Stretchable Circuit Interconnects for Wearable Biometric Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges with the unreliability of flexible circuit boards due to repeated flexion causing noise and delamination, limited range of motion, and design constraints imposed by rigid PCB connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of stretchable circuit board technology with a multi-pin snap-fit attachment mechanism for reliable electrical interconnections between rigid and flexible/stretchable substrates, allowing greater flexibility and improved connectivity while minimizing noise and design constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid circuit boards are used in wearable devices, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and range of motion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into rigid and flexible segments. The rigid portion maintains structural stability for component mounting, while the flexible portion enables bending and stretching for wearable applications. This segmentation allows each part to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board uses composite construction combining rigid and flexible materials in a single structure. This composite approach provides both structural stability where needed and flexibility where required, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible circuit boards are used to improve flexibility, then range of motion increases, but reliability decreases due to repeated flexion causing noise and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the circuit board have different properties. The rigid portion provides stable electrical connections and structural support, while the flexible portion provides bending capability. This local differentiation ensures that connection reliability is maintained in areas subject to stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion acts as an intermediary between the rigid portion and the wearable device surface. It absorbs mechanical stress and deformation, protecting the rigid circuit traces from damage while still enabling the overall device to bend and stretch.
3Device complexity
If single connection point design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but range of motion and design freedom are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple independent connection points distributed across the flexible portion. This allows the device to bend and stretch in multiple directions without compromising electrical connections, significantly increasing range of motion while maintaining manageable complexity through modular connection design.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit interconnect may be used in biometric data sensing and feedback applications. A circuit interconnect may be used in device device-to-device connections (e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) devices), including applications that require connection between stretchable and rigid substrates. A circuit interconnect may include a multi-pin, snap-fit attachment mechanism, where the attachment mechanism provides an electrical interconnection between a rigid substrate and a flexible or stretchable substrate. The combination of a circuit interconnect and flexible or stretchable substrate provides improved electrical connection reliability, allows for greater stretchability and flexibility of the circuit traces, and allows for more options in connecting a stretchable circuit trace to a rigid PCB.