Patent Description:
Electronic apparatus such as cellular telephones, gaming device or cameras are known. Such apparatus may be bendable or stretchable or flexible, that is they may be configured to be deformed in response to a force applied by a user of the apparatus <NUM>.

In such apparatus it is beneficial to configure electronic components and connections between the components so that they are not damaged when the apparatus is deformed.

<CIT> discloses techniques for fabrication of stretchable and/or flexible electronic devices using laser ablation patterning methods. Flexible and/or stretchable electronic devices, such as interconnects, sensors and actuators are also disclosed.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods for protecting a magneto resistive (MR) head against electrostatic discharge (ESD).

<CIT> discloses an electronic apparatus comprising a printed circuit board whereon an electronic component very sensitive to mechanical noise is mounted. Between a wiring pattern on the printed circuit board and the high-sensitivity electronic component, a spacer <NUM> is interposed which has a hardness higher than that of an insulating material constituting the printed circuit board or has a thickness larger than that of the insulating material.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise further features as defined in the dependent claims.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the disclosure there is provided a method according to claim <NUM>.

The apparatus may be for use in an electronic apparatus such as a mobile telephone or other wireless communications device.

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present disclosure reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:.

The Figures illustrate an apparatus <NUM> comprising: a deformable substrate <NUM>; a conductive portion <NUM>; and at least one support <NUM> configured to couple the conductive portion <NUM> to the deformable substrate <NUM> so that the conductive portion <NUM> is spaced from the deformable substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an apparatus <NUM> according to an examplary embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises a deformable substrate <NUM>, at least one support <NUM> and a conductive portion <NUM>. Only features relevant to the following description have been illustrated in <FIG>. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the disclosure other features may be included. For example the apparatus <NUM> may be configured to be located within a larger electronic apparatus <NUM> such as mobile cellular telephone or gaming device, for example. In such embodiments the apparatus <NUM> may comprise means for coupling the apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to the rest of the electronic apparatus.

In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the deformable substrate <NUM> comprises a planar surface <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> the planar surface <NUM> is flat or substantially flat. In other embodiments of the disclosure the deformable substrate <NUM> may have a different shape. For example it may be curved and/or the surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM> need not be flat.

The equilibrium shape of the deformable substrate may be the flat configuration illustrated in <FIG>. The equilibrium shape is the position and shape which the deformable substrate <NUM> will adopt when no external force is applied by the user of the apparatus <NUM>. In other embodiments of the disclosure the deformable substrate <NUM> may have a different equilibrium shape, for example, the equilibrium shape may comprise at least a part of the deformable substrate <NUM> being bent or curved. In some embodiments the deformable substrate <NUM> may comprise both flat and curved portions.

The deformable substrate <NUM> may comprise at least one user-deformable portion which may be configured to change shape in response to a physical force applied by a user of the apparatus <NUM>. The change in shape may comprise bending, folding, twisting, stretching, compression, shearing or any other suitable deformation of a portion of the deformable substrate <NUM>. The deformable substrate <NUM> may be configured to automatically return to its equilibrium shape when the force applied by the user is removed.

In some embodiments of the disclosure the deformable substrate <NUM> may comprise a flexible substrate which may be bent or twisted by a user. The deformable substrate <NUM> may comprise a polymer material, elastomeric material or any other material which may be deformed in response to a force applied by the user of the apparatus <NUM>.

In other embodiments the deformable substrate <NUM> may comprise a plurality of hinged or jointed segments. The hinged or jointed segments may be configured to be moved with respect to each other to enable a portion of the deformable substrate <NUM> to be folded or bent or stretched. The deformable substrate <NUM> may be folded or bent or stretched in response to a force applied by the user of the apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure one or more electronic components may be mounted on deformable substrate <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also comprises at least one support <NUM>. The support may comprise any means which may be configured to support a conductive portion <NUM> in a position spaced from the deformable substrate <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the at least one support <NUM> extends in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM>.

In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the at least one support <NUM> comprises a beam <NUM> which extends along a portion of the planar surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that other types of support may be used in other embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in other embodiments the at least one support <NUM> may comprise a plurality of individual supports which are located separated from each other on the surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM>. The plurality of individual supports may be any suitable size or shape for example, the individual supports may be square or rectangular or cylindrical or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments of the disclosure different individual supports may have different sizes and/or shapes.

In some embodiments of the disclosure the at least one support <NUM> may be configured to be deformable in response to a force applied by a user. For example the at least one support <NUM> may be configured to bend or stretch or be compressed or any other suitable deformation in response to a force applied by a user. In other embodiments of the disclosure the at least one support may be configured so that it is not deformable in response to a force applied by a user. For example, the at least one support <NUM> may comprise a rigid material so that the at least one support <NUM> is not compressed when a force is applied by a user.

The at least one support <NUM> may be coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> so that if the deformable substrate <NUM> is deformed this also causes movement of the at least one support <NUM> from its equilibrium position. For example, in the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the support <NUM> comprises a beam <NUM> which is mounted on the deformable substrate <NUM> so that it extends along a portion of the planar surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM>. If the portion of the deformable substrate <NUM> on which the beam <NUM> is mounted is deformed then the beam <NUM> is also deformed. The deformable substrate <NUM> may be deformed by being stretched, twisted or bent for example so the beam <NUM> may also be stretched, twisted or bent. In such embodiments the beam <NUM> may comprise a flexible material such as polymeric material, elastomeric material or any other material which may be deformed in response to a force applied by the user of the apparatus <NUM> but which is rigid enough to support the conductive portion <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in other examplary embodiments the at least one support <NUM> may comprise a plurality of individual supports which are located separated from each other on the surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM> rather than a continuous beam. In such embodiments deforming a portion of the deformable substrate <NUM> will cause changing the positions or relative orientations of the respective supports <NUM> and need not cause a deformation of an individual support. In such embodiments of the disclosure the supports <NUM> may be made of any suitable material which may be configured to support the conductive portion <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also comprises a conductive portion <NUM>. In some examples the conductive portion <NUM> may comprise a track or a plurality of tracks. The conductive portion <NUM> may comprise a wire or a plurality of wires. In some embodiments of the disclosure the conductive portion <NUM> may comprise a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board may comprise a multi-layered flexible printed circuit board.

In the examplary embodiments the conductive portion <NUM> may be coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> via the at least one support <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the at least one support <NUM> is positioned between the conductive portion <NUM> and the deformable substrate <NUM>. The at least one support <NUM> may maintain the conductive portion <NUM> in a position which is spaced from the deformable substrate <NUM> so that the conductive portion <NUM> and the deformable substrate <NUM> are separated from each other. The distance of the separation between the conductive portion <NUM> and the deformable substrate <NUM> may be dependent on the height of the at least one support <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the distance of the separation between the conductive portion <NUM> and the deformable substrate <NUM> is the same as the height of the beam <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure the conductive portion <NUM> and the at least one support <NUM> may be configured so that the conductive portion <NUM> does not directly contact the deformable substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure the conductive portion <NUM> and the at least one support <NUM> may be configured so that the conductive portion <NUM> does not directly contact the deformable substrate <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is in an equilibrium, non-deformed state. In some embodiments of the disclosure the conductive portion <NUM> and the at least one support <NUM> may be configured so that the conductive portion <NUM> does not directly contact the deformable substrate <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is in a deformed state.

In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the conductive portion <NUM> comprises an elongate member <NUM> which is coupled to the at least one support <NUM> at a plurality of different points along the length of the elongate member <NUM>.

In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the elongate member <NUM> is curved. The total length of the elongate member <NUM> is greater than the length of the deformable substrate <NUM> over which the elongate member <NUM> extends. The curved portion of the elongate member <NUM> has an angle of curvature greater than <NUM> degrees so that the elongate member <NUM> doubles back on itself to form a loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> so the loop <NUM> is not closed. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the elongate member <NUM> comprises a plurality of loops <NUM>. The plurality of loops <NUM> form a serpentine shape in which serpentine shape in which a loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side of the beam <NUM> is followed by a loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side of the beam <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> is configured so that the conductive portion <NUM> is distributed on either side of the beam <NUM>.

The conductive portion <NUM> may be coupled to the at least one support <NUM> at a plurality of different points along the length of the elongate member <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the beam <NUM> at two points in each loop <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that the shape of the conductive portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an example and other shapes could be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

For instance, an examplary embodiment in which the conductive portion <NUM> comprises a flexible printed circuit board is illustrated in <FIG>. The flexible printed circuit board may comprise at least one conductive element <NUM> mounted on a flexible substrate <NUM>. A plurality of conductive elements <NUM> may be provided on the flexible substrate <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the flexible printed circuit board comprises three conductive elements <NUM>. The plurality of conductive elements <NUM> may extend along a length of the flexible printed circuit board. In the embodiment of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG> the plurality of conductive elements <NUM> extend along a length of the flexible printed circuit board in parallel to each other so that the distance between the respective conductive elements <NUM> remains constant. It is to be appreciated that other arrangements of the conductive elements <NUM> may be used in other implementations of the embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure the flexible circuit board may be a multi-layered flexible circuit board comprising a plurality of conductive portions stacked on top of each other.

The conductive elements <NUM> may comprise any suitable material which enables the conductive elements <NUM> to conduct an electrical signal. For example the conductive elements <NUM> may comprise a metal such as copper or gold or silver or any other suitable material. In other examples the conductive elements may comprise materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene or indium tin oxide (ITO) or any other suitable material.

In some embodiments of the disclosure the flexible substrate <NUM> may comprise an insulating material. The insulating material may be configured to prevent electrical signals being transmitted between the conductive elements <NUM>. For example the flexible substrate <NUM> may comprise an elastomer such as polyurethane, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene napthalate (PEN) or any other suitable material.

As another example <FIG> illustrates a conductive portion <NUM> which could be used in other examplary embodiments of the disclosure. In this examplary embodiment the conductive portion <NUM> also comprises an elongate member <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> comprises a plurality of curved portions <NUM> where each curved portion <NUM> curves through an angle greater than <NUM> degrees so that the elongate member <NUM> doubles back on itself and forms a loop <NUM>. The plurality of loops <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> in <FIG> also form a serpentine shape in which serpentine shape in which a loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side is followed by a loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side. However in the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the loops <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> comprise a plurality of smaller loops <NUM>. In the particular embodiment of <FIG> the smaller loops <NUM> are also configured to form serpentine shape in which a small loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side is followed by a small loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side. It is to be appreciated that other shapes or configurations of the conductive portion <NUM> could be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

As a further example <FIG> illustrates another conductive portion <NUM> which could be used in other examplary embodiments of the disclosure. In this examplary embodiment the conductive portion <NUM> also comprises an elongate member <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> comprises a plurality of curved portions <NUM> where each curved portion <NUM> curves through an angle greater than <NUM> degrees so that the elongate member <NUM> doubles back on itself and forms a loop <NUM>. The plurality of loops <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> comprise a triple loop configuration in which a large loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side is followed by a smaller loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side and then another large loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side. This is then followed by a triple loop configuration to the other side in which a large loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side is followed by a smaller loop <NUM> which extends to the left hand side and then another large loop <NUM> which extends to the right hand side. In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> this pattern is repeated along the length of the elongate member <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the loops are only attached to the at least one support <NUM> after every third loop so that there are a plurality of three loop segments with only two mounting points within the three loop segments. It is to be appreciated that other shapes or configurations of the conductive portion <NUM> could be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

In the examplary embodiments of <FIG> the conductive portion <NUM> is mounted on the at least one support <NUM> so that elongate member <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> extends in a plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM>. The radius of curvature of the curved portions <NUM> of the conductive portion extends in a direction parallel to the deformable substrate <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is in an equilibrium state. It is to be appreciated that if the apparatus <NUM> is deformed out of the equilibrium shape illustrated in <FIG> the deformable substrate <NUM> may no longer be flat and the conductive portion <NUM> might not be parallel with the deformable substrate <NUM> when it is in such a configuration.

Embodiments of the disclosure as described above provide a deformable apparatus <NUM>. As the conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> via the at least one support <NUM> this enables the conductive portion <NUM> to be positioned spaced from the deformable substrate <NUM>. When a user applies a force to the deformable substrate <NUM> this may cause a change in size or shape of the deformable substrate <NUM>. As the conductive portion <NUM> is not directly coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> the forces applied to the deformable substrate are not also applied to the conductive portion <NUM>. This means that the conductive portion does not bend or change size or shape in the same way that the deformable substrate does. This may reduce the amount of stress within the conductive portion <NUM> and reduce the likelihood of failure due to fatigue.

In some embodiments of the disclosure there may be some deformation of the conductive portion <NUM> when the deformable substrate <NUM> is deformed. For example, if the deformable substrate <NUM> is stretched this will also cause the beam to be stretch and increase the distance between two points within the beam <NUM>.

This will therefore cause an increase in the distance between the points of the conductive portion <NUM> which are coupled to the beam <NUM>. The shape and configuration of the conductive portion <NUM> may be chosen to reduce the amount of stress within the conductive portion <NUM>. The shape chosen may depend on a plurality of different factors including, the magnitude and direction of forces likely to be applied to the apparatus <NUM>, the physical properties of the conductive portion <NUM> such as the Young's modulus and the tensile strength, the fatigue life, the expected deformations of the deformable substrate <NUM>, the height of the at least one support <NUM> and any other suitable factor. The width of the conductive portion <NUM> may vary along the length of the conductive portion <NUM>. The variation in width may be chosen to reduce the localisation of stress within the conductive portion <NUM> and enable a more even distribution of the strain within the conductive portion <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment the loops <NUM> and curved portions <NUM> may form sections of circles. The radius of curvature of these sections, and the height of these sections, or distance they extend from the beam <NUM>, may be selected so as to reduce the stress within the conductive portion <NUM> and enable lower strain within the conductive portion <NUM> when the deformable substrate <NUM> is deformed. Other shapes and configurations may be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be used in radio frequency devices such as antennas or transmission lines. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be used in devices such as touch panels.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of an apparatus <NUM> according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment comprises a deformable substrate <NUM> and at least one support <NUM> comprising a beam <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG>. The apparatus <NUM> also comprises a conductive portion <NUM> coupled to the deformable substrate via the beam <NUM> in a similar manner to that of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>.

The conductive portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is similar to the conductive portion illustrated in <FIG> in that it comprises a plurality of small loops <NUM> within larger loops <NUM> to create a serpentine configuration within a serpentine configuration.

The conductive portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises user deformable portions <NUM>. The user deformable portions <NUM> may comprise portions of the conductive portion <NUM> which may be deformed when a user applies a force to the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the user deformable portions <NUM> may be stretched or bent or twisted or any other suitable change in shape when a user applies a force to the apparatus <NUM>.

In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the user deformable portions <NUM> comprise the curved portions <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM>. When a force is applied to the apparatus <NUM> this may cause a change in shape of the curved portions, for example it may cause a change in the radius of curvature.

The user deformable portions <NUM> may comprise a material which is flexible enough to allow the shape of the user deformable portions <NUM> to change when a force is applied. In some embodiments of the disclosure the conductive portion <NUM> may comprise copper, gold, silver, graphene, carbon nanotubes or any other suitable conductive material.

The conductive portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also comprises rigid portions <NUM>. In the specific example of <FIG> a plurality of rigid portions <NUM> are provided. The rigid portions <NUM> may comprise portions of the conductive portion <NUM> which do not change shape when a force is applied to the apparatus <NUM>. The rigid portions <NUM> may comprise part of the conductive portion and need not be directly coupled to the at least one support <NUM> or the deformable substrate <NUM>.

The rigid portions <NUM> may be configured to enable electronic components to be mounted on the rigid portions <NUM>. The electronic components mounted on the rigid portions <NUM> may comprise sensitive components or components which are likely to be damaged if they were to undergo deformation. For example, the components may comprise transistors, integrated circuits or sensors or any other type of components.

In some embodiments the rigid portions <NUM> may comprise a material such as copper or other metallic material. In some embodiments the rigid portions <NUM> may comprise non-metallic materials such as silicon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PEN, polyimide or any other suitable material. In some embodiments of the disclosure the rigid portions may be portions within a printed circuit board.

Embodiments of the disclosure as illustrated in <FIG> and described above provide further benefits in that the rigid portions <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> enable sensitive components to be mounted on the conductive portion <NUM>. These act to protect the components mounted on the rigid portion <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is deformed the rigid portions <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> are not directly coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> and do not deform with the deformable substrate <NUM>. As the conductive portion <NUM> comprises deformable portions <NUM>, if the deformable substrate <NUM> is deformed in a manner that causes the conductive portion <NUM> to be deformed then the deformable portions <NUM> of the conductive portion <NUM> will be deformed rather than the rigid portions <NUM> which provides further protection on the components mounted on the rigid portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of an apparatus <NUM> according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment also comprises a deformable substrate <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the apparatus <NUM> comprises two supports <NUM>. Each of the supports <NUM> comprises a beam <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the two beams <NUM> are positioned on the surface <NUM> of the deformable substrate <NUM> so that they extend parallel to each other. The beams <NUM> extend in a first direction, indicated by arrow x in <FIG>. The beams <NUM> are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the x direction, as indicated by the arrow y in <FIG>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the apparatus <NUM> also comprises a conductive portion <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> may be conductive portion <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG>. The conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the deformable substrate <NUM> via both of the beams <NUM> in a similar manner to that of the apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In the embodiment of <FIG> the conductive portion <NUM> comprises a first serpentine portion <NUM> which extends along a first beam <NUM> in the x direction. The conductive portion <NUM> also comprises a second serpentine portion <NUM> which extends along the second beam <NUM> also in the x direction.

The two serpentine portions <NUM>, <NUM> are connected together by an intermediary portion <NUM> which extends between the two beams <NUM> in the y direction. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the intermediary portion <NUM> also comprises curved portions <NUM> which double back on themselves to form loops <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that the shape of the conductive portion illustrated in <FIG> is examplary and that other shapes and configurations could be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure as illustrated in <FIG> and described above provide further benefits in that they provide a deformable apparatus <NUM> having a conductive portion <NUM> which is configured to extend in two directions across a surface. This enables the deformable substrate <NUM> to be deformed in different directions without placing too much strain on the conductive portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates cross sections through an apparatus <NUM> according to inventive embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM> in an equilibrium state in which no external force is applied to the apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the same apparatus <NUM> in a deformed state in which a force is applied to the apparatus <NUM> by a user.

In <FIG> the apparatus <NUM> comprises a deformable first substrate <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG>.

The inventive apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> also comprises a plurality of supports <NUM> spaced along the surface of the deformable substrate <NUM>. In the inventive embodiment of <FIG> the plurality of supports <NUM> may comprise a plurality of beams which extend into the page and so are illustrated in cross section. In other embodiments of the disclosure a plurality of individual supports <NUM> may be provided rather than one or more beams.

The inventive apparatus of <FIG> also comprises a conductive portion <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> may comprise a serpentine shape as described above in relation to <FIG>. As the apparatus <NUM> is illustrated in cross section in <FIG>, only the portions of the conductive portion <NUM> which are coupled to the supports <NUM> are illustrated.

The apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also comprises a further substrate <NUM>. The further substrate <NUM> is arranged on the opposite side of the conductive portion <NUM> to the deformable first substrate <NUM>. The further substrate <NUM> may also comprise a planar surface <NUM>. The further substrate <NUM> may be positioned relative to the first substrate <NUM> so that the surface <NUM> of the first substrate <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the further substrate <NUM> are parallel to each other when the apparatus <NUM> is in the equilibrium position illustrated in <FIG>. It is to be appreciated that other configurations may be used for an equilibrium position in other embodiments of the disclosure.

In the inventive embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the further substrate <NUM> is positioned within the apparatus <NUM> so that it is spaced from the conductive portion <NUM>. In the inventive embodiment of <FIG> the further substrate <NUM> is maintained in a position spaced from the deformable substrate <NUM> by further supports <NUM>. The further supports <NUM> extend out of the surface <NUM> of the further substrate <NUM>. The further supports <NUM> may extend in a direction perpendicular to the surface <NUM> of the further substrate <NUM>. The further supports <NUM> may extend in a direction toward the first substrate <NUM>.

The further supports <NUM> may provide means for coupling the conductive portion <NUM> to the further substrate <NUM>.

The further substrate <NUM> may also be deformable so the further substrate <NUM> may comprise at least one user-deformable portion which may be configured to change shape in response to a physical force applied by a user of the apparatus <NUM>. The change in shape may comprise bending, folding, twisting, stretching, compression, shearing or any other suitable deformation of a portion of the deformable substrate <NUM>. The further substrate <NUM> may be configured to automatically return to its equilibrium shape when the force applied by the user is removed.

In <FIG> a user has applied a force to the further substrate <NUM>. The user is pushing with their finger <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the surface <NUM> of the further substrate <NUM>. This has caused some deformation of the further substrate <NUM>. In particular this has caused the further substrate <NUM> to bend.

In the inventive embodiment of <FIG> the force applied by the user has also caused the further supports <NUM> to be deformed. In particular the further supports <NUM> have been compressed which has reduced the separation between the conductive portion <NUM> and the further substrate <NUM>. In the inventive embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the supports <NUM> have also been compressed.

Embodiments of the disclosure as illustrated in <FIG> provide the further benefit that the further substrate <NUM> protects the conductive portion when the user applies a force to the apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate cross sections through an apparatus <NUM> according to further inventive embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, in an equilibrium state in which no external force is applied to the apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the same apparatus <NUM> in a deformed state in which a force is applied to the apparatus <NUM> by a user. The deformed state illustrated in <FIG> is different to the deformed state illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG> the apparatus <NUM> comprises a deformable first substrate <NUM>, a plurality of supports <NUM> spaced along the surface of the deformable substrate <NUM> and a conductive portion <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG>. The inventive apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> also comprises a further substrate <NUM> having a surface <NUM> and further supports <NUM>, as described above in relation to <FIG>.

In <FIG> the apparatus <NUM> is in an equilibrium state. In this inventive embodiment the apparatus <NUM> is flat when it is in the equilibrium state.

In <FIG> a user has applied a force to the apparatus <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the user has bent the apparatus <NUM> by applying a force which extends towards an upward direction to each end of the apparatus <NUM> as indicated by the arrows <NUM>. There may also be a force towards a downwards direction. This force may be provided by the weight of the apparatus <NUM> and/or by the user pushing down on the apparatus <NUM>. This has caused some deformation of the further substrate <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. In particular this has caused the further substrate <NUM> to bend so that the surface <NUM> is convex and the substrate <NUM> to bend so that the surface <NUM> is concave. It is to be appreciated that, in other embodiments of the disclosure, other forces may be applied which may cause other deformations of the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the user may apply a force which extends in a downward direction to each end of the apparatus <NUM> which may cause the further substrate <NUM> to bend so that the surface <NUM> is concave and the substrate <NUM> to bend so that the surface <NUM> is convex.

In the inventive embodiment of <FIG> the forces applied by the user have not caused the supports <NUM> or the further supports <NUM> to be deformed. In particular the supports <NUM> and the further supports <NUM> have not been compressed which has not reduced the separation between the conductive portion <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> and further substrate <NUM>. This may enable the conductive portion <NUM> to avoid coming into direct contact with the substrate <NUM> or further substrate <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is bent as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates relative dimensions of the respective components of the apparatus which may be used to avoid the conductive portion <NUM> coming into direct contact with the substrate <NUM> or further substrate <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is bent. <FIG> only illustrates the substrate <NUM>, one support and the conductive portion <NUM> for clarity.

The support <NUM> has a height hb and a width wb. The support may have a uniform cross section so that the support has the same height and width along the whole length of the support <NUM>.

The conductive portion extends across a width of <NUM> where h is the depth of one of the loops <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that the actual width of the conductive portion <NUM> may not be as large as <NUM>. The value of <NUM> may represent the sum of the distance between the furthest point of the conductive portion on the left hand side of the support <NUM> and the distance between the furthest point of the conductive portion on the right hand side of the support <NUM>. The furthest point of the conductive portion on the left hand side of the support <NUM> and the furthest point of the conductive portion on the right hand side of the support <NUM> might not be directly opposite each other, for example, if the conductive portion has a serpentine structure as illustrated in <FIG>.

When the apparatus <NUM> is in the flat equilibrium state the conductive portion <NUM> is spaced from the deformable substrate by the height of the support <NUM>b.

In <FIG> the substrate <NUM> has been deformed to have a radius of curvature given by Rs. Provided that Rs is less than the critical radius of curvature Rc the conductive portion <NUM> will not come into contact with the substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a method of manufacturing an apparatus <NUM> according to embodiments of the disclosure.

In <FIG> a layer of conductive material <NUM> is provided on a mounting <NUM>. In the examplary embodiment of <FIG> the conductive material <NUM> comprises copper. It is to be appreciated that other conductive materials <NUM> such as gold or silver could be used in other embodiments of the disclosure. In some examples materials such as CNTs, graphene or ITO could be used.

A layer of photo resist <NUM> is provided on top of the layer of conductive material. The layer of photo resist <NUM> may comprise any suitable material such as PMMA (Poly (methyl methacrylate)) or any other suitable photo resist material. The photo resist <NUM> may be patterned and developed.

In <FIG> the at least one support <NUM> is formed by creating strips of elastomer <NUM> within the layer of photo resist <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure the strips of elastomers may be formed by casting liquid polymer or by hot rolling films of elastomer such as polyurethane (PU). The deformable substrate <NUM> is formed by providing a layer of the elastomers <NUM>. The elastomer may comprise any suitable material such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or other suitable silicone compound, polyurethane (PU) or elastomers.

In <FIG> the mounting <NUM> is removed and a further layer of photo resist <NUM> is provided. The further layer of photo resist <NUM> is provided on the other side of the layer of conductive material <NUM> to the first layer of photo resist <NUM>. The further layer of photo resist <NUM> may be patterned and developed. The further layer of photo resist <NUM> allows for patterning of the layer of conductive material <NUM>.

In <FIG> the layers of photo resist <NUM>, <NUM> are removed leaving a conductive portion <NUM> mounted on an elastomeric substrate <NUM> via a plurality of supports <NUM> to provide an apparatus <NUM> as described above.

It is to be appreciated that the method of manufacturing the apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is examplary and other methods may be used in other embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate another example of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of an apparatus <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates a plan view of an apparatus <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG> the substrate <NUM> may comprise both a deformable portion <NUM> and a rigid portion <NUM>. The deformable portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may be configured to change shape in response to a physical force applied by a user of the apparatus <NUM>. The change in shape may comprise bending, folding, twisting, stretching, compression, shearing or any other suitable deformation of a portion of the deformable substrate <NUM>. The deformable portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may be configured to automatically return to its equilibrium shape when the force applied by the user is removed.

The rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may comprise a portion which cannot be easily deformed by the user of the apparatus <NUM>. The rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may comprise portions of the substrate <NUM> which do not change shape when a force is applied to the apparatus <NUM> and/or substrate <NUM>. In some examples, the rigid portion <NUM> may change shape when a force is applied, however, this change in shape may be much smaller than the change in shape of the deformable portion <NUM>. The change in shape of the rigid portion might not be perceptible to a user of the apparatus.

The rigid portions <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may be configured to enable electronic components <NUM> to be mounted on the rigid portion <NUM>. The electronic components <NUM> mounted on the rigid portion <NUM> may comprise sensitive components or components which could be damaged if they were to undergo deformation. For example, the electronic components <NUM> may comprise transistors, integrated circuits or sensors or any other type of components.

In the example of <FIG> the rigid portion <NUM> comprises a portion of the substrate <NUM> which is supported by a stiff layer <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the stiff layer <NUM> is provided underneath the substrate <NUM>. The stiff layer <NUM> can be seen in the side view of <FIG> but not in the plan view of <FIG>. The stiff layer <NUM> acts to keep the substrate <NUM> rigid and reduces the amount the rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> can be being deformed.

The deformable portion <NUM> and the rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> may be provided adjacent to each other so that the deformable portion <NUM> interfaces with the rigid portion <NUM>. A boundary <NUM> may be provided between the deformable portion <NUM> and the rigid portion <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> the conductive portion <NUM> comprises a curved conductive portion. The curved conductive portion <NUM> may be configured as described above in any of the previous examples. The curved conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the deformable portion <NUM> and the rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The curved conductive portion <NUM> may extend over the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The curved conductive portion <NUM> may be configured to connect to electronic components <NUM> which may be mounted on the rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> the curved conductive portion <NUM> is not coupled to the substrate <NUM> in the region where the deformable portion <NUM> interfaces with the rigid portion <NUM>. The curved conductive portion <NUM> may be secured to the substrate <NUM> in both the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM> however the secured portions may be located spaced from the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. This may enable the curved conductive portion <NUM> to move independently of the substrate <NUM> in the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. This may reduce the concentration of stress at the interface between the deformable portion <NUM> and the rigid portion <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> the curved conductive portion <NUM> is provided on a support where the support is configured to couple the conductive portion <NUM> to the substrate <NUM> so that the conductive portion <NUM> is provided spaced from the substrate <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the support comprises a beam <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the substrate <NUM> via the beam <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> may be secured to portions of the beam <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> the beam comprises a gap <NUM>. The gap <NUM> may comprise a section of the beam <NUM> which has been removed. The section of the beam <NUM> may be removed using any suitable technique such as laser ablation. The gap <NUM> may be located adjacent to the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. In some examples the gap <NUM> may extend over the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>.

The conductive portion <NUM> may extend over the gap <NUM>. In the region where the gap <NUM> is provided the conductive portion <NUM> does not directly contact the substrate <NUM>. The gap <NUM> may enable the conductive portion <NUM> to be mechanically decoupled from the substrate <NUM>. This may reduce the stress concentrations in the conductive portion <NUM> when the substrate <NUM> is deformed. As the stress concentrations may be higher in the region where the rigid portion <NUM> interfaces the deformable portion <NUM> it may be more beneficial to provide the gap <NUM> in this region.

In some examples the gap <NUM> may also enable the conductive portion <NUM> to be connected to a position of the rigid portion <NUM> where the position may be chosen to reduce the stress in the conductive portion <NUM>. For example the conductive portion <NUM> may be connected to a position which is on the rigid portion <NUM> which is in line with the beam <NUM>. This may enable a larger loop of the conductive portion <NUM> to be formed. The gap <NUM> may be configured to reduce the constraints on where the conductive portion is connected to the rigid portion <NUM>.

In some examples the beam <NUM> may comprise a softened portion. The softened portion may be provided instead of the gap <NUM>. The softened portion of the beam may be located adjacent to the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. In some examples the softened portion of the beam <NUM> may extend over the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. The softened portion of the beam <NUM> may be configured so that conductive portion <NUM> is not supported in by the softened portion of the beam <NUM>. The softened portion of the beam may be provided using any suitable technique such as photo softening.

In the illustrated example a beam <NUM> is provided. It is to be appreciated that in other examples the conductive portion <NUM> may be mounted on a plurality of supports as described above. In such examples a gap <NUM> may be provided between the supports and the rigid portion <NUM>. The supports may be configured so that the conductive portion <NUM> does not contact the support at the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>.

In the examples of <FIG> only one conductive portion is connected to the rigid portion <NUM> and the electronic components <NUM> mounted on the rigid portion <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that in other examples a plurality of conductive portions <NUM> may be provided within the same apparatus <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> the stiff layer <NUM> is provided underneath the substrate <NUM>. In other examples the stiff layer <NUM> may be provided between the substrate <NUM> and the conductive portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate an apparatus <NUM> where the stiff layer <NUM> is provided between the substrate <NUM> and the conductive portion <NUM>. The apparatus of <FIG> comprises a curved conductive portion <NUM> and a substrate <NUM> comprising a rigid portion <NUM> and a deformable portion <NUM> as described above in relation to <FIG>.

The stiff layer <NUM> may be configured to have a cross sectional shape which decreases in thickness. The thinnest portion of the stiff layer <NUM> may be provided adjacent to the deformable portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the stiff layer <NUM> comprises a stepped portion where the thickness of the stiff layer decreases in steps.

The conductive portion <NUM> is coupled to the substrate <NUM> in the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM>. However as the stiff layer <NUM> reduces in thickness towards the interface between the rigid portion <NUM> and the deformable portion <NUM> this creates a gap between the conductive portion <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> so that the conductive portion <NUM> is not coupled to the substrate in the region of the substrate <NUM> where the deformable portion <NUM> interfaces with the rigid portion <NUM>. The decoupling of the curved conductive portion <NUM> from the substrate <NUM> may reduce the stress within the curved conductive portion <NUM>.

In some examples the stepped portion may provide a larger surface area which may be used to bond the deformable portion <NUM> and the stiff layer <NUM> together. This may reduce the possibility of the respective layers debonding when the apparatus is deformed.

<FIG> illustrate an apparatus <NUM> comprising a plurality of conductive portions <NUM>. In <FIG> the rigid portion <NUM> and the electronic components <NUM> are provided on the left hand side of the apparatus <NUM> and all of the conductive portions <NUM> extend towards the right hand side. In the example of <FIG> the rigid portion <NUM> and the electronic components <NUM> are provided towards the centre of the apparatus <NUM> and the conductive portions <NUM> extend both towards the right hand side and towards the left hand side of the apparatus <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> more than one deformable portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> is provided. It is to be appreciated that other configurations could be used in other examples of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate a method of manufacturing an apparatus <NUM> where the substrate <NUM> comprises a rigid portion <NUM> and a deformable portion <NUM>.

In <FIG> a layer of photo-resist <NUM> is spin coated onto a substrate <NUM>. Material other than photo-resist may be used in other examples. In the example of <FIG> the substrate comprises a silicon wafer. Any suitable material may be used in other examples of the disclosure. The photo-resist <NUM> may comprise any suitable material such as PMMA (Poly (methyl methacrylate)) or any other suitable photo-resist material.

In <FIG> a conductive seed layer <NUM> is evaporated onto the photo-resist <NUM>. In this example the conductive material may comprise copper. Other conductive materials may be used in other examples of the disclosure.

In <FIG> a further layer of photo-resist <NUM> is provided on top of the seed layer of conductive material <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the further layer of photo-resist <NUM> is patterned. The pattern of the photo-resist <NUM> may determine the shape of the conductive traces <NUM>.

In <FIG> the conductive material <NUM> is electroplated through the patterned photo-resist layer. In <FIG> a further patterned layer of photo-resist <NUM> is provided over the conductive material <NUM> to provide a thicker patterned layer of photo-resist <NUM>.

In <FIG> the elastomer layer <NUM> is formed. The elastomer layer <NUM> may form the deformable portion of the substrate <NUM>. The elastomer layer 137may be formed by casting liquid polymer or by hot rolling films of elastomer such as polyurethane (PU). The deformable substrate <NUM> may be formed by providing a layer of the elastomers. The elastomer may comprise any suitable material such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or other suitable silicone compound, polyurethane (PU) or elastomers.

In <FIG> the photo-resist <NUM> and silicon layer <NUM> are removed to leave a conductive layer <NUM> mounted on a layer of elastomer <NUM>. In <FIG> a stiffener <NUM> is adhered to the underside of the layer of elastomer <NUM> to provide a stiff layer <NUM> and create the rigid portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The stiffener <NUM> may comprise any suitable material. Electronic components may be bonded to the conductive layer using any suitable technique.

<FIG> illustrate another method of manufacturing an apparatus <NUM> where the substrate <NUM> comprises a rigid portion <NUM> and a deformable portion <NUM>. In this example the stiffening layer <NUM> is provided between the substrate <NUM> and the conductive portion1 <NUM>.

<FIG> are the same as <FIG> and illustrate a layer of conductive material <NUM> being formed. In <FIG> the conductive material <NUM> extends above the surface of the photo-resist <NUM>.

In <FIG> a stiffener <NUM> or PCB is bonded to the conductive material <NUM>. The PCB may be bonded to the conductive material <NUM> using any suitable technique such as anisotropic conductive film bonding (ACF bonding).

In <FIG> a further patterned layer of photo-resist <NUM> is provided over the conductive material <NUM> and adjacent to the stiffener <NUM> to provide a thicker patterned layer of photo-resist <NUM>.

In <FIG> the elastomer layer <NUM> is formed as described above. In <FIG> the photo-resist <NUM> and silicon layer <NUM> are removed to leave a conductive layer <NUM> mounted on a layer of elastomer <NUM> and the stiffener <NUM> provided between the conductive layer and the elastomer <NUM>.

In the embodiments described above the term "coupled" means operationally coupled and any number or combination of intervening elements may exist between coupled components (including no intervening elements).

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

For example it is to be appreciated that different shapes of conductive portion <NUM> can be used in different implementations of the disclosure. The shape of the conductive portion used may be dependent on a number of factors including the size of the apparatus, the thickness or other dimensions of the conductive portion and properties of the conductive portion such as the Young's modulus.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a deformable substrate (<NUM>);
a conductive portion (<NUM>); and
at least one support (<NUM>) configured to couple the conductive portion (<NUM>) to the deformable substrate (<NUM>) so that the conductive portion (<NUM>) is spaced from the deformable substrate (<NUM>), wherein the deformable substrate (<NUM>) is configured to be deformed in response to a force applied by a user, wherein the conductive portion (<NUM>) and the at least one support (<NUM>) are configured so that the conductive portion (<NUM>) is spaced from the deformable substrate (<NUM>) when the apparatus (<NUM>) is in a deformed state and wherein in a deformed state of the apparatus (<NUM>) the conductive portion (<NUM>) maintains its shape and size,
comprising a further deformable substrate (<NUM>) and
wherein the further deformable substrate (<NUM>) is arranged on an opposite side of the conductive portion (<NUM>) to the deformable substrate (<NUM>),
wherein the further deformable substrate (<NUM>) is maintained in a position spaced from the deformable substrate (<NUM>) by at least one further support (<NUM>).