PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9557593-B2
Application Number: US-201514732583-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Transparent structures filled with electrically active fluid

Abstract:
Transparent structures containing a transparent electrically conductive fluid are used for aesthetically appealing designs and/or improved fatigue performance. Some structures have multiple isolated conductors while others have a single conductive area that may be used as a transparent antenna or a transparent EMI shield. Other embodiments employ fluids that change crystalline structure under an applied voltage such that a structure can change color and/or display a message.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A flexible apparatus comprising:
 an optically transparent and flexible shell forming an interior cavity; 
 a first and a second electrically conductive plug disposed through the shell; 
 an electrically conductive fluid disposed within the enclosed interior cavity such that the electrically conductive fluid contacts the first and the second electrically conductive plugs and forms an electrical connection between the first and the second electrically conductive plugs. 
 
     
     
       2. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is optically transparent. 
     
     
       3. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein an electrical resistance between the first and second electrically conductive plugs changes when the shell is deflected. 
     
     
       4. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is configured to operate as a conductive element of a capacitive sensor such that the sensor can detect when a user touches the shell. 
     
     
       5. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid has a void that can be positioned on the first electrically conductive plug such that the fluid is not in electrical contact with the first electrically conductive plug. 
     
     
       6. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid flows through the interior cavity and an insulative valve having a first position where the fluid flows past the valve and a second position where the valve stops the flow of the fluid and electrically isolates the fluid on an upstream side of the valve from the fluid on a downstream side of the valve. 
     
     
       7. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is electrically connected to a ground and functions as an electromagnetic interference shield. 
     
     
       8. The flexible apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is coupled to an antenna circuit and functions as an antenna. 
     
     
       9. A transparent circuit comprising:
 a shell that is transparent to optical signals; 
 at least one interior cavity formed within the shell; 
 an electrically conductive fluid that is transparent to the optical signals and is disposed within the at least one interior cavity and; 
 a first and a second electrically conductive plug disposed through the shell and configured to be in contact with the electrically conductive fluid. 
 
     
     
       10. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the shell is placed in front of an optical sensor and the optical sensor emits or receives optical signals through the transparent circuit. 
     
     
       11. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the electrically conductive fluid acts as a conductive element of a capacitive sensor such that the sensor can detect when a user touches the shell. 
     
     
       12. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the shell is made from a flexible material. 
     
     
       13. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the shell has a first end and a second end with the at least one interior cavity extending from the first end to the second end and the first electrically conductive plug is secured in the first end and the second electrically conductive plug is secured in the second end such that the at least one interior cavity is sealed forming an electrically conductive channel between the first and the second electrically conductive plugs. 
     
     
       14. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the shell and the fluid are made from optically transparent materials. 
     
     
       15. The transparent circuit of  claim 9  wherein the fluid is configured to flow through the interior cavity. 
     
     
       16. The transparent circuit of  claim 15  wherein the interior cavity has an electrically insulative valve and the first electrically conductive plug is on a downstream side of the valve and the second electrically conductive plug is on an upstream side of the valve. 
     
     
       17. The transparent circuit of  claim 16  wherein the valve is a check valve. 
     
     
       18. An apparatus comprising:
 an optically transparent shell having one or more enclosed interior cavities, each of the one or more cavities having a first wall oriented parallel to a second wall, the first wall containing a light source and the second wall containing a polarization filter; 
 an optically transparent fluid disposed within the one or more enclosed interior cavities, the fluid configured to change its crystalline orientation under an applied voltage such that in a first orientation light may pass through the fluid with relatively little effect and in a second orientation the fluid may polarize the light. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the second wall comprises a color filter. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the light source is a white light source.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/134,195, filed Mar. 17, 2015, titled “TRANSPARENT STRUCTURES FILLED WITH ELECTRICALLY ACTIVE FLUID”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to three-dimensional optically transparent structures filled with an electrically active fluid. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to optically transparent structures that may be filled with an electrically conductive fluid or a fluid that changes crystalline structure under an applied voltage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     To meet the demands of consumers, electronic devices are required to be increasingly thin, lightweight and low cost with constantly increasing feature sets. Because of these demands, the packaging densities of electronic devices are increasing and the area available for interconnects, sensors and structures is being reduced. To meet the needs of future electronic devices new electronic structures and interconnects will be required. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an isometric view of transparent deformable cube filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an isometric view of the transparent deformable cube illustrated in  FIG. 1A  in a deformed state according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an isometric view of transparent deformable panel having two transparent electrically conductive channels according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an isometric view of the transparent deformable panel illustrated in  FIG. 2A  in a deformed state according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wearable device band shown in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wearable device band shown in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wearable device band shown in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of a flexible circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device with an integrated sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device with user input areas on the band in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sensor illustrated in  FIG. 9  being depressed by a finger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sensor illustrated in  FIG. 11  being touched by a finger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device with a window in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device with an antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a rotated cross-sectional view of the sensor shown in  FIG. 15  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow channel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a partially transparent isometric view of an LED mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to three-dimensional transparent structures filled with an electrically active fluid (e.g., a fluid that responds to an applied voltage by conducting current or changing crystalline structure). In some embodiments the electrically active fluid can be electrically conductive while also being transparent. The transparent fluid may be encased in a shell that is also transparent, enabling embodiments of the invention to provide optically transparent electrically conductive components. Such components may be useful in a variety of applications including optical sensors and aesthetically pleasing designs, as discussed in more detail below. In other embodiments the electrically conductive fluid may be opaque and employed in a flexible electrical interconnect structure having high mechanical fatigue performance. In yet further embodiments the electrically active fluid may change crystalline structure in response to an applied voltage, enabling a transparent component to change colors for aesthetic appeal. The foregoing embodiments are examples to illustrate some of the benefits of the invention; myriad other designs, geometries and configurations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. While the present invention can be useful for a wide variety of applications, some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for electronic devices, as described in more detail below. The examples described below are only to illustrate the inventive concepts and in no way limit the applicability of the embodiments to alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1A , an example embodiment of a three-dimensional transparent structure in the shape of a cube is shown. The cube may be made from a transparent flexible material and filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid as described in greater detail below. Cube  100  may have an optically transparent shell  105  comprising six walls forming a cavity  110  therein. Shell  105  may be made from a flexible electrically insulating material as discussed in more detail below. Cavity  110  may be filled with an optically transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  as also discussed in more detail below. In other embodiments, electrically conductive fluid  115  may be translucent or opaque. A first electrically conductive plug  120 ( 1 ) may be disposed in a top wall  125  of shell  105  penetrating the electrically insulative shell and making electrical contact with electrically conductive fluid  115 . A second electrically conductive plug  120 ( 2 ) may be disposed in a first side wall  130  of shell  105 , penetrating the electrically insulative shell and making electrical contact with electrically conductive fluid  115 . Thus, electrical continuity may be formed between first and second electrically conductive plugs,  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), respectively by forming a conductive path through electrically conductive fluid  115 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1B , cube  100  is illustrated in a deformed state caused by a force applied to a corner of the cube. During deformation from the geometry shown in  FIG. 1A  to the geometry shown in  FIG. 1B , electrical continuity is maintained between first and second electrically conductive plugs  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), respectively. More specifically, a force along arrow  135  has been place on a corner of cube  100  causing first and second side walls  130 ,  140 , respectively, and top wall  125  to deform. As described above, in some embodiments shell  105  may be made from a flexible material, allowing cube  100  to deform. During the deformation, electrically conductive fluid  115  remains in contact with first and second electrically conductive plugs  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), respectively, such that electrical continuity between the first and second plugs is maintained. Similarly, once the force is removed, electrical continuity between first and second electrically conductive plugs  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), respectively, is maintained while cube  100  regains its original shape shown in  FIG. 1A . In an alternative embodiment, shell  105  may be made from a material that remains in the deformed state illustrated in  FIG. 1B  after the force is removed. In this embodiment electrical conductivity may also be maintained between first and second electrically conductive plugs  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), respectively. 
     Cube  100  is an embodiment illustrating a general concept. Alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are included within the spirit and scope this disclosure. For example, a modification of this concept may be useful for a touch sensor as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-12 . Other embodiments may use alternative concepts for an electromagnetic interference shield as illustrated in  FIG. 6  or a tilt sensor as illustrated in  FIGS. 15-16 . Myriad other embodiments are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2A , another embodiment of a three-dimensional transparent structure filled with an electrically conductive fluid is illustrated. Panel  200  may have an optically transparent and elongated shell  205  that may be made from a flexible electrically insulating material. Shell  205  may have first and second elongated cavities  210 ( 1 ),  210 ( 2 ), respectively, formed within it and extending from a first end  215  of shell  205  to a second end  217  of the shell. A first electrically conductive plug  220 ( 1 ) may be secured in first end  215  of shell  205  and a second electrically conductive plug  220 ( 2 ) may be secured in second end  217  of the shell such that first elongated cavity  210 ( 1 ) is sealed. First elongated cavity  210 ( 1 ) may be filled with an optically transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  such that the fluid is in contact with first and second electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 1 ),  220 ( 2 ), respectively, forming an electrically conductive channel between the plugs. 
     Similarly, third and fourth electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 3 ),  220 ( 4 ), respectively may seal second elongated cavity  210 ( 2 ) that also contains optically transparent electrically conductive fluid  115 . Optically transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be in contact with third and fourth electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 3 ),  220 ( 4 ), respectively forming an electrically conductive channel between the third and fourth plugs. Therefore, elongated shell  205  may have two parallel and electrically isolated electrically conductive channels that extend from first end  215  to second end  217 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2B , panel  200  is illustrated in a deformed state. During deformation from the geometry shown in  FIG. 2A  to the geometry shown in  FIG. 2B , electrical continuity is maintained between first and second electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 1 ),  220 ( 2 ), respectively and third and fourth electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 3 ),  220 ( 4 ), respectively. More specifically, panel  200  has been deflected from a relatively flat state shown in  FIG. 2A  to an arcuate shape shown in  FIG. 2B . During and after the deformation, electrical continuity is maintained between first and second electrically conductive plugs  220 ( 1 ),  220 ( 2 ), respectively, and between third and fourth electrically conductive plugs,  220 ( 3 ),  220 ( 4 ), respectively. Thus, transparent and electrically conductive fluid  115  deforms with first and second elongated cavities  210 ( 1 ),  220 ( 2 ), respectively, such that electrical continuity is maintained when panel  200  is deformed. 
     Panel  200  is an embodiment illustrating a general concept. Alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are included within the spirit and scope this disclosure. For example, a modification of the concept may be useful for a watch band as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-5 . Other embodiments may employ alternative concepts for an antenna as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Myriad other embodiments are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3A , a wearable electronic device is shown that may incorporate one or more embodiments. The wearable device may have a substantially transparent band that provides electrical communication between the wearable device display and a user pulse sensor located on a distal portion of the band. The communication may be performed using one or more transparent elongated cavities in the band that are filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid forming one or more electrically conductive channels. The transparent band with electrically conductive channels may provide the wearable device with an aesthetically appealing design and improved mechanical fatigue performance, as described in more detail below. 
     More specifically, wearable device  300  may have a display portion  305  that may contain a display screen, a processor and other electronic components (not shown). Display portion  305  may be connected to a transparent band  310  such that wearable device  300  can be secured to a user&#39;s wrist. A sensor  315  may be located on a distal portion of band  310  and used to sense the user&#39;s pulse, for example. In one embodiment, band  310  may be a flexible three-dimensional substantially transparent structure having an optically transparent shell  320  with multiple elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) disposed within it. Elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) may be filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid,  115  forming one or more electrically conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) as described in more detail below. Electrically conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) may be used by display portion  305  to communicate with sensor  315 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , four conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) are depicted, however other embodiments may have fewer or more conductive channels. Shell  320  may be made from a rigid, a semi-rigid or a flexible material. Thus, band  310  may be substantially transparent providing an aesthetically appealing appearance while providing electrical communication between display portion  305  and sensor  315 . Further, since conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) are filled with a fluid, band  310  may have substantially improved mechanical fatigue performance as compared to a band with metallic wire conductors that are subject to fatigue failure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3B , section A-A of band  310  (see  FIG. 3A ) is illustrated. In one embodiment, shell  320  may include a base portion  335  having elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) formed along a length of band  310 . Elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) may be formed, for example, during a molding or an extruding process. As discussed above, elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) may be filled with transparent electrically conductive fluid  115 . A cover  340  may be secured to base portion  335  such that transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  is contained within elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) forming conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ). Transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be disposed within elongated cavities  321 ( 1 ) . . .  321 ( 4 ) prior to securing cover  340  or after securing the cover. Cover  340  may be secured to base portion  335  using, for example, an adhesive, bonding, fusing or welding process. In this embodiment, conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) may have a rectangular cross-section as shown in  FIG. 3B . However, in other embodiments conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) may have a different cross-section and may be manufactured using an alternative process. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3C , another embodiment of section A-A through band  310  (see  FIG. 3A ) is illustrated. In this embodiment conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) have a circular cross section and shell  320  may be substantially unitary. As described above, conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) may be filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid  115 . Transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be disposed within conductive channels  325 ( 1 ) . . .  325 ( 4 ) during the manufacturing of shell  320  or after it is manufactured. For example, transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be deposited during extrusion molding of shell  320 , or the fluid may be disposed within the conductive channels after they are formed in the shell. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , an enlargement of View-B of shell  320  in  FIG. 3A  is shown. As discussed above, conductive channels  325 ( 1 ),  325 ( 2 ) are filled with a transparent electrically conductive fluid  115 . Electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be disposed within conductive channels  325 ( 1 ),  325 ( 2 ) and configured to make electrical contact with transparent electrically conductive fluid  115 . In some embodiments, electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be disposed in both distal ends of conductive channels  325 ( 1 ),  325 ( 2 ) such that transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  is contained within the channels and electrical contact may be made from one end of band  310  (see  FIG. 1 ) to the other end through the fluid. That is, a combination of two conductive plugs disposed on either end of a conductive channel  325 ( 1 ),  325 ( 2 ) may form a continuous electrical conductor similar in function to a metallic wire and as shown earlier in  FIGS. 2A-2B . Electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be secured within conductive channels  325 ( 1 ),  325 ( 2 ) with a press-fit, bonding, welding or fusing process. Electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may then be electrically coupled to wearable device display portion  305  (see  FIG. 3A ) and/or sensor  315  forming a complete electrical circuit between the display and the sensor. In some embodiments, electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may form a portion of an electronic connector that is coupled to band  310 . 
     The combination of transparent shell  320  and transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may provide band  310  (see  FIG. 3A ) with a substantially transparent and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In further embodiments, where shell  320  is made from a relatively soft material, band  310  (see  FIG. 3A ) may be able to withstand many cycles of deflection, such as when the band is secured to the user&#39;s wrist. Because the electrical conductors within band  310  are made with a fluid, and not a metallic wire, they are not subject to mechanical fatigue and fracture like the wire. 
     In further embodiments shell  320  may be made from an optically transparent and relatively rigid material such as, for example, polycarbonate or glass. Rigid embodiments may have a hardness from Shore A 100 to Shore D 100 and harder. In other embodiments conductive shell  320  may be made from an optically transparent semi-rigid material such as, for example, transparent nylon. Some semi-rigid embodiments may have a hardness from Shore A 40 to Shore A100. In further embodiments shell  320  may be made from a flexible material such as, for example, a transparent silicone or an elastomer. Some flexible embodiments may have a hardness from a Shore 00 10 to Shore A 40. Further embodiments may have a hardness from Shore A 0 to Shore A 100. Myriad optically transparent or translucent materials may be used for shell  320  without departing from the invention. In some embodiments, shell  320  may be formed by injection molding, blow molding, casting or three-dimensional printing. Myriad materials and manufacturing methods may be used to form shell  320  and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be made from an electrically conductive metal such as brass, copper, stainless steel or other metal. In other embodiments electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be made from an electrically conductive plastic such as, for example conductive nylon. In further embodiments electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be plated with one or more metals such as, for example, nickel, copper, gold, silver, palladium or other metal. In one embodiment, electrically conductive plugs  405 ( 1 ),  405 ( 2 ) may be made from a non-electrically conductive plastic that may be plated with one or more metals. 
     In further embodiments transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may comprise water with one or more ionic compounds dissolved in it such as a salt or other compound making it electrically conductive. In yet further embodiments transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may comprise tin-oxide that may be doped with antimony or phosphorous. In other embodiments transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be translucent or opaque, as in the embodiment below, comprising a metal or alloy such as for example, mercury. In other embodiments transparent electrically conductive fluid  115  may be what is known as an electrically conductive ink, or a liquid carrier filled with one or more types of electrically conductive particulates. Myriad electrically conductive fluids may be used and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , wearable device  500  may be similar to wearable device  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A , however wearable device  500  may employ an optically translucent or opaque electrically conductive fluid in the band as compared to wearable device  300  that employed an optically transparent electrically conductive fluid. Thus, wearable device  500  may have a band that is resilient to mechanical fatigue with visible conductive channels. 
     More specifically, wearable device  500  may have a display portion  505  that may be connected to a transparent band  510  such that wearable device  500  can be secured to a user&#39;s wrist. A sensor  515  may be located on a distal portion of band  510  and used to sense the user&#39;s pulse, for example. Band  510  may be a flexible three-dimensional substantially transparent structure having multiple electrically conductive channels  525 ( 1 ) . . .  525 ( 4 ) disposed within it. Electrically conductive channels  525 ( 1 ) . . .  525 ( 4 ) may be filled with a translucent or opaque electrically conductive fluid,  527  as described in more detail above. Electrically conductive channels  525 ( 1 ) . . .  525 ( 4 ) may be used by display portion  505  to communicate with sensor  515 , or they may be used for other functions as described in more detail below. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a three-dimensional flexible electrical interconnect structure  600  that is similar to bands  310 ,  510  (see  FIGS. 1 and 5 ) is illustrated. However, instead of being used as a wearable device band, structure  600  may be used to interconnect electronic components  605 ,  610 . For example, in one embodiment structure  600  may be used to electrically interconnect two printed circuit boards  605 ,  610 . Structure  600  may function similar to a flexible printed circuit board, however structure  600  uses fluid filled electrically conductive channels instead of metallic conductors such that it has high mechanical fatigue properties and/or is substantially transparent for aesthetic appeal. 
     More specifically, structure  600  may include a three-dimensional flexible shell  620  that may have multiple electrically conductive channels  625 ( 1 ) . . .  625 ( 4 ). Shell  620  may be manufactured from a material that is semi-rigid or flexible to allow it to deform without breaking, as discussed above. In one embodiment electrically conductive channels  625 ( 1 ) . . .  625 ( 4 ) may be filled with an electrically conductive fluid  627 . In some embodiments fluid  627  may be opaque, while in other embodiments it may be translucent and in further embodiments is may be transparent. In some embodiments, a substantially transparent structure  600  (i.e., one that employs a translucent or transparent fluid  627 ) may be beneficial for applications requiring aesthetic appeal such as electronic devices, toys and games. Such applications may use structure  600  entirely for its aesthetic appeal (e.g., a computer with a viewing window showing the internal components where structure  600  is used to minimally obscure one&#39;s view) or for functional purposes (e.g., an LCD screen is illuminated through structure  600 ). Structure  600  may be manufactured using similar processes as discussed above. Such embodiments may have the benefit of being optically transparent and surviving many cycles of bending without fatigue damage since the conductors are composed of electrically conductive fluid. In further embodiments transparent structure  600  may conduct electrical signals in multiple dimensions instead of being limited to planar two-dimensional structures like flexible circuit boards. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 7 , according to another embodiment of the invention, a transparent window with transparent electrical conductors may be used in the back of a wearable device such that an optical sensor can transmit and receive optical signals through the window and the conductors. More specifically, wearable device  701  may have a display portion  705  with an optical sensor  715  disposed within it. Optical sensor  715  may emit and/or receive a light beam through a transparent structure  720 . For example, sensor  715  may be disposed within display portion  705  of wearable device  701  and transmit and receive light through structure  720  to determine a user&#39;s pulse. In some embodiments, structure  720  may not only act as a window, but may also function as an electrical connector from the outside of wearable device  701  to the inside of the wearable device. Structure  720  may have multiple external electrical contacts  730  that are accessible from the outside of wearable device  701 . External electrical contacts  730  may be electrically coupled to internal contacts  735  by transparent electrically conductive channels  725 . Transparent electrically conductive channels  725  may be filled with transparent electrically conductive fluid  727  providing electrical continuity between external electrical contacts  730  and internal electrical contacts  735 . In some embodiments, transparent electrically conductive fluid  727  may be transparent only within the bandwidth of sensor  715  such that the sensor  715  may emit and/or receive light through transparent structure  720 . More specifically, the combination of structure  720  being made from a transparent material and fluid  727  being transparent enables sensor  715  to transmit and receive light through the window which contains conductive channels  725 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-12 , some embodiments may form user input devices such as touch sensitive “buttons” on a wearable device band or other electronic device. The user input devices may be employed by a user to change a state of the device, such as, for example answering a call, pausing a video or muting an alarm on a wearable device. In some embodiments employed on a wearable device, the user input devices as well as the wearable device band they are disposed on may be substantially transparent giving the wearable device aesthetic appeal. Transparent conductors, as discussed above, may be used to communicate with the user input devices to provide further aesthetic appeal. For example, in one embodiment the entire wearable device band may be substantially transparent, however when a user touches a region of the band near the display the wearable device may change states in response. Other user inputs may also be recognized such as a user sliding their finger along a portion of the band. The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12  may be manufactured using similar methods as those illustrated above, having a shell filled with an electrically conductive fluid that may be in contact with one or more electrically conductive plugs. User input devices may detect user input using pressure, capacitive or other types of sensing. In some embodiments the user input devices may employ an opaque fluid and be mostly visible, while in other embodiments they may employ a translucent or transparent fluid and be substantially transparent, except for the conductive plugs. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment one or more user input devices  850  may be disposed on band  810  of wearable device  800 . The user input device may be a region on the wearable device band that a user can lightly touch, or firmly depress to control the wearable device. In some embodiments the user input device may use a transparent electrically conductive fluid and be substantially transparent for aesthetic appeal. For example, user input devices  850  may enable a user to answer a call, to stop playing music or to show the current time by simply touching or depressing a particular region on the wearable device band. Other embodiments may have more or less user inputs and they may be used for myriad functions. Similar to embodiments discussed above, some user input devices may be visible while others may be translucent or mostly transparent. In one embodiment an optically transparent band  810  may be used with an optically transparent or translucent fluid to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to wearable device  800 . 
     Wearable device  800  may be similar to wearable device  500  shown in  FIG. 5  and have multiple conductive channels  825 ( 1 ) . . .  825 ( 3 ) filled with electrically conductive fluid  827  disposed within transparent band  810 . However, in this embodiment, conductive channels  825 ( 1 ) . . .  825 ( 3 ) may be used to provide electrical connections to one or more transparent or semi-transparent input devices  850 . Myriad methods may be used to make input devices  850 . In one embodiment input devices  850  may be configured to detect a user&#39;s touch by a change in electrical resistance or mutual capacitance, as described in more detail below. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a cross-section of an embodiment of a resistive-type user input device  900  is illustrated.  FIG. 9  illustrates the user input device before being depressed and  FIG. 10  illustrates the user input device after being depressed. An arrow is used to illustrate the increase in distance between two conductive plugs when the device is depressed by a user&#39;s finger. This illustration is an example and other geometries and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. Such devices can be readily integrated by those of skill in the art into wearable device band  810  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , or in any other device. 
     User input device  900  may be made from a flexible or semi-flexible transparent or translucent material as discussed above. Wall  905  may form a continuous enclosure that contains electrically conductive fluid  927 . Wall  905  may have electrically conductive plugs  935 ,  940  configured to form an electrical connection to fluid  927 . Plugs  935 ,  940  may be a first distance  945  apart, with only fluid  927  forming an electrical connection between them. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 10 , user input device  900  is illustrated in a deformed state, such as, for example when a user&#39;s finger  1010  depresses it. Wall  905  has deformed causing plugs  935 ,  940  to move apart to a second distance  1045  that is greater than first distance  945  (see  FIG. 9 ). The greater distance between plugs  935 ,  940  causes the electrical resistance between the plugs to increase. The increase in resistance may be used to sense a user&#39;s touch on input device  900 . In some embodiments the change in electrical resistance may be amplified and determined by the use of a Wheatstone bridge or other circuit. Thus, in some embodiments not only the depression of input device  900  may be determined, but the amount of depression and/or the applied force may be determined. 
     The deformation and distances  945 ,  1045  are exaggerated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , thus much smaller changes in distance may be used. Other configurations are within the scope of this disclosure such as, but not limited to placing one plug  935  on the surface which the user depresses and placing the other plug  940  on the opposite wall. Myriad methods of making such an input device are within the scope of this disclosure. As discussed in more detail above, fluid  927  may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. Such methods may be used to form a substantially transparent or semi-transparent user input device where only plugs  935 ,  940  may be visible or opaque. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , other embodiments may form a transparent capacitive-type user input device  1100 . In one embodiment, a self or absolute capacitance type sensor may be formed where an object (e.g., a finger  1110  or a stylus) capacitively loads device  1100  or increases the parasitic capacitance to ground. In one embodiment, wall  1105  may form a continuous enclosure that contains electrically conductive fluid  1127 . Wall  1105  may have electrically conductive plug  1135  configured to form an electrical connection to fluid  1127 . Electrically conductive plug  1135  may be configured to make electrical contact with electrically conductive fluid  1127  such that the electrically conductive fluid may act as a sensor to detect user&#39;s  1110  touch on device  1100 . As discussed in more detail above, fluid  1127  may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , in other embodiments a mutual capacitance type of input device  1200  may be formed. Input device  1200  is similar to input device  1100  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , however input device  1200  monitors mutual coupling between two adjacent electrodes, as discussed in more detail below. A user&#39;s interaction with input device  1200  is indicated by detecting a change in mutual capacitance between the two electrodes. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , an object (e.g., finger  1210  or conductive stylus) alters the mutual coupling between two or more electrodes  1220 ,  1225 , which may be scanned sequentially. In one embodiment, wall  1205  may form a first continuous enclosure  1250  and a separate second continuous enclosure  1255 , each enclosure containing electrically conductive fluid  1227 . First and second enclosures  1250 ,  1255 , respectively, filled with fluid  1227  may form electrodes  1220 ,  1225 . First and second enclosures  1250 ,  1255 , respectively, may each have an electrically conductive plug  1160 ,  1165 , respectively, configured to form an electrical connection to fluid  1227 . As discussed in more detail above, fluid  1227  may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , an embodiment employing a transparent electrically conductive fluid may be employed as a transparent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield in an electronic device  1300 . The transparent EMI shield may allow it to be used over a display without obscuring the display like other types of EMI shields. Although electronic device  1300  is illustrated as a phone, the electronic device may be any type of device such as a laptop computer, a computer monitor, a camera or other device. In this embodiment, a three-dimensional transparent structure  1305  may be used as an EMI shield to protect electronic device  1300  from externally generated EMI and may also be used to keep internally generated EMI within the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, structure  1305  may be made from a frame  1310  and a pair of transparent windows  1315 ,  1320 . In some embodiments transparent windows  1315 ,  1320  may be made from one or more of the materials discussed above including, but not limited to, transparent polycarbonate or glass. Transparent windows  1315 ,  1320  and frame  1310  may form a substantially enclosed structure containing a transparent electrically conductive fluid  1327 . Transparent electrically conductive fluid  1327  may be electrically connected to a ground through one or more conductive plugs  1330 . Fluid  1327  may form a transparent EMI shield, effectively attenuating impinging electromagnetic energy. The thickness of the fluid, the electrical conductivity of the fluid and the type of fluid, among other parameters, may be varied to achieve effective EMI shielding while maintaining optical transparency. 
     In some embodiments, structure  1305  may be employed over a display screen  1335  on electronic device  1300 , thus providing the ability for a user to view the display screen through the EMI shield. In other embodiments, structure  1305  may be employed over other electronic device elements such as, but not limited to, optical sensors, cameras, lights and internal components. Myriad other uses and configurations for structure  1305  are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, structure  1305  may not be two-dimensional and may be three-dimensional covering a curved display screen or other non-two-dimensional structure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 14 , an embodiment may be employed as an antenna in an electronic device  1400 . The antenna may be transparent, enabling it to be placed in front of a display screen without obscuring the user&#39;s view of the screen. Although electronic device  1400  is illustrated as a phone, the electronic device may be any type of device such as a laptop computer, a computer monitor, a camera or other device. In this embodiment, a three-dimensional transparent structure  1405  may be used as an antenna to transmit or receive information. Such antennas may be used to transmit and receive data on cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth or other bands. 
     In one embodiment, transparent structure  1415  may form a substantially enclosed cavity containing a transparent electrically conductive fluid  1427 . Transparent structure  1415  may be made from a transparent material such as, for example, polycarbonate, silicone, acrylic, vinyl or myriad other films. Fluid  1427  may be electrically connected to an antenna circuit through one or more conductive interconnects  1420  such that it forms a transparent antenna. Conductive interconnect  1420  may be formed as discussed above using an electrically conductive plug or other method. The pattern of fluid  1427 , the thickness of the fluid, the electrical conductivity of the fluid and the type of fluid, among other parameters, may be varied to achieve an effective antenna gain while maintaining optical transparency. 
     In some embodiments, structure  1415  may be employed over a display screen  1435  on electronic device  1400 , thus providing the ability for a user to view the display screen through the antenna. In further embodiments a transparent protective screen  1440  may be placed over structure  1415  and display screen  1435 . In other embodiments, structure  1405  may be employed over other electronic device elements such as, but not limited to, optical sensors, cameras and lights. Myriad other uses and configurations for structure  1405  are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, structure  1405  may not be two-dimensional and may be three-dimensional and placed on a curved display screen or other non-two-dimensional structure. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 15 , an embodiment may function as an orientation or gravitational force sensor  1500 . A device may be filled with an electrically conductive liquid and based on the location of a bubble in the liquid electrical connections to conductive plugs may be made or broken, indicating a change in state or position of the sensor. Such a sensor may be used in myriad applications such as within an electronic device, a toy, an automobile or any other device that benefits from information on orientation and changes in gravitational force. 
     A simplified cross-section of one embodiment is illustrated in a first position in  FIG. 15 . Sensor  1500  may have a wall  1505  forming a substantially continuous enclosure that contains electrically conductive fluid  1527  containing a void  1530  disposed within the fluid. Wall  1505  may have one or more electrically conductive plugs  1535 ( 1 ) . . .  1535 ( 5 ) configured to form an electrical connection to fluid  1527 . This embodiment has five conductive plugs  1535 ( 1 ) . . .  1535 ( 5 ) in a row, however other embodiments may have fewer or more and they may be in multiple rows, orientations and directions. 
     Wall  1505  may be made from an electrically insulative material. Conductive plugs  1535 ( 1 ) . . .  1535 ( 5 ) may be configured to make electrical contact with electrically conductive fluid  1527  or to be isolated from the fluid by void  1530  such that an orientation of sensor  1500  may be determined. More specifically, in some embodiments multiple conductive plugs  1535 ( 1 ) . . .  1535 ( 5 ) may be used, and by sensing which plugs are in contact with fluid  1527  and which are not, the orientation of sensor  1500  may be determined. For example,  FIG. 16  illustrates sensor  1500  in a different orientation where void  1530  has moved and a different conductive plug  1535 ( 1 ) . . .  1535 ( 5 ) is electrically isolated from fluid  1527 . As illustrated, void  1530  may change location based on an orientation of sensor  1500 , however void may also change location based on the centrifugal force or magnetic field that sensor  1500  is exposed to. In particular, if fluid  1527  is magnetic, void  1530  would change location based on the location of an applied magnetic field to sensor  1500 . 
     In some embodiments wall  1505  may be made from a transparent material while in other embodiments it may be made from a semi-transparent or an opaque material. In further embodiments fluid  1527  may be made from a transparent material while in other embodiments it may be made from a semi-transparent or an opaque material. In some embodiments a substantially transparent sensor  1500  may be beneficial such as in an application that must pass light through sensor  1500 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 17 , in one embodiment a channel structure  1700  may be filled with an electrically conductive fluid  1727  and be employed as a flow sensor and/or a fluid flow logic device, as described in more detail below. Structure  1700  may have one or more walls  1705  forming one or more channels  1710 ,  1715 ,  1720  configured to allow fluid  1723  to flow through them. Walls  1705  may have multiple electrically conductive plugs  1725 ,  1730 ,  1735  disposed within them. Plugs  1725 ,  1730 ,  1735  may make electrical contact with fluid  1727  and be used as feedback, as discussed as more detail below. 
     In some embodiments plugs  1725 ,  1735  may be disposed in side wall  1705  of channels  1710 ,  1720 , respectively. Plugs  1725 ,  1735  may be configured to make electrical contact with fluid  1727 . An electrically insulative valve  1740  may be placed in channel  1720  and configured such that in a first position fluid  1727  may flow past the valve and in a second position the valve may stop the flow of fluid and electrically isolate upstream fluid from downstream fluid. That is, when valve  1740  is in a closed position there may be little to no electrical continuity between plugs  1725  and  1735 , however when the valve is open, continuity is restored. Thus, such a system can be used to create or break continuity between plugs  1725 ,  1735  as well as block the flow of fluid  1727 . 
     In another embodiment, a check valve  1745  may be employed in channel  1715 . Check valve  1745  may electrically isolate plug  1730  from plug  1725  and  1735  when in a closed position. However when in an open position, electrical continuity is restored between plugs  1725 ,  1730  and  1735 . In one example embodiment, fluid  1727  may run through a filter or other device and when the pressure required to get through the filter increases beyond the pressure required for check valve  1745  to open, the check valve opens. The open check valve allows electrically conductive fluid  1727  to flow past plug  1730  creating electrical continuity between plugs  1725 ,  1730  and  1735 . 
     In further embodiments, an electrical logic system may be used to detect continuity between plugs  1725 ,  1730  and  1735  and notify an operator that check valve  1745  has opened. In another illustrative example, check valve  1745  may be used to determine the direction of flow of fluid  1727 . For example, in one embodiment if fluid  1727  is flowing from plug  1725  towards plug  1730  then check valve  1745  will be open and electrical continuity will be measured between the plugs. However, if fluid  1727  is flowing from plug  1730  to plug  1725  check valve  1745  will be closed and there will be no electrical continuity between plugs  1725  and  1730 . Similarly, continuity between plugs  1725  and  1735  may be used to determine position of valve  1740 . If there is continuity then valve  1740  is open and if there is no continuity then the valve is closed. 
     In some embodiments wall  1705  may be made from a transparent material while in other embodiments it may be made from a semi-transparent or an opaque material. In further embodiments fluid  1727  may be made from a transparent material while in other embodiments it may be made from a semi-transparent or an opaque material. In some embodiments a substantially transparent structure  1700  may be beneficial such as in an application that must pass light through the structure. 
     Myriad uses and other configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, laminar flow fluid channels may be used to form electrical circuits. In one embodiment, three parallel streams of fluid flow into a common unified channel. In a further embodiment, a conductive stream may be disposed on either side of a non-conductive stream. As long as the flow is laminar and the conductive stream continues to flow the first and second conductive streams may remain electrically isolated. However, in some embodiments, if one or more of the streams transitions to turbulent flow and/or the non-conductive stream is shut off, the conductive streams may combine and electrical continuity between the two conductive streams may result. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 18 , an embodiment may use an electrically conductive transparent fluid for forming an electrical connection to an electronic device as well as for cooling. In this embodiment electrically conductive fluid flows over an light emitting diode (LED) die, making electrical contact with the LED die while simultaneously cooling it. The electrically conductive fluid that flows over the top of the die is transparent, allowing the LED to emit light through the fluid. 
     A simplified isometric view of structure  1800  is illustrated in  FIG. 18  and includes a LED die  1805  held on either side by electrically insulative supports  1810 . LED die  1805  has an emission aperture  1815 , a first electrical contact  1820  and a backside  1825  which is also a second electrical contact. Structure  1800  further has a lower cover  1830  which may be opaque and an upper cover  1835  which may be transparent or translucent. Lower cover  1830  in combination with supports  1810  forms a first channel  1840  that may contain a first electrically conductive fluid  1845 . Upper cover  1835  in combination with supports  1810  forms a second channel  1850  that may contain an electrically conductive and transparent or translucent second fluid  1855 . Fluids  1845 ,  1855  may be connected to one or more pumping device such that they flow through channels  1840 ,  1850 , respectively. 
     LED die  1805  may emit light from emission aperture  1815  when a voltage potential is applied between first electrical contact  1820  and backside  1825 . First fluid  1845  may be at a first voltage potential and in electrical contact with backside  1825 . Second fluid  1855  may be at a second voltage potential and in electrical contact with first electrical contact  1820 . Thus, first and second fluids,  1845 ,  1855 , respectively may not only flow across LED die  1805 , but may also apply the necessary voltage potential to the LED die to make it emit light. Further, the flow of first and second fluids  1845 ,  1855 , respectively across LED die  1805  may provide cooling to maintain the temperature of the LED die below its maximum operating temperature. Yet further, the translucent or transparent nature of second fluid  1855 , enables LED die  1805  to emit light through the second fluid and through second cover  1835 . Such embodiments may enable direct liquid cooling of high power LED&#39;s without a need for forming wired electrical connections to LED die  1805 . Other embodiments may use different geometries or configurations and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , some embodiments may employ a transparent liquid crystal fluid to make a structure change color. As an example, wearable device  1900  may be similar to wearable device  500  (see  FIG. 5 ) having a transparent or translucent band  1905  that may contain one or more electrically conductive channels  1910 ( 1 ) . . .  1910 ( 3 ). However, wearable device  1900  may have one or more illuminated portions that change color, as described in more detail below. 
     Band  1905 , may have one or more enclosed interior cavities  1915 ,  1920 ,  1925 . In some embodiments, cavities  1915 ,  1920 ,  1925  may each have a first wall  1930  oriented parallel to a second wall  1935 . In one embodiment, first wall  1930  may contain a light source and second wall  1930  may contain a polarization filter and/or a color filter. An optically transparent fluid (not shown) may be disposed within the one or more enclosed interior cavities  1915 ,  1920 ,  1925 . The fluid may be configured to change its crystalline orientation under an applied voltage such that in a first orientation light from the light source may pass through the fluid with relatively little effect and in a second orientation the fluid may change a polarization of the light. 
     For example, in one embodiment first wall  1935  may contain a white light source such as, for example, an LED. The white light source may be configured to emit light through a first polarizer, then through the liquid crystal fluid towards second wall  1930 , oriented parallel to the first wall. In some embodiments the fluid may be a liquid crystal type of fluid that may be a twisted nematic or a super twisted nematic or other type. Second wall  1930  may have one or more polarizers and/or color filters. 
     In some embodiments, this configuration may enable band  1905  to be illuminated with one or more colors. In further embodiments, band  1905  may only have one fluid compartment and one color filter. In other embodiments, band  1905  may have numerous individual compartments with different color filters (e.g., red, green and blue) on the compartments such that the color of the object may be changed. For example, if a red color is illuminated adjacent to a blue color, the object may appear to be purple. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 20 , another example of an embodiment that may use a transparent liquid crystal fluid to make a structure change color is illustrated. Wearable device  2000  is similar to wearable device  1900  (see  FIG. 19 ) having a transparent or translucent band  2005  that may contain one or more electrically conductive channels  2010 ( 1 ) . . .  2010 ( 3 ). However, wearable device  2000  may have a relatively large number of comparatively small compartments such that the apparatus can display messages, images and/or myriad colors, as described in more detail below. 
     The mechanism that displays the colors and/or messages may be the same as employed in wearable device  1900 , however the size of the interior cavities may be substantially smaller. Further, the particular colors and/or the images generated by wearable device  1900  may be aesthetically appealing and may be difficult to achieve with other technologies. For example, in one embodiment the colors and tones are somewhat muted and may appear to be more of a glow than a bright illumination. In some embodiments these features may be used as an indicator to a user who may have the device on or near them. 
     In some embodiments combinations of the embodiments described above may be used. For example, in one embodiment a wearable device band may have one or more portions that change color. In some embodiments the one portion may change color from transparent to red when there is an incoming call. That same portion may also be a touch sensitive user input device such that a user may answer the call by touching the portion that changed color. In further embodiments a user may program portions to be various different colors corresponding to different commands. By touching that particular color the wearable device may execute a particular command associated with that color. Myriad other combinations of features and functions discussed herein are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150605
Publication Date: 20170131
Grant Date: 20170131
Priority Date: 20150317
Inventors: BUSHNELL TYLER S.
WEISS SAMUEL BRUCE
KALLMAN BENJAMIN J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02F1/133377", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133528", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2001/133624", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1336", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133514", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01B7/0027", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13452", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1336", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133305", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133528", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13452", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01B7/0027", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13731", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133377", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13731", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133514", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133624", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133305", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56925439