Visible Humidity Indicator Layout for Non-Destructive Electronic Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic packages face challenges in detecting and monitoring moisture/humidity levels without consuming power and with low sensitivity, often requiring destructive methods to access humidity sensors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a humidity indicator within the electronic package that is visible from outside, embedded in the encapsulant or carrier, allowing non-destructive monitoring of moisture/humidity levels through visible changes in color or texture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a humidity sensor is provided in the electronic package, then humidity monitoring is enabled, but the sensor consumes power and has low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic humidity sensor with a chemical humidity indicator that changes color based on moisture levels. This substitution eliminates power consumption while maintaining humidity monitoring capability through visible color changes of the indicator material embedded in the encapsulant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color-changing properties of humidity-sensitive indicator materials embedded in the encapsulant. The indicator transitions between different colors (e.g., blue to pink) in response to humidity levels, providing visual feedback without requiring power or electronic components.
2Reliability
If a humidity sensor is provided in the electronic package, then humidity monitoring is enabled, but the sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs highly sensitive color-changing indicator materials that exhibit distinct color transitions at specific humidity thresholds. These chemical indicators provide superior sensitivity compared to electronic sensors, enabling precise detection of humidity levels through visible color changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical signals (in electronic sensors) to optical properties (color changes). This parameter transformation enables higher sensitivity and more visible detection of humidity variations through the optical characteristics of the indicator material.
3Reliability
If the humidity sensor is arranged within the electronic package, then humidity monitoring is enabled, but the sensor is hidden and inconvenient for retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the humidity indicator visually accessible through color changes that can be observed through the encapsulant material. The color-changing property allows users to monitor humidity levels externally without needing to open or disassemble the package, improving accessibility while maintaining internal placement.
4Loss of information
If parts of the electronic package are destroyed to obtain sensor results, then humidity data is accessible, but the package integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to destroy or open the package by using color-changing indicators that are visible through the encapsulant. Users can obtain humidity data by observing the color of the indicator material from the outside, completely preserving package integrity while providing full access to humidity information.
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
Enables cost-effective, high-sensitivity, and non-destructive monitoring of moisture/humidity levels by observing visible changes in the humidity indicator, eliminating the need for power-consuming sensors.
Implementation Method 1
humidity-sensitive material embedded in the encapsulant or dielectric layer, allowing for non-destructive monitoring by observing changes in its condition, like color or crystalline state
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a carrier, an optical component disposed on the carrier and a humidity indicator within the electronic package. A position of the humidity indicator within the electronic package is arranged such that at least a part of the humidity indicator is visible from a viewpoint outside of the electronic package.