Stretchable Carrier Structure for Stable Wearable Electronics Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interface between flexible and rigid components in wearable devices deteriorates when stretched or bent, leading to transmission problems and reduced detection quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating structures within the carrier to secure and distribute stress between the carrier and electronic components, using materials like copper and gallium to mitigate strain and prevent delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible carrier is used to allow the wearable device to adhere to and move with the user's body, then the adaptability and comfort are improved, but the interface between the flexible carrier and rigid electronic components deteriorates when stretched or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component is divided into multiple segments or layers, with flexible interconnections between them. This segmentation allows each layer to move independently, accommodating the stretching and bending of the flexible carrier while maintaining electrical connectivity through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) or thin film interconnects are used to connect electronic components to the flexible carrier. These flexible interconnection layers can withstand repeated stretching and bending without delamination or cracking, maintaining reliable electrical connections while enabling the device to conform to body shapes.
2Reliability
If rigid electronic components are integrated into the flexible wearable device, then the functional performance is improved, but the interface between rigid components and flexible carrier deteriorates under strain
Solution Approach 1:
Composite material structures are employed at the interface between rigid electronic components and the flexible carrier. This may include layered composites combining rigid, flexible, and adhesive materials, or gradient composites with varying mechanical properties that smoothly transition between the rigid component and flexible carrier, preventing stress concentration and delamination.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer or buffer structure is introduced between the rigid electronic component and the flexible carrier. This intermediary layer acts as a stress-absorbing interface that decouples the mechanical constraints of the rigid component from the deformation of the flexible carrier, preventing direct transmission of harmful stresses while maintaining electrical and mechanical connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If the wearable device is stretched or bent to conform to the user's body, then the comfort and fit are improved, but transmission problems and detection quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic strain compensation mechanisms that automatically adjust electrical connections and signal transmission paths in response to device deformation. When the wearable device is stretched or bent, the dynamic structure maintains optimal electrical contact and signal integrity, ensuring consistent detection quality regardless of the device's conformal position on the body.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a carrier configured to be stretchable and a first electronic component disposed over the carrier. The electronic device also includes a structure at least partially disposed within the carrier and connected to the first electronic component. The structure is configured to reduce displacement between the carrier and the first electronic component.