Viscoelastic Conformal Coating for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water-resistant coatings for electronic devices are costly, time-consuming to apply, and can inhibit functionality due to thickness, while also being prone to abrasion and requiring masking of components, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A non-Newtonian fluid composition with viscoelastic properties, comprising hydrophobic materials like polysiloxane compounds, that forms a thin, self-healing, electrical insulating coating which can be applied without masking components, redistributing to protect electronic devices from contaminants and maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conformal coatings are applied to protect electronic devices from liquids, then protection from contaminants is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to required masking of components
Solution Approach 1:
The coating composition contains a reactive component that automatically reacts with moisture or water upon exposure, forming a protective layer in situ without requiring pre-application masking. The coating self-adjusts to protect exposed components while allowing proper functioning of covered components, eliminating the need for complex masking procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional conformal coatings are applied to protect electronic devices from liquids, then protection from contaminants is improved, but manufacturing time increases due to masking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coating composition is applied to the entire circuit board without masking, and the protective function is achieved through post-application exposure to moisture or water, which triggers the formation of the protective layer. This eliminates time-consuming masking and unmasking steps while maintaining effective protection.
3Reliability
If traditional conformal coatings are applied to protect electronic devices, then protection from liquids is improved, but coating thickness adversely affects device functionality and acts as thermal insulator
Solution Approach 1:
The coating provides different properties in different locations: areas exposed to moisture or water during operation receive a thicker protective layer formed by the reactive component, while areas that should remain accessible maintain thinner coating thickness. This localized variation ensures protection where needed while preserving thermal and electrical performance where required.
4Reliability
If traditional conformal coatings are applied to protect electronic devices, then protection from liquids is improved, but coating durability decreases due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The coating composition includes a polymer component that provides flexible, durable protection resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress. The dynamic nature of the polymer matrix allows the coating to withstand bending, vibration, and handling during device operation while maintaining its protective barrier properties.
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 non-Newtonian fluid coating reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for masking, provides effective protection against liquids and abrasion, and maintains the electronic device's functionality without acting as a thermal insulator, allowing for normal radio frequency and thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-Newtonian fluid composition with viscoelastic properties, comprising hydrophobic materials like polysiloxane compounds, that forms a thin, self-healing, electrical insulating coating which can be applied without masking components, redistributing to protect electronic devices from contaminants and maintain functionality
Implementation Method 2
at least one hydrophobic fluid, wherein the hydrophobic fluid forms a viscoelastic coating that has electrical insulating properties, and is hydrophobic, oleophobic, oleophilic, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for forming a protective coating on an electronic device that is in the form of a non-Newtonian fluid that exhibits both viscous and elastic properties, and that forms at least one coating that is hydrophobic, oleophobic, or oleophilic is disclosed. The viscous and elastic properties associated with the non-Newtonian fluid allows the composition to redistribute after being applied as a coating an electronic device. Methods for protecting an electronic device from liquid contaminants by applying the disclosed composition and electronic devices comprising the composition are also disclosed. An electronic device, such as a printed circuit board, having a film made of the composition is also disclosed.