Abstract:
A liquid crystal display module (10) defines a housing (24) of essentially C-shaped cross-section for improved economy and for connection, protection, and support of the liquid crystal display (12) and backlighting elements (42, 44). Additionally, the drivers (22) for the LCD may be so located by this invention, as to make room for a more intense light source to illuminate the LCD display. Also, the LCD module may exhibit a software variable color display through the use of one or more white or different color light sources (42, 44) and color polarizers (54, 56). The invention also includes an improvement to the conventional process of applying printed circuitry (18, 32) to the unique housing.
Abstract:
A method of providing an electrical circuit on a surface of a three-dimensionally shaped substrate of insulating plastics material comprising providing a carrier film (33) of insulating plastics material with a circuit pattern (31) of electro-conductive or electro-resistive, heat-resistant synthetic resin applied to at least one face (32); supporting a face of the carrier; forming a carrier into a given three-dimensional shape; and, moulding, by the application of heat and pressure in a mould cavity (38), a substrate (34) of insulating plastics material against the unsupported face of the carrier; so that the circuit is embedded in or within a three-dimensional surface of the moulded substrate.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for manufacturing shape-retaining non-flat devices comprising elements such as components integrated on a device surface, the non-flat devices being made by deformation of a flat device. Based on the layout of a non-flat device, a layout of a flat device is first designed. A method for designing the layout of such a flat device is provided, in which the method includes inserting mechanical interconnections between pairs of elements to unambiguously define the position of the elements on a surface of the non-flat device, thus leaving zero or less than zero degrees of freedom for the location of the components. Based on the layout of a flat device thus obtained, the flat device is manufactured and next transformed into the shape-retaining non-flat device by means of a thermoforming process, thereby accurately and reproducibly positioning the elements at a predetermined location on a surface of the non-flat device.
Abstract:
In an embodiment, a printing method for forming a conductive line on a plastic substrate for use in an automobile, comprises one or both of inkjet printing and screen printing the conductive line on the plastic substrate while the plastic substrate is fixed in a fixture of an automatic printing machine; the conductive mixture comprises a conductive paste; a solvent; and an adhesion agent; and wherein the conductive line is a busbar, a grid line, or an antenna line in the automobile.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing a deformable printed-circuit substrate in the form of a laminate consisting of an adhesion promoter film (1), optionally an adhesive layer (2), a printed-circuit film substrate (3) and a purely metallic conductor track (4), the latter having a preferred thickness of the order of magnitude of 1000 atomic layers. The invention also relates to a deformable printed-circuit substrate (1-4). In the method according to the invention, the printed-circuit substrate (1-4) is shaped by means of a gaseous pressure medium, at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and below the melting temperature of the printed-circuit film substrate (3) being shaped, under a sudden, high gas pressure. Thanks to the invention, sharply deformed printed-circuit substrates, in particular freely or spherically shaped printed-circuit substrates can be produced, even with purely metallic conductor tracks. Optional back-moulding (9) and application of decorative layers (11) and/or coating layers (10) allow producing multifunctional, seamlessly and freely shaped plastic components with integrated electronic elements.
Abstract:
Methods of transferring an electrically conductive material to a substrate are disclosed. The methods include: a) contacting at least a portion of the substrate with an electrically conductive material disposed on a carrier film; and b) applying heat and pressure to the substrate and carrier film for a period of time ranging from 1 to 40 seconds, at a temperature ranging from 200°F to 450°F, and at a pressure ranging from 30 to 150 psi, such that the electrically conductive material adheres to the substrate. Methods of forming a layered structure are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a curved circuit assembly comprises providing a circuit board (80) having a surface and a plurality of recesses (10) opening onto the surface. The surface includes a plurality of conductive tracks (30). A circuit assembly is formed by placing an electronic component (20) within each of said recesses (10) and forming a conductive join (50) between the electronic component (20) and at least one of the conducting tracks (30). The circuit assembly is then bent.
Abstract:
A composite interconnect assembly includes a body structure (102) formed from a composite material (e.g., a carbon graphite material) with one or more conductive traces embedded therein (e.g., a copper or copper alloy). One or more contact regions (106) are provided such that the conductive traces (104) are exposed and are configured to mechanically and electrically connect to one or more electronic components. The body structure may have a variety of shapes, including planar, cylindrical, conical, and the like.