Stretchable interconnects using stress gradient films
First Claim
1. A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices which are supported for movement relative to one another, comprising:
- a photolithographically patterned stretchable conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being comprised of a conductive material, wherein said interconnect comprises a coiled conductor which as patterned has a stress gradient extending through at least a portion of the thickness of said conductor, and wherein as photolithographically patterned and prior to coiling said interconnect comprises at least one “
V”
shaped section, which when unsupported forms said coil.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices comprises a photolithographically patterned conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device. The stretchable interconnect preferably comprises a coiled conductor. The coiled conductor is formed of a metal or alloy having a stress gradient extending through a thickness of said conductor. A sensor array employs the stretchable interconnects to connect contacts of one electronic device to another electronic device. The sensor array can be employed in a flexible or stretchable sensing skin of a robot as well as other applications. The stretchable interconnects can be formed by a photolithographic process on the same substrate which supports the electronic devices. The interconnects become stretchable when the supporting substrate is removed from the interconnect. Preferably coils which are formed are di-helic.
211 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices which are supported for movement relative to one another, comprising:
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a photolithographically patterned stretchable conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being comprised of a conductive material, wherein said interconnect comprises a coiled conductor which as patterned has a stress gradient extending through at least a portion of the thickness of said conductor, and wherein as photolithographically patterned and prior to coiling said interconnect comprises at least one “
V”
shaped section, which when unsupported forms said coil.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A sensor array comprising at least two electronic devices which are supported for movement relative to one another and at least one stretchable interconnect for connecting said electronic devices, said interconnect comprising:
- a photolithographically patterned stretchable conductor extending between said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being formed of a conductive material,
wherein said interconnect comprises a coiled conductor which as patterned has a stress gradient extending through at least a portion of the thickness of said conductor, and wherein as photolitographically patterned and prior to coiling said interconnect comprises at least one “
V ”
shaped section which when unsupported, forms said coil.- View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- a photolithographically patterned stretchable conductor extending between said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being formed of a conductive material,
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13. A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices which are supported for movement relative to one another, comprising:
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a patterned stretchable conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being comprised of a conductive material, wherein said interconnect comprises a coiled conductor which as patterned has a stress gradient extending through at least a portion of the thickness of said conductor, and wherein as patterned and prior to coiling said interconnect comprises at least one section shaped to reduce stress concentration, which when unsupported forms said coil. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A sensor array comprising at least two electronic devices which are supported for movement relative to one another and at least one stretchable interconnect for connecting said electronic devices, said interconnect comprising:
- a patterned stretchable conductor extending between said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being formed of a conductive material,
wherein said interconnect comprises a coiled conductor which as patterned has a stress gradient extending through at least a portion of the thickness of said conductor, and wherein as patterned and prior to coiling said interconnect comprises at least one section shaped to reduce stress concentration, which when unsupported forms said coil. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
- a patterned stretchable conductor extending between said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device, said conductor being formed of a conductive material,
Specification