Bistable Electro-Optic Display for Architectural Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing large-scale displays for buildings is challenging due to the need for complex and expensive electrical wiring, heavy mechanical frames, and high power consumption, making it difficult to create thin, lightweight, and aesthetically versatile exterior displays.
Innovation Solution
A weatherproof display system using a bistable electro-optic medium with wireless data reception and a power source, integrated into a thin, flexible structure that can be attached directly to a building surface, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and heavy frames, and powered by renewable energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional LED displays are constructed using mechanical frames and extensive wiring, then the display can show high-resolution alphanumeric information, but the display becomes thick, heavy, and requires complex electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel contains integrated electronics and electro-optic elements, eliminating the need for extensive external wiring. The modular design allows flexible configuration on building surfaces without requiring complex structural frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring systems with wireless communication technology. Control signals and data are transmitted wirelessly to each display panel, eliminating the need for long runs of electrical wiring and complex electrical infrastructure while maintaining full control capability.
2Area of stationary object
If large-scale displays are constructed to cover entire building surfaces, then the display area increases, but the weight and structural requirements increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The display panels utilize thin-film electro-optic materials and flexible substrate structures that provide full-color display capability in a lightweight, thin profile. These thin-film constructions eliminate the need for heavy mechanical support structures while maintaining structural integrity across large building surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The large-scale display is segmented into numerous small, lightweight panels that can be independently supported by the building architecture. This segmentation distributes the weight load across multiple attachment points rather than requiring a single heavy structural frame, enabling coverage of entire building surfaces with minimal structural impact.
3Reliability
If traditional displays use continuous power supply with extensive wiring, then the display can maintain stable operation, but the power consumption and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system utilizes periodic updating of image content rather than continuous refresh, leveraging the persistent visual effect of the electro-optic materials. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous refresh while maintaining stable, reliable display operation. The system only consumes power when image updates are required.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless power management and control systems replace traditional wired power distribution. The display panels communicate wirelessly with a central controller, enabling remote power management and monitoring without requiring extensive electrical wiring infrastructure, thereby reducing both installation complexity and ongoing power consumption.
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
Enables dynamic and efficient display of patterns or images on large architectural surfaces with low power consumption, reduced installation complexity, and minimal visual obstruction, while maintaining durability against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable electro-optic medium enclosed within the weatherproof housing and visible through the housing; at least one electrode enclosed within the weatherproof housing and arranged to apply an electric field to the bistable electro-optic medium
Data Source
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 source (504) 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 source, and to control the potential of the electrode.