Stretchable Device Cover Layer Moisture Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stretchable devices with exposed adhesive agent layers through opening portions in the substrate suffer from improved air permeability but compromised moisture resistance, leading to potential moisture infiltration into the wiring.

Innovation Solution

A stretchable device design featuring a stretchable substrate with a discontinuous region, where the first and second cover layers are connected in the discontinuous region, effectively covering the inner side surface of the substrate and preventing moisture infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If the adhesive agent layer is exposed through the opening portion of the stretchable substrate, then air permeability is improved, but moisture infiltration into the wiring occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair permeabilityVSAvoidmoisture infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cover layer as an intermediary element that bridges the opening portion of the substrate. The cover layer is positioned to cover the exposed adhesive agent layer and inner side surface of the substrate, preventing moisture infiltration while maintaining air permeability. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by providing a protective barrier without completely sealing the opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a cover layer made of flexible material that can conform to the stretchable substrate. This thin film structure covers the opening portion and exposed surfaces, providing moisture protection while allowing the device to maintain its stretchability and air permeability. The flexible nature of the cover layer enables it to function as an effective barrier without compromising the device's mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the adhesive agent layer is exposed through the opening portion, then air permeability is improved, but the inner side surface of the substrate becomes exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair permeabilityVSAvoidprotection of inner side surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover layer serves as an intermediary structure that extends to cover not only the exposed adhesive agent layer but also the inner side surface of the substrate forming the opening portion. This mediator element provides comprehensive protection to previously exposed surfaces while preserving air permeability through the opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover layer extends into the opening portion from the outer surface, providing coverage in the third dimension (depth). This dimensional extension allows the cover layer to protect the inner side surface and adhesive agent layer that were previously exposed, while maintaining the opening's air permeability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250089177A1Stretchable device

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A stretchable device including: a stretchable substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; stretchable wiring adjacent the first main surface; a first cover layer covering the first main surface and the stretchable wiring; and a second cover layer covering the second main surface, wherein at least the stretchable substrate includes a discontinuous region, and the first cover layer and the second cover layer are connected to each other in the discontinuous region.