Stretchable Optical Interconnects for Wearable Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic systems face challenges in maintaining reliable communication between electronic components under stress and flexibility, as existing packaging materials and interconnects often fail to accommodate stretching and rotation without compromising functionality.

Innovation Solution

A stretchable packaging system utilizing optical interconnects made of elastomers and an encapsulant layer with varying thickness, allowing for flexible and durable connectivity between electronic components, which can stretch and rotate while maintaining signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid interconnects and packaging materials are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and stretchability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastomer encapsulant layer that completely encapsulates the electronic components and interconnects, providing flexibility and stretchability while maintaining structural integrity. The elastomer acts as a flexible shell that allows the device to deform without compromising the internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnect structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to deformation. The elastomer-based interconnects can stretch and rotate dynamically, maintaining electrical and optical connectivity even when the device undergoes cyclic deformation during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If stretchable materials are used for interconnects, then flexibility is improved, but signal integrity and communication reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical interconnects with optical interconnects using light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the problems of electrical signal degradation in stretchable materials, as optical signals are not affected by the mechanical deformation of the elastomer medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite structures combining elastomers with conductive and optical elements. The elastomer provides mechanical flexibility while embedded conductive traces and optical waveguides maintain electrical and optical signal integrity during deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid packaging structures are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but durability under cyclic stress is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging precisionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the packaging material from rigid to elastomeric, allowing the structure to accommodate cyclic stress and strain. This parameter change maintains manufacturing precision through controlled elastomer casting while dramatically improving durability under wear conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system enhances durability and reliability by distributing stress effectively, allowing for cyclical stretching and increased modularity, reducing the need for voltage-level shifting, and supporting higher bandwidths with improved mechanical reliability.

Implementation Method 1

electronic components in communication with each other through an interconnection element... optical interconnects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

Flexible and stretchable optical interconnect in wearable systems... stretchable packaging system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10353146B2Flexible and stretchable optical interconnect in wearable systems

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments disclosed relate to a stretchable packaging system. The system includes a first electronic component. The first electronic component includes a first optical emitter. The system further includes a second electronic component. The second electronic component includes a first receiver. An optical interconnect including a first elastomer having a first refractive index connects the first optical emitter to the first receiver. An encapsulate layer including a second elastomer having a second refractive index at least partially encapsulates the first electronic component, the second electronic component, and the optical interconnect.