separate wire or coil elements, the invention achieves multi-directional flexibility while maintaining the fatigue resistance and reliability of the LCP material throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the LCP substrate by transforming it into a spiral configuration. This parameter change enables the substrate to exhibit flexibility in various directions while preserving the material's inherent mechanical properties, thereby achieving both adaptability and reliability without the need for alternative conductor types.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate conductor arrangement for electrical connection to a medical device is proposed, including an elongate sheet substrate and at least two conductor lines. Therein, the elongate sheet substrate comprises a support layer consisting of a LCP material. The conductor lines are arranged along a surface of the sheet substrate. The sheet substrate is twisted around a longitudinal axis of the sheet substrate into a spiral configuration. The conductor arrangement is easily bendable in various directions and allow a simple electrical connection to e.g. a circuitry of a medical device beneficially using LCP technology.