Bistable Display Tiles for Architectural Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing large-scale displays for architectural applications, such as building facades, is challenging due to the need for extensive wiring, heavy mechanical structures, and high power consumption, making it difficult to create thin, lightweight, and aesthetically dynamic displays that cover extensive surfaces without complex electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of bistable electrophoretic displays with weatherproof housings and wireless communication, integrated with photovoltaic cells for power harvesting, allows for thin, flexible, and lightweight tiles that can be autonomously controlled and assembled without extensive wiring, using a two-part weatherproof envelope and flexible solar cells for energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional LED displays are constructed with mechanical frames and extensive wiring to cover large building surfaces, then the display can show high-resolution alphanumeric information, but the display becomes thick, heavy, and requires complex electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent display tiles that can be individually manufactured and then assembled into large-scale architectural displays. Each tile contains its own electro-optic elements and control circuitry, eliminating the need for extensive wiring across the entire display structure. The tiles can be arranged in various configurations to cover large building surfaces while maintaining simplicity at each module level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical LED display structures with electro-optic elements that can be directly integrated into building surfaces. Instead of using heavy mechanical frames and mounting structures, the display tiles utilize adhesive or magnetic attachment methods, and control signals are transmitted wirelessly or through minimal conductive connections, substantially reducing structural complexity and weight.
2Area of stationary object
If extensive wiring is used to coordinate multiple display sections across large building surfaces, then the display can be controlled and updated, but the power consumption and electrical infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the display into independently controlled tiles, each with its own local control circuitry and power management, the system eliminates the need for long-distance signal and power transmission across the entire display. Each tile can be updated independently, reducing the total power required for control signals and allowing for energy-efficient local operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system utilizes periodic updating of display content rather than continuous refresh, taking advantage of the persistence of vision and the bistable nature of electro-optic elements. This periodic update approach significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous refresh mechanisms used in traditional displays, while maintaining the appearance of continuous display operation.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional display structures are used to cover large building surfaces, then the display can be assembled from standard components, but the display becomes bulky and requires heavy structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The display tiles are constructed using thin-film electro-optic elements and flexible substrate materials, eliminating the need for thick, rigid display panels. The tiles can be made sufficiently thin and lightweight that they can be directly adhered to building surfaces without requiring heavy structural support frameworks, while still maintaining display functionality and durability.
4Area of stationary object
If displays are made as single large elements to cover building surfaces, then the display appearance can be uniform and cohesive, but construction becomes nearly impossible for buildings hundreds or thousands of feet in length
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent display tiles that can be individually manufactured using standardized processes, making construction feasible for very large building surfaces. The modular design allows for parallel manufacturing of multiple tiles, which can then be assembled on-site in various configurations to achieve the desired display area and design, greatly simplifying the construction process compared to manufacturing a single large display element.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the creation of large, dynamic, and energy-efficient displays that can be integrated into architectural elements with minimal wiring and structural support, utilizing renewable energy sources and maintaining image persistence for low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable bichromal rotating ball electro-optic medium enclosed within and visible through the housing
Implementation Method 2
power generating means enclosed within the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A display (100) primarily intended for use on an external surface of a building comprises a weatherproof housing (310, 340); a bistable electro-optic medium (326) enclosed within and visible through the housing; an electrode (324, 330) enclosed within the weatherproof housing and arranged to drive the electro-optic medium; a power generating means (504; 832, 834) enclosed within the weatherproof housing; data receiving means (508) enclosed within the weatherproof housing and arranged to receive data wirelessly from a source outside the weatherproof housing; and display drive means (510) arranged to receive data from the data receiving means and power from the power generating means, and to control the potential of the electrode.