Patent Publication Number: US-2019192036-A1

Title: Electronic device and method of manufacturing electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of International Application PCT/JP2016/077488 filed on Sep. 16, 2016 and designated the U.S., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiments discussed herein relate to an electronic device and a method of manufacturing the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Nowadays, there are proposed wearable devices attached to the skin to detect information such as biological signals or a secretion such as sweat produced by a biological body. 
     Related art is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2014-237060, Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2015-513104 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2016-125023. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the embodiments, an electronic device includes: a polymer film that is to melt at a predetermined temperature higher than a body temperature; at least one electronic component provided in the polymer film; and a first hydrophobic film provided on an opposite surface of the polymer film to a side of the polymer film to be attached to skin. 
     The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2F  illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A to 3C  illustrate an example of a procedure for removing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 1  from the skin; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIGS. 5A to 5F  illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6A to 6E  illustrate another example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  illustrate yet another example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIGS. 11A to 11E  illustrate an example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIGS. 12A to 12C  illustrate steps of the method of manufacturing the electronic device following the method illustrated in  FIGS. 11A to 11E ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device; 
         FIGS. 15A to 15E  illustrate an example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A device that detects biological signals includes a hydrophilic conductive polymer film to be attached to the skin, a polymer gel film, and a protective sheet covering the polymer gel film. A device that detects components of sweat includes a plurality of gates, bridges, and pads. The time required for the sweat to be transmitted through the gates varies from one gate to another. The bridges gradually dissolve due to sweat transmitted from the gates. The pads collect sweat transmitted from the bridges. There is also proposed a technique for attaching a wearable device to the skin with an adhesive. An organic material having crystallinity is added this adhesive so as to reduce the adhesion of the adhesive when heated. 
     In use, the above-described wearable device is attached to the skin such that the wearable device is in close contact with the skin. After use of the device, the wearable device in close contact with the skin is removed from the skin. This may damage the skin when the device is removed from the skin. Even when the adhesive the adhesion of which reduces due to heating is used, there still remains adhesion. Thus, the skin may be damaged when the device is removed from the skin. When the adhesive is dissolved using a solvent or the like so as to remove the device from the skin, the skin may be damaged by the solvent. 
     In one aspect, damage to the skin when an electronic device attached to the skin is removed from the skin may be surpressed. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device. An electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is to be attached to skin  10  of, for example, a human body and collects biological information such as body temperature or heart rate, for example. An upper portion of  FIG. 1  illustrates a section of the electronic device  100 , and a lower portion of  FIG. 1  illustrates an upper surface of the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  includes a water-soluble polymer film  20  having an inner surface  23  which is a surface to be attached to the skin  10 , a predetermined number of electronic components  30  ( 31 ,  32 ,  33 ) disposed in the polymer film  20 , and wiring  40  that couples the terminals of the electronic components  30  to one another. The electronic device  100  is to be attached to the skin  10  by utilizing an adhesive property of the polymer film  20 . In addition, the electronic device  100  has a hydrophobic film  50  provided on an outer surface  24  which is a surface opposite to the inner surface  23  of the polymer film  20 . The hydrophobic film  50  is an example of a first hydrophobic film. The hydrophobic film  50  is formed of, for example, a powdered silicone resin or a powdered fluororesin and has a waterproof function with which water or the like is repelled. By the hydrophobic film  50 , even when water or the like is applied to the electronic device  100  attached to the skin  10 , dissolution of the water-soluble polymer film  20  is able to be suppressed. As a result, failure of the electronic device  100  due to dissolution of the polymer film  20  may be suppressed. When a single electronic component  30  is mounted on the electronic device  100 , the wiring  40  is not necessarily formed. 
     The polymer film  20  includes laminated polymer films  21  and  22 , and the electronic components  30  are disposed at the interface between the polymer films  21  and  22 . For example, the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  is higher than the melting temperature of the polymer film  22 . By setting the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  to be higher than the melting temperature of the polymer film  22 , reaction between the polymer film  21  and sweat produced from the skin  10  may be suppressed. For example, the polymer film  21  is formed of polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 2,500, and the polymer film  22  is formed of polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 2,000. By making the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol forming the polymer film  21  larger than the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol forming the polymer film  22 , the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  becomes higher than the melting temperature of the polymer film  22 . The melting temperature of the polymer films  21  and  22  is about 50 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the body temperature (the surface temperature of the skin). Therefore, in a state where the electronic device  100  is attached to the skin  10 , neither of the polymer films  21  and  22  are deformed by melting, and the electronic device  100  maintains the shape illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Here, the melting temperature is a temperature at which the polymer film  20  begins to melt, and the polymer film  20  exceeding the melting temperature is deformed by gravity or an external force. The melting temperatures of the polymer films  21  and  22  may be set equal to each other. 
     The polymer film  20  may be formed of another material such as gelatin whose melting temperature is higher than the body temperature or a mixture of polyethylene glycol and gelatin. Alternatively, the polymer film  20  may be formed of a mixture of polyethylene glycol and collagen, a mixture of polyethylene glycol and starch, a mixture of gelatin and collagen, or a mixture of gelatin and starch. For example, the polymer film  20  may be formed of a mixture containing at least one of polyethylene glycol and gelatin and at least one of collagen and starch. By using naturally occurring collagen, starch or gelatin as the material of the polymer film  20 , an environmental burden caused by the manufacture of the electronic device  100  may be reduced. Hereinafter, polyethylene glycol and gelatin are also referred to as meltable materials that melt by heating, and collagen and starch are also referred to as non-meltable materials that do not melt by heating. 
     The melting temperature of the meltable material is set to such a temperature that is higher than the body temperature and does not cause burns. Preferably the melting temperature is set in a range of, for example, 45 to 60 degrees Celsius. In order to deform the electronic device  100  attached to the skin  10  by heating so as to disintegrate the electronic device  100 , it is preferable that the meltable material contained in the polymer film  20  be more than the non-meltable material contained in the polymer film  20  in, for example, volume ratio. When the meltable material contained in the polymer film  20  is more than the non-meltable material contained in the polymer film  20 , the non-meltable material is distributed in the meltable material. Therefore, when the meltable material melts due to heating, the non-meltable material is separated into pieces, and the electronic device  100  is likely to be disintegrated. In contrast, when non-meltable material contained in the polymer film  20  is more than the meltable material contained in the polymer film  20 , the meltable material is distributed in the non-meltable material. Therefore, even when the meltable material is melted by heating, the non-meltable material is not separated into pieces, and the electronic device  100  is less likely to be disintegrated. 
     By forming the polymer film  20  from a material in which the meltable material and the non-meltable material are mixed, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the polymer film  20  compared to the case where the polymer film  20  is formed only with the meltable material. Thus, the electronic device  100  may become difficult to be deformed even when subjected to an external force or the like, and accordingly, the reliability of the wiring  40  and the like may be improved. Furthermore, even when the rigidity is high, as described with reference to  FIG. 4 , by heating the polymer film  20 , the electronic device  100  is able to be washed off together with the electronic components  30  without being pulled off from the skin  10 . 
     For example, the electronic component  31  is a battery, the electronic component  32  is a temperature sensor or the like, and the electronic component  33  is a communication interface such as a Bluetooth module (Bluetooth is a registered trademark). The electronic component  31  may instead be a solar panel or a battery with a solar panel. When a temperature sensor is used as the electronic component  32 , body temperature of a patient or the like is measurable at a medical site or a nursing care site. 
     In the case of measuring the heart rate of a patient or the like, a vibration sensor or an optical module including an infrared LED (light emitting diode) for outputting infrared light and a receiving unit for infrared light is used as the electronic component  32 . In the case of measuring the blood pressure of a patient or the like, a pressure sensor or a piezoelectric sensor is used as the electronic component  32 . In the case of acquiring an electrocardiogram of a patient or the like, an acceleration sensor is used as the electronic component  32 . In the case of detecting breathing of a patient or the like, an acceleration sensor or a piezoelectric sensor is used as the electronic component  32 . In the case of detecting the state of sleep of a patient or the like, an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor is used as the electronic component  32 . 
     The electronic component  32  may include a plurality of sensors, or a plurality of types of electronic components  32  (sensors) may be mounted on the electronic device  100 . In this manner, the electronic component  32  mounted on the electronic device  100  is selected according to the type of biological information to be collected through the skin. 
     The types and the number of the electronic components  30  mounted on the electronic device  100  are not limited to the above description. For example, instead of the Bluetooth module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) module may be mounted on the electronic device  100 . A display component such as electronic paper or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display may be mounted on the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  on which the display component is mounted is able to function as, for example, a tag that displays information for identifying a patient or the like. Alternatively, the electronic device  100  on which the display component is mounted is able to function as electronic decoration or an electronic tattoo that decorates or gives a design appearance to the skin  10 . 
     Polyethylene glycol and gelatin are transparent, and the hydrophobic film  50  formed of silicone resin or fluororesin is substantially transparent in the case of a thin film. Thus, characters, images, or the like displayed on the display of the display component are visible from the surface of the electronic device  100 . In the case where the polymer film  22  contains starch or collagen, the thickness of the polymer film  22  is desirably reduced as much as possible in order to improve the visibility of the display. In addition, by making the thickness of the display component larger than the other electronic components mounted on the electronic device  100 , the thickness of the polymer film  22  on the display component is made smaller than the thickness of the polymer film  22  on the other electronic components. This may improve the visibility of the display compared to the case of using a display component having the same thickness as other electronic components. Alternatively, instead of forming the polymer film  22  and the hydrophobic film  50  on the display, the display may be exposed at the surface of the electronic device  100 . 
     The wiring  40  connecting the terminals of the electronic component  31  to the terminals of the electronic components  32 ,  33  is power lines, and the wiring  40  connecting the terminals of the electronic components  32 ,  33  to one another is signal lines. The electronic component  32  detects biological information such as body temperature through the skin  10  at a predetermined frequency and outputs the detected biological information to the electronic component  33 . The electronic component  33  transmits the received biological information to an external computer device (not illustrated). Then, the biological information detected by the electronic device  100  is accumulated in the computer device. The electronic component  32  or the electronic component  33  may include a storage unit that stores the biological information. In this case, the electronic device  100  may transmit the biological information held therein to the computer device in accordance with a request from the computer device. 
     The thickness of the polymer film  21  is preferably as small as possible in order to suppress degradation of sensitivity for detecting the biological information by the electronic component  32 . The polymer film  22  is preferably formed to have such a thickness that the polymer film  22  is able to protect the electronic components  31 ,  32 ,  33 . For example, the thickness of the polymer film  21  is about 0.5 to 2 mm, and the thickness of the polymer film  22  is about 2 to 3 mm. For example, the thickness of the hydrophobic film  50  is about 5 to 50 microns. In  FIG. 1  and other drawings, the thickness and the aspect ratio of each element are different from the thickness and the aspect ratio of the actually formed element. 
       FIGS. 2A to 2F  illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The electronic device  100  is formed on a substrate  90  such as a silicone wafer or a resin.  FIGS. 2A to 2F  illustrate part of the substrate  90  on which two or more electronic devices  100  are formed. 
     First, polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 2500 is mixed with a solvent such as ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or methylcyclohexane and heated to produce a mixed solution in which the solid content is dissolved. The mixed solution in which the solid content is dissolved is maintained in the liquid state even when the temperature is returned to room temperature. Then, the mixed solution having a predetermined viscosity is applied onto the substrate  90  such as a silicone wafer by spin-coating under room temperature. Then, the solvent is evaporated by drying, thereby the polymer film  21  is formed ( FIG. 2A ). The polymer film  21  is an example of a first polymer film. Here, the spin-coating is a technique in which a mixed solution of polyethylene glycol and a solvent is dropped onto the rotating substrate  90  so as to form a thin film by a centrifugal force. As described with reference to  FIG. 1 , the polymer film  21  may be formed of a meltable material or a material in which the meltable material is mixed with a non-meltable material as long as the meltable material (hereinafter referred to as “polymer material”) melts at a predetermined temperature higher than the body temperature. 
     The polymer film  21  may be formed by printing. In this case, a mask having openings is placed on the substrate  90 . Each of the openings of the mask corresponds to the external shape of the electronic device  100 . The meltable material or the mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material is melted by heating and then filled into the openings of the mask by using a squeegee. Thus, the polymer film  21  is formed. When a solvent is mixed with the meltable material or the mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material, the polymer film  21  is able to be printed at room temperature by using the mixed solution in which the solvent is mixed. In this case, ink jetting is able to be used. 
     Alternatively, the polymer film  21  may be formed by heating the meltable material or the mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material to the melting temperature and spraying the heated meltable material or the heated mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material onto the substrate  90 . The polymer film  21  may be formed by spraying onto the substrate  90  a mixed solution in which the meltable material or the mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material is mixed with the solvent and then evaporating the solvent. In this case, the polymer film  21  is able to be formed at room temperature. Alternatively, the polymer film  21  formed in advance in the form of a film may be bonded onto the substrate  90  to form the polymer film  21 . 
     Next, at, for example, room temperature, the electronic components  31 ,  32  and so forth are placed on the polymer film  21  by using a mounter ( FIG. 2B ). Next, the terminals of the electronic components  31  and  32  placed on the polymer film  21  are coupled to one another by the wiring  40  ( FIG. 2C ). For example, the wiring  40  is formed by applying by ink jetting Ag (silver) ink to a wiring region and drying. 
     When the wiring  40  is formed by ink jetting, the wiring  40  is able to be formed in a room temperature region. This may suppress melting of the polymer film  21 . Further, when the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  is set to be higher than the melting temperature of the polymer film  22 , for example, the temperature for drying the Ag ink is able to be increased compared to the case where the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  is the same as that of the polymer film  22 . This may reduce the drying time. The wiring  40  may be formed of a conductive material other than the Ag ink. Alternatively, the wiring  40  may be formed by using a photolithography technique. 
     After the Ag ink has been dried, the polymer film  22  is formed on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electronic components  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 2D ). The polymer film  22  is an example of a second polymer film. The polymer film  22  is formed by a technique similar to the technique used to form the polymer film  21 . For example, the polymer film  22  is formed by spin-coating, printing, spraying, or film bonding. 
     However, in the case of forming the polymer film  22  by printing, printing is performed by squeezing or ink jetting at room temperature with a mixed solution in which a solvent is mixed with a meltable material or a mixed solution in which a solvent is mixed with the mixture of the meltable material and the non-meltable material. This may suppress a problem of melting of the polymer film  21  caused by adhesion of the material of the polymer film  22  at or higher than the melting temperature to the polymer film  21 . In the case of spraying onto the polymer film  21  the polymer film  22  heated to a temperature at or higher than the melting temperature, the temperature of the material of the atomized polymer film  22  is reduced by the atmosphere, and the amount of the material of the polymer film  22  adhering to the polymer film  21  per unit time is small. Thus, the polymer film  21  is unlikely to melt even when the polymer film  22  adheres to the polymer film  21 . In the case where the electronic component  32  is the display component and the display of the display component is exposed at the surface of the electronic device  100 , the polymer film  22  is selectively formed in a region other than an upper surface of the electronic component  32  after the mask covering the upper surface of the electronic component  32  has been disposed. 
     After the polymer film  22  has been formed, for example, a mixed solution obtained by mixing a powdered silicone resin with a solvent such as ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or methylcyclohexane is sprayed onto the polymer film  22 . After that, when the solvent is evaporated, the hydrophobic film  50  providing hydrophobic performance is formed on the polymer film  22  ( FIG. 2E ). The hydrophobic film  50  may be formed by spraying a mixed solution obtained by mixing a powdered fluororesin with a solvent. Alternatively, the hydrophobic film  50  may be formed by spin-coating a mixed solution obtained by mixing a powdered silicone resin or a powdered fluororesin with a solvent or printing with a mixed solution obtained by mixing a powdered silicone resin or a powdered fluororesin with a solvent. In the case where the electronic component  32  is the display component and the display of the display component is exposed at the surface of the electronic device  100 , the hydrophobic film  50  is selectively formed in a region other than an upper surface of the electronic component  32  after the mask covering the upper surface of the electronic component  32  has been disposed. 
     After a plurality of the electronic devices  100  are produced on the substrate  90  as described above, each electronic device  100  is cut out by dicing at the boundary of a device region of each electronic device  100  together with the substrate  90  ( FIG. 2F ). The electronic device  100  having been cut out is removed from the substrate  90  and wrapped so as not to be dried. At least one of the polymer films  21  and  22 , the wiring  40 , and the hydrophobic film  50  may be formed by three-dimensional (3D) printing. 
       FIGS. 3A to 3C  illustrate an example of a procedure for removing the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  from the skin  10 . For ease of description, the hydrophobic film  50  is illustrated in the form of particles. When removing the electronic device  100  from the skin  10 , first, hot air is applied to the electronic device  100  by using a drier or the like ( FIG. 3A ). When the electronic device  100  is heated to a temperature at or higher than the melting temperature due to the hot air, the polymer films  21  and  22  gradually soften and start melting ( FIG. 3B ). 
     Here, in order to avoid burns, the heating temperature for the electronic device  100  is preferably about 60 to 70 degrees Celsius at the maximum. When the polymer films  21  and  22  melt, the function of the polymer film  22  as a base supporting for the hydrophobic film  50  is lost, thereby the hydrophobic film  50  is separated into pieces and incorporated into the polymer film  22 . As a result, when part of the surface of the polymer film  22  is exposed from the hydrophobic film  50 , the property of the surface of the electronic device  100  changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, and the hydrophobic function of the electronic device  100  provided by the hydrophobic film  50  is lost. 
     After the polymer film  20  has been deformed by melting and the hydrophobic film  50  has been incorporated into the polymer film  22 , hot water is applied to the electronic device  100  by using a shower or the like. Part of the water-soluble polymer film  20  dissolves in the hot water and is washed off with hot water. At the same time, due to the pressure of the hot water, the polymer film  20  drops from the skin  10  together with the hydrophobic film  50  and the electronic components  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 3C ). Instead of the hot water, water may be applied to the electronic device  100 . In the procedure illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3C , there is no operation to pull the electronic device  100  from the skin  10 . Thus, the electronic device  100  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the cuticles or the like of the skin  10 . 
     In  FIGS. 3A to 3C , hot air is applied to the entire surface of the electronic device  100  to melt the polymer film  20 . Alternatively, the hot air may be locally applied to the electronic device  100  to locally melt the polymer film  20 . In this case, part of the hydrophobic film  50  is incorporated into the locally melted polymer film  20 , thereby openings that allow the hot water to be directly applied to the water-soluble polymer film  20  are formed. With the hot water entering through the openings, the polymer film  20  may be washed off from the skin  10  together with the hydrophobic film  50  and the electronic components  31 ,  32 . 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG. 3B , after the polymer film  20  has been deformed by melting and the hydrophobic film  50  has been incorporated into the polymer film  22 , the melted electronic device  100  may be wiped off with a towel or the like so as to remove the electronic device  100  from the skin  10 . The electronic components  31 ,  32 ,  33  ( FIG. 1 ) removed from the skin  10  may be collected for reuse. 
     Thus, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C , the electronic device  100  attached to the skin  10  is able to be removed from the skin  10  by washing off from the skin  10  the polymer film  20  having been melted by heating together with the electronic components  30 . In so doing, since the melted polymer film  20  has no adhesion, the electronic device  100  attached to the skin  10  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the skin  10 . 
     With the hydrophobic film  50  formed on the surface of the polymer film  20 , dissolution of the polymer film  20  is able to be suppressed even when water or the like is applied to the electronic device  100  attached to the skin  10 . Thus, failure or the like of the electronic device  100  due to dissolution of the polymer film  20  may be suppressed. Since the hydrophobic film  50  formed on the polymer film  20  is incorporated into the polymer film  20  when the polymer film  20  melts, the hydrophobic function of the hydrophobic film  50  is able to be lost. Thus, the melted polymer film  20  together with the electronic components  30  may be washed off with hot water or the like. By setting the melting temperature of the polymer film  21  to be higher than the melting temperature of the polymer film  22 , reaction between the polymer film  21  and sweat produced from the skin  10  may be suppressed. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. In an electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 , an inclined portion  25  extending outward from the outer surface  24  toward the inner surface  23  is provided at the periphery of the polymer film  20  ( 21 ,  22 ). The hydrophobic film  50  is formed not only on the outer surface of the polymer film  20 , but also on the inclined portion  25 . Other structures of the electronic device  100 A are similar to those of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     With the inclined portion  25 , sharpness of edge portions of the electronic device  100 A is reduced. Thus, when an object strikes the electronic device  100 A attached to the skin  10 , shock applied to the electronic device  100 A is reduced compared to the case where the of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is used. This may reduce, compared to the case where the electronic device  100  is used, the frequency at which failure of the electronic device  100 A due to the shock caused by being struck by the object occurs or problems with the electronic device  100 A such as the removal of the electronic device  100 A from the skin  10  and the like occur. Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C , the electronic device  100 A drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 A is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
       FIGS. 5A to 5F  illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Detailed description of steps that are the same as or similar to those illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  is omitted. First, steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2C  are performed. Thus, the terminals of the electronic components  31  and  32  placed on the polymer film  21  are coupled to one another by the wiring  40  ( FIG. 5A ). Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the polymer film  22  is formed on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electronic components  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 5B ). 
     Next, a mask  60  having openings  60   a  corresponding to regions other than device regions of the electronic device  100 A is placed on the polymer film  22  ( FIG. 5C ). Then, for example, free radicals generated by excitation of carbon tetrafluoride (CF 4 ) gas are reacted with the polymer film  20  exposed in each of the openings  60   a  by using isotropic dry etching. As a result, the polymer film  20  is isotropically etched in the substrate  90  direction and the device region direction from the opening  60   a  as a starting point. Thus, the inclined portion  25  is formed and the substrate  90  facing the openings  60   a  is exposed ( FIG. 5D ). 
     Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2E , a solution obtained by mixing a silicone resin or a fluororesin with a solvent such as ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or methylcyclohexane is sprayed onto the substrate  90 . After that, the solvent is evaporated by drying. As a result, the hydrophobic film  50  is formed on the outer surface  24  and the inclined portion  25  of the polymer film  20  and the exposed portion of the substrate  90  ( FIG. 5E ). When the polymer film  20  has a stepped shape, the hydrophobic film  50  is desirably formed by spraying. 
     Since the inclined portion  25  is formed on the polymer film  20 , when the hydrophobic film  50  is formed by spraying the solution onto the substrate  90 , the hydrophobic film  50  having a predetermined thickness is able to be formed on the side walls (that is, the inclined portion  25 ) of the polymer film  20 . Thus, the entire surface of the polymer film  20  is able to be covered with the hydrophobic film  50 . Accordingly, the hydrophobic performance of the electronic device  100 A to be attached to the skin  10  may be improved compared to that of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     After that, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2F , each electronic device  100  A is cut out by dicing the substrate  90  ( FIG. 5F ). In the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 5F , the hydrophobic film  50  has a flange portion on the substrate  90  side. The flange portion is dropped when the electronic device  100 A is removed from the substrate  90 . The flange portion remaining in the electronic device  100 A may be cut away. Alternatively, when the exposed portion of the substrate  90  is covered with a mask to form the hydrophobic film  50  after the step illustrated in  FIG. 5D , the electronic device  100  A without the flange portion is able to be formed. 
       FIGS. 6A to 6E  illustrate another example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Detailed description of the steps that are the same as or similar to those in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  or  FIGS. 5A to 5F  is omitted. In  FIGS. 6A to 6E , before forming the polymer film  21 , a mask  61  having inclined surfaces corresponding to the inclined portion  25  illustrated in  FIG. 4  are placed on the substrate  90 . Then, a mixture of a polymer material liquified due to heating and a solvent such as ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or methylcyclohexane is sprayed onto the substrate  90 , thereby the polymer film  21  is formed ( FIG. 6A ). When the polymer film  21  is formed by using the mask  61 , the spin-coating, the printing, or the bonding of the film-shaped polymer film  21  described with reference to  FIG. 2A  is not used. 
     Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the electronic components  31 ,  32  are mounted on the polymer film  21  ( FIG. 6B ). Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the terminals of the electronic components  31  and  32  placed on the polymer film  21  are coupled to one another by the wiring  40  ( FIG. 6C ). Next, the polymer film  22  is formed on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electronic components  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 6D ). Since the mask  61  is placed on the substrate  90 , it is preferable that the polymer film  22  be formed by printing. The polymer film  22  may be formed by spraying. 
     Next, the mask  61  is removed from the substrate  90 . As a result, the same structure as that of  FIG. 5D  remains on the substrate  90 . After that, the steps described with reference to  FIGS. 5E and 5F  are sequentially performed, and the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4  is manufactured. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7C  illustrate yet another example of the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Detailed description of the steps that are the same as or similar to those in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  or  FIGS. 5A to 5F  is omitted. Referring to  FIGS. 7A to 7C , after the steps up to  FIG. 5B  have been performed, a plate-shaped mask  62  having inclined surfaces corresponding to the inclined portion  25  illustrated in  FIG. 4  is placed on the polymer film  20  and pressed toward the substrate  90  ( FIG. 7A ). The mask  62  has through holes  63  at positions corresponding to the exposed portion of the substrate  90  in  FIG. 7C . 
     When the mask  62  is pressed, waste matter  26  of the polymer film  20  existing at the position corresponding to the exposed portion of the substrate  90  flows out onto the mask  62  through the through holes  63  ( FIG. 7B ). After that, when the mask  62  is removed from the substrate  90 , a structure similar to that in  FIG. 5D  remains ( FIG. 7C ). After that, the steps described with reference to  FIGS. 5E and 5F  are sequentially performed, and the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4  is manufactured. 
     When the mask  62  is pressed, a region of the polymer film  20  corresponding to the inclined portion  25  is deformed due to pressure. Thus, the distances between the electronic components  31 ,  32  and the inclined portion  25  are set to such distances that the deformation of the polymer film  20  does not affect a region where the electronic components  31 ,  32  are placed. 
     Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 7C , similarly to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C , when the electronic device  100 A is heated, the electronic device  100 A attached the skin  10  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the skin  10 . Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 7C , with the inclined portion  25 , the entire surface of the polymer film  20  is able to be covered with the hydrophobic film  50 . This may improve the hydrophobic performance of the electronic device  100 A to be attached to the skin  10  compared to that of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, with the inclined portion  25 , the frequency at which failure of the electronic device  100 A occurs when an object strikes the electronic device  100 A attached to the skin  10  may be reduced compared to the case where the electronic device  100  is used. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 B illustrated in  FIG. 8  is similar to the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that, in the electronic device  100 B, a hydrophobic film  51  is provided in partial regions of the inner surface  23  of the polymer film  21 . The hydrophobic film  51  is an example of a second hydrophobic film. The hydrophobic film  51  is formed of a silicone resin or a fluororesin. The electronic device  100 B is to be attached to the skin  10  utilizing the adhesive property of the polymer film  21  exposed from the hydrophobic film  51 . 
     With the hydrophobic film  51  formed on parts of the surface of the electronic device  100  B to be in contact with the skin  10 , dissolution of the entire inner surface  23  of the polymer film  21  due to sweat or the like may be suppressed while maintaining the adhesive property of the polymer film  21 . For example, with the hydrophobic film  51 , deformation of the electronic device  100 B due to sweat may be suppressed. 
     When removing the electronic device  100 B from the skin  10 , first, the electronic device  100 B is heated by hot air as described with reference to  FIG. 3A . When heated, the polymer films  21  and  22  melt, and the silicone resin or the fluororesin of the hydrophobic films  50  and  51  is separated into pieces and incorporated into the polymer films  21  and  22 . In this state, when hot water or water is applied to the electronic device  100 B, the electronic device  100 B drops from the skin  10 . 
     A method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 B is similar to the method of manufacturing illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  except that, in the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 B, the hydrophobic film  51  is selectively formed on the substrate  90  by using the mask before the polymer film  21  is formed on the substrate  90 . As is the case with the hydrophobic film  50 , the hydrophobic film  51  is formed by spraying onto the substrate  90  a solution obtained by mixing a silicone resin with a solvent such as ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or methylcyclohexane. The hydrophobic film  51  may be formed of a fluororesin. The hydrophobic film  51  may be formed by, for example, printing, spin-coating, or 3D printing. 
     Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , similarly to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C , when the electronic device  100 B is heated, the electronic device  100 B attached the skin  10  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the skin  10 . Also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the hydrophobic film  51  formed on the inner surface  23  side may suppress deformation of the electronic device  100 B caused by dissolution of the polymer film  21  due to sweat or the like while maintaining the adhesive property of the polymer film  21 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 8  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 C illustrated in  FIG. 9  has a structure similar to that of the electronic device  100 B illustrated in  FIG. 8  except that the electronic device  100 C has vents  70  extending through a range from the hydrophobic film  50  to the hydrophobic film  51 . 
     The vents  70  may allow part of the sweat (water vapor) produced from the skin  10  covered with the electronic device  100 C to be released. Thus, the amount of dissolution of the polymer film  21  due to sweat may be reduced compare to that of the polymer film  21  of the electronic device  100 B illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C and 8 , the electronic device  100 C drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 C is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
     The electronic device  100 C is manufactured by forming the vents  70  extending through to the substrate  90  by, for example, laser processing or etching after the electronic device  100 B illustrated in  FIG. 8  has been formed on the substrate  90 . The method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 C is similar to the method of manufacturing illustrated in  FIG. 8  except that, in the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 C, the vents  70  are formed. The method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 C is similar to the method of manufacturing illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  except that, in the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 C, the hydrophobic film  51  and the vents  70  are formed. The vents  70  may be formed in the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , similarly to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , when the electronic device  100 C is heated, the electronic device  100 C attached the skin  10  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the skin  10 . Furthermore, the hydrophobic film  51  may suppress deformation of the electronic device  100 C caused by dissolution of the polymer film  21  due to sweat or the like while maintaining the adhesive property of the polymer film  21 . 
     Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the vents  70  may allow part of the sweat (water vapor) produced from the skin  10  covered with the electronic device  100 C to be released. Thus, the amount of dissolution of the polymer film  21  due to sweat may be reduced compare to that of the polymer film  21  of the electronic device  100 B illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 D illustrated in  FIG. 10  has a structure similar to that of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that the electronic device  100 D includes an electrode  80  to be brought into contact with the skin  10 . The electrode  80  is coupled to the terminal of the electronic component  32  through wiring  41 . As a result, the electronic component  32  is able to directly detect the biological information from the skin  10  through the electrode  80 . For example, when acquiring an electrocardiogram of a patient or the like, an ammeter is used as the electronic component  32 , and the electrode  80  is used as a current measuring terminal coupled to the ammeter. 
     In addition, the electrode  80  is formed not in the entirety of the inner surface  23  of the polymer film  22 . Thus, irritation to the skin  10  by the electrode  80  may be minimized and the adhesive property of the polymer film  21  to the skin  10  is able to be maintained. Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C , the electronic device  100 D drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 D is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
     The vents  70  illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be formed in the electronic device  100 D. Furthermore, the electrode  80  may be formed in the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the vents  70  illustrated in  FIG. 9  and the electrode  80  may be formed in the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 11A to 12C  illustrates an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 D illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Detailed description of steps that are the same as or similar to those illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  is omitted. First, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the polymer film  21  is formed on the substrate  90  by spin-coating, printing, spraying, or film bonding ( FIG. 11A ). Next, a through hole  27  extending through the polymer film  21  to the substrate  90  is formed by, for example, laser beam machining or etching ( FIG. 11B ). Next, the through hole  27  is filled with Ag ink or the like by ink jetting, thereby the electrode  80  is formed in the polymer film  21  ( FIG. 11C ). 
     Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the electronic components  31 ,  32  are placed on the polymer film  21  ( FIG. 11D ). Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the terminals of the electronic components  31  and  32  placed on the polymer film  21  are coupled to one another by the wiring  40 . Furthermore, a terminal of the electronic component  32  and another end of the electrode  80  are coupled to each other by the wiring  41  ( FIG. 11E ). Alternatively, the terminal of the electronic component  32  may be directly coupled to the electrode  80  by placing the electronic component  32  on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electrode  80 . In this case, the wiring  41  is not formed. 
     Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the polymer film  22  is formed on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electronic components  31 ,  32  and the electrode  80  ( FIG. 12A ). Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2E , the hydrophobic film  50  containing a silicone resin or a fluororesin is formed on the polymer film  22  ( FIG. 12B ). After that, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2F , each electronic device  100 D is cut out by dicing the substrate  90 . The electronic device  100 D having been cut out is removed from the substrate  90 , thereby the electronic device  100 D is completed. At least one of the polymer film  21 , the polymer film  22 , the electrode  80 , the wiring  40 , the wiring  41 , and the hydrophobic film  50  may be formed by 3D printing. 
     Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 to 12C , similarly to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C , when the electronic device  100 D is heated, the electronic device  100 D attached the skin  10  may be removed from the skin  10  without damaging the skin  10 . Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 to 12C , the skin  10  and the electronic component  32  are directly electrically coupled to each other through the electrode  80 . This allows the electronic component  32  to detect the biological information directly from the skin  10  through the electrode  80 . Accordingly, compared to the case where the biological information is detected through the polymer film  21 , the sensitivity for detecting the biological information may be improved. In other words, the electronic device  100 D is able to detect such biological information that is difficult to detect with the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the electrode  80  is formed not in the entirety of the inner surface of the polymer film  22 . Thus, irritation to the skin  10  by the electrode  80  may be minimized and the adhesive property of the polymer film  21  to the skin  10  is able to be maintained. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 E illustrated in  FIG. 13  is similar to the electronic device  100 D illustrated in  FIG. 10  except that, in the electronic device  100 E, a hydrophobic film  51  is provided in partial regions of the inner surface  23  of the polymer film  20 . Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C and 8 , the electronic device  100 E drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 E is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
     A method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 E is similar to the method of manufacturing illustrated in  FIGS. 11A to 12C  except that, in the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 E, the hydrophobic film  51  is formed on the substrate  90  similarly to the description with reference to  FIG. 8  before the polymer film  21  is formed on the substrate  90 . The vents  70  illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be formed in the electronic device  100 E. Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the effects similar to those obtain according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIGS. 10 to 12C  may be obtained. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIGS. 1, 4, and 8  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 F illustrated in  FIG. 14  is similar to the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4  except that, in the electronic device  100 F, a hydrophobic film  51  is provided in partial regions of the inner surface  23  of the polymer film  20 . The vents  70  illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be formed in the electronic device  100 F, the electrode  80  illustrated in  FIG. 10  may be formed in the electronic device  100 F, or the vents  70  illustrated in  FIG. 9  and the electrode  80  illustrated in  FIG. 10  may be formed in the electronic device  100 F. Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C and 8 , the electronic device  100 F drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 F is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
       FIGS. 15A to 15E  illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 F illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Detailed description of the steps that are the same as or similar to those in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  and  FIGS. 5A to 7C  are omitted. A method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 F is similar to the method of manufacturing illustrated in  FIGS. 5A to 5F  except that, in the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 F, the hydrophobic film  51  is formed on the substrate  90  before the polymer film  21  is formed on the substrate  90 . 
     First, after the hydrophobic film  51  has been formed on the substrate  90 , steps similar to the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2C  are performed. Thus, the terminals of the electronic components  31  and  32  placed on the polymer film  21  are coupled to one another by the wiring  40  ( FIG. 15A ). Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the polymer film  22  is formed on the polymer film  21  so as to cover the electronic components  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 15B ). 
     Next, similarly to the steps in  FIG. 5C  and  FIG. 5D , the inclined portion  25  is formed around the polymer film  20  by isotropic dry etching ( FIG. 15C ). In so doing, the hydrophobic film  51  exposed in the opening portion between the inclined portions  25  is removed by dry etching. Next, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 5E , the hydrophobic film  50  is formed on the outer surface  24  and the inclined portion  25  of the polymer film  20  and the exposed portion of the substrate  90  ( FIG. 15D ). After that, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 5F , each electronic device  100 F is cut out by dicing the substrate  90  ( FIG. 15E ). 
     When the electronic device  100 F is manufactured by utilizing the mask  61  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A to 6E , the mask  61  may be placed on the substrate  90  before the hydrophobic film  51  is formed or placed on the hydrophobic film  51  after the hydrophobic film  51  has been formed. When the hydrophobic film  51  is formed after the mask  61  is placed on the substrate  90 , the hydrophobic film  51  is formed by spraying. When the mask  61  is placed on the hydrophobic film  51  after the hydrophobic film  51  is formed, the hydrophobic film  51  is formed by spraying, printing, or spin-coating. When the electronic device  100 F is manufactured by utilizing the mask  62  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7C , instead of the step described with reference to  FIG. 15C , the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7C  is performed. Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 14 to 15E , the effects similar to those obtain according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C  and  FIGS. 4 to 8  may be obtained. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of the electronic device. Elements that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting detailed description thereof. An electronic device  100 G illustrated in  FIG. 16  has a structure similar to that of the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that, in the electronic device  100 G, the outer surface  24  of the polymer film  22  and the surface of the hydrophobic film  50  have uneven patterns. With the uneven pattern formed on the surface of the hydrophobic film  50 , the hydrophobic function may be improved compared to the case where the hydrophobic film  50  is flat. Similarly to the description with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C , the electronic device  100 G drops from the skin  10  when the electronic device  100 G is heated by hot air and then subjected to hot water or water. 
     A method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 G is similar to the method illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2F  except that the method of manufacturing the electronic device  100 G further includes a step of embossing between the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2D and 2E . The embossed uneven pattern of the polymer film  22  is formed by pressing the polymer film  22  with a die having an irregular pattern engraved thereon so as to deform the surface of the polymer film  22  after the step illustrated in  FIG. 2D  has been performed. After that, similarly to the step illustrated in  FIG. 2E , when a solution obtained by mixing a silicone resin or a fluororesin with a solvent is sprayed onto the polymer film  22 , the hydrophobic film  50  having the uneven pattern corresponding to the uneven pattern of the polymer film  22  is formed. 
     The uneven pattern may be formed only on the surface of the hydrophobic film  50  by pressing the die on which the uneven pattern is engraved against the hydrophobic film  50  after the hydrophobic film  50  has been formed on the polymer film  22  by performing the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2E . The uneven pattern may be formed only on the surface of the hydrophobic film  50  by laser beam machining, etching, or the like after the hydrophobic film  50  has been formed on the polymer film  22  by performing the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2E . The hydrophobic film  50  having the uneven pattern may be formed by 3D printing after the polymer film  22  has been formed by performing the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2D . When the hydrophobic function is realized by the uneven pattern, the hydrophobic film  50  may be formed of a material other than a silicone resin or a fluororesin. 
     Similarly to the electronic device  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the electronic device  100 G may have the inclined portion  25 . In this case, the uneven pattern is formed on a flat portion of the hydrophobic film  50  other than the inclined portion  25 . Similarly to the electronic device  100  B illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the electronic device  100 G may have the hydrophobic film  51 . Similarly to the electronic device  100 C illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  100 G may have the vents  70 . Similarly to the electronic device  100 D illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the electronic device  100 G may include the electrode  80 . The electronic device  100 G may include at least two types of the elements including the inclined portion  25 , the hydrophobic film  51 , the vents  70 , and the electrode  80 . 
     Thus, also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the effects similar to those obtain according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C  may be obtained. Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the uneven pattern is formed on the surface of the hydrophobic film  50 . Thus, hydrophobic function may be improved compared to the case where the hydrophobic film  50  is flat. 
     With the detailed description having been described, the features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent. This is intended to extend to the features and advantages of the embodiments as described above as long as the claims are not departing from the gist of the claims and the scope of right. Also, one skilled in the art is able to easily made any modifications and changes. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the scope of the patentable embodiments to the above description. The patentable embodiments are also able to be based on appropriate improvement or equivalents included in the scope of the disclosure in the embodiments. 
     All examples and conditional language provided herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.