Stress relief for array-based electronic devices

摘要

In accordance with certain embodiments, an electric device includes a flexible substrate having first and second conductive traces on a first surface thereof and separated by a gap therebetween, an electronic component spanning the gap, and a stiffener configured to substantially prevent flexing of the substrate proximate the gap during flexing of the substrate.

主权项

1. An electronic device comprising:
a flexible substrate having first and second conductive traces disposed on and affixed to a first surface thereof, the first and second conductive traces being separated on the substrate by a gap therebetween; and spanning the gap between the first and second conductive traces, a light-emitting diode having first and second distinct contacts on a first surface thereof, the first and second contacts being attached to and in electrical contact with, respectively, the first and second conductive traces, wherein:
the first conductive trace comprises, disposed on and affixed to the first surface of the substrate, (a) a first portion of the first conductive trace comprising a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions, (b) a second portion of the first conductive trace extending away from the gap and from the first portion of the first conductive trace, and (c) a third portion of the first conductive trace (i) disposed on and affixed to the first surface of the substrate, (ii) connecting and disposed between the first and second portions of the first conductive trace, and (iii) extending along a serpentine path,the second conductive trace comprises, disposed on and affixed to the first surface of the substrate, (i) a first portion of the second conductive trace comprising a plurality of protrusions and (ii) a second portion of the second conductive trace extending away from the gap and from the first portion of the second conductive trace,the gap comprises (i) a narrow portion disposed between a protrusion of the first conductive trace and a protrusion of the second conductive trace, and (ii) a wide portion, longer along a direction from the first conductive trace to the second conductive trace than the narrow portion, comprising (a) a first area between protrusions of the first conductive trace, and (b) a second area between protrusions of the second conductive trace, andthe light-emitting diode spans only the narrow portion of the gap, the first contact of the light-emitting diode being attached to a protrusion of the first conductive trace and the second contact of the light-emitting diode being attached to a protrusion of the second conductive trace.