Stretchable Conductive Connecting Element for Flexible Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive lines in flexible electronic devices are not stretchable, leading to damage or breakage upon repeated bending, folding, or stretching, which compromises the reliability of these devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a connecting element with a stretchable conductive unit and a buffer conductive unit, where the yield strain of the stretchable conductive unit is greater than that of the buffer conductive unit, to disperse stress and prevent damage to conductive lines, ensuring electrical connectivity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive lines are used in flexible electronic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the conductive lines become damaged or break due to high strain during repeated bending, folding, or stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive line is divided into multiple segments: rigid conductive units (electrodes) and flexible connecting elements (stretchable conductive units and buffer conductive units). This segmentation allows different parts to have different mechanical properties, with the connecting elements absorbing strain during bending and folding, thereby preventing damage to the rigid electrodes while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is constructed using composite material structure combining stretchable conductive units and buffer conductive units with different yield strains. The stretchable conductive unit has higher yield strain to accommodate large deformations, while the buffer conductive unit has lower yield strain to provide stress relief, creating a composite system that balances flexibility and structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the yield strain of the stretchable conductive unit is greater than that of the buffer conductive unit, then stress is effectively dispersed and conductive line damage is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the connecting element are assigned different material properties: the stretchable conductive unit is designed with higher yield strain for regions experiencing large deformations, while the buffer conductive unit uses lower yield strain material for regions requiring stress relief. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes stress distribution while providing clear manufacturing guidelines for material selection and processing.
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 solution effectively prevents conductive line damage during bending, folding, or stretching, enhancing the amplitude of these actions while maintaining functional stability in flexible electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element includes at least one stretchable conductive unit and at least one buffer conductive unit, wherein the buffer conductive unit contacts the electrode, and the stretchable conductive unit is electrically connected to the electrode through the buffer conductive unit. The yield strain of the stretchable conductive unit is greater than the yield strain of the buffer conductive unit.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a stretchable substrate, a plurality of electronic elements, and at least one connection element. The electronic elements and the connection element are disposed on the stretchable substrate. The connection element is disposed between two adjacent electronic elements, and the two adjacent electronic elements are electrically connected to each other via the connection element. Each electronic element may include at least one functional unit and an electrode, wherein the electrode is in direct contact with the functional unit. The connecting element includes at least one stretchable conductive unit and at least one buffer conductive unit, wherein the buffer conductive unit contacts the electrode, and the stretchable conductive unit is electrically connected to the electrode through the buffer conductive unit. The yield strain of the stretchable conductive unit is greater than the yield strain of the buffer conductive unit.