E-paper Display Conductive Network for Ground Return Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

E-paper display devices face issues with maintaining a secure electrical connection to a ground return path, leading to potential disruptions from electrostatic discharges that can distort images, as they require a connection to write information and maintain image stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a network of conductive paths or strands on the imaging surface of the e-paper display, electrically coupled to a ground electrode, which provides a stable ground return path during writing, preventing disruptions from electrostatic charges and ensuring image robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If e-paper display devices require a connection to ground return path for writing information, then writing functionality is enabled, but electrostatic discharges can disrupt the connection and distort images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a network of conductive paths or strands on the imaging surface that are electrically coupled to a ground electrode. This network provides multiple alternative pathways for electrostatic charges to dissipate safely to ground, converting the harmful electrostatic discharge into a controlled dissipation process that prevents image distortion while maintaining writing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a network of conductive paths is added to provide ground return path, then electrostatic discharge protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground connection stabilityVSAvoidconductive network structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground return path is segmented into multiple conductive paths or strands distributed across the imaging surface. Each strand provides an independent pathway to ground, and the collective network offers redundancy and multiple routes for charge dissipation. This segmentation approach achieves reliable ground connection without requiring a single complex centralized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive paths are implemented as thin conductive layers or strands integrated into the imaging surface structure. This thin-film approach minimizes the added complexity and thickness while providing effective electrical connectivity to ground, maintaining the overall simplicity and flexibility of the e-paper display device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The conductive paths enable secure and uninterrupted writing while minimizing interference with the imaging process, maintaining image stability and preventing accidental or intended disruptions from electrostatic discharges.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a network of conductive paths or strands on the imaging surface of the e-paper display, electrically coupled to a ground electrode, which provides a stable ground return path during writing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

preventing disruptions from electrostatic charges and ensuring image robustness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3100107B1Display device
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3100107B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3100107B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3100107B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A display device includes an electronic paper display imageable by receiving charges on an imaging surface of the electronic paper display. The display device includes an electrode opposite to the imaging surface of the electronic paper display. A network of conductors is on the imaging surface of the electronic paper display and electrically coupled to the electrode.