Electrical circuit suspension system
First Claim
1. An apparatus suspending, interconnecting, and protecting components of an electrical circuit, the apparatus comprising:
- An electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape when subjected to external forces;
electrical circuit components in addition to electrical interconnects suspended by the insulative body;
at least one electrical contact protruding from a surface of the insulative body; and
stretchable electrical interconnects; and
wherein the components of the electrical circuit move with respect to each other and remain in constant electrical contact as the insulative body changes shape.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method wherein electrical components are mechanically suspended and electrically interconnected in an insulative elastomeric body, such as silicone, thereby eliminating the need for a circuit board or other circuit substrate. The device can change shape through compression, distension, flexure, and other external forces while maintaining its electrical performance and mechanical integrity. The device can be compressed and deformed to fit snugly within another device, such as the shell of an electrical connector or a plastic clamshell, simultaneously creating spring forces for reliable electrical contacts and an environmental seal. Accordingly, the device and method can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as electrical filtering for avionics, computer or automotive connectors, or a non-intrusive manner to package electronics for medical implants.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. An apparatus suspending, interconnecting, and protecting components of an electrical circuit, the apparatus comprising:
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An electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape when subjected to external forces;
electrical circuit components in addition to electrical interconnects suspended by the insulative body;
at least one electrical contact protruding from a surface of the insulative body; and
stretchable electrical interconnects; and
wherein the components of the electrical circuit move with respect to each other and remain in constant electrical contact as the insulative body changes shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for insulating and protecting components of an electrical circuit, the apparatus comprising:
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an electrically and mechanically insulative body that changes shape;
electrical circuit components in addition to electrical interconnects suspended by the insulative body;
at least one electrical contact on a surface of the insulative body interconnected with the electrical circuit to make at least one electrical connection that fits tightly against an external electrical contact due to compressive force of the insulative body; and
stretchable electrical interconnects; and
wherein the electrical circuit components move with respect to each other and remain in constant electrical contact as the insulative body changes shape. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification