Electrochemically controlled capillarity to dynamically connect portions of an electrical circuit
US11855341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K2203/171
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments herein describe a capillary containing a eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) that is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the PCB includes a capillary, a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a plurality of insulation layers, and a conductive layer. The capillary extends through the PCB. The capillary includes a side surface forming an annular cylinder. A eutectic conductive liquid and an electrolyte are disposed within an aperture formed by the side surface. An electrode extends through the side surface and contacts at least the eutectic conductive liquid or the electrolyte. The negative electrode is disposed at a first end of the capillary. The positive electrode is disposed at a second end of the capillary. The conductive layer is disposed between two of the plurality of insulation layers. The electrode forms an electrical connection with the conductive layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.