Three-Dimensionally Molded Electronic Substrate
A device, system and process for fabricating a three-dimensional electronic substrate are disclosed. A substrate may be molded in three-dimensions to fit the form factor of an exterior device frame. Electronics and conductors may be placed onto the three-dimensional surface of the molded substrate, thereby creating a three-dimensional electronic substrate. The three dimensional substrate may then be connected to an exterior frame to allow for electronic functionalities across frame form factors.
1 . An electronic device configured in three dimensions, comprising:
a substrate that is molded to comprise a three dimensional structure, the three dimensional structure characterized by at least two intersecting surface planes, the substrate enabled to accept a conductive material;
a conductive pattern, comprising the conductive material, overlaid onto the three dimensional structure of the molded substrate such that the conductive pattern is continuous over at least two intersecting surface planes of the three dimensional structure; and
an electronic module comprising an electronic component and a conductive interface, the electronic module attached to the three dimensional structure such that the conductive interface makes electrical contact with the conductive pattern.
2 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the three dimensional structure includes a mechanical connection location that allows for mechanical fixation of the substrate to a frame.
3 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the overlaid conductive pattern is formed through plating.
4 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic component comprises one of a switch, a speaker, a light emitting diode, a plug, and an image capturing device.
5 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic module is attached to a single plane of the three dimensional structure.
6 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the conductive pattern comprises at least one metal layer.
7 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is enabled to be used in a laser direct structuring (LDS) process.
8 . An electronic system configured in three dimensions, comprising:
a frame;
a substrate mechanically connected to the frame, the substrate comprising:
a three dimensional structure, the three dimensional structure characterized by at least two intersecting surface planes, the substrate enabled to accept a conductive material;
a conductive pattern, comprising the conductive material, overlaid onto the three dimensional structure of the molded substrate such that the conductive pattern is continuous over two intersecting surface planes of the three dimensional structure; and
an electronic module comprising an electronic component and a conductive interface, the electronic module attached to the three dimensional structure such that the conductive interface makes electrical contact with the conductive pattern; and
a circuit board, electrically connected to the conductive pattern on the substrate.
9 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the frame includes at least one mechanical connection structure configured to accommodate a mechanical connection.
10 . The electronic system of claim 9 , wherein the three dimensional structure includes a mechanical receiving location that allows for mechanical fixation of the substrate to the frame through the at least one mechanical connection structure.
11 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the overlaid conductive pattern is formed through plating.
12 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the electronic component comprises one of a switch, a speaker, a light emitting diode, a plug, and an image capturing device.
13 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the electronic module is attached to a single plane of the three dimensional structure.
14 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the conductive pattern comprises at least one metal layer.
15 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the substrate is enabled to be used in a laser direct structuring (LDS) process.
16 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the circuit board comprises a metallic spring contact that is configured to make an electrical contact with the conductive pattern through mechanical pressure applied by the spring.
17 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the circuit board is connected mechanically to the frame.
18 . The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein the frame comprises a molded material.
19 . The electronic system of claim 18 , wherein the frame includes conductive patterns.
20 . A manufacturing process comprising:
molding a substrate to include a three dimensional structure, the three dimensional structure characterized by at least two intersecting surface planes, the surface of the substrate enabled to be activated through exposure to an energy radiation source;
activating the molded substrate in a selective region with an energy radiation source such that the selectively activated region is continuous over two intersecting surface planes of the three dimensional structure;
depositing a conductive material onto the selectively activated region on the surface of the molded substrate; and
electrically mounting an electronic module to the three dimensional structure of the molded substrate, the electronic module comprising an electronic component and a conductive interface, the electronic module attached to the three dimensional structure such that the conductive interface makes electrical contact with the conductive pattern.