Electro-optic Display Conductive Layer Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling solid electro-optic displays, such as encapsulated electrophoretic displays, are costly and not well-suited for mass production, as they require batch processes and can damage the thin conductive layers during the formation of electrical connections, leading to potential display failures.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a pre-formed aperture front plane laminate, where the adhesive layer has apertures that do not block the electro-optic medium, allowing for easier formation of electrical connections and reducing the risk of damage to the conductive layers, along with a detachable tab front plane laminate that allows for testing and separation without damaging the main conductive layer section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing batch assembly methods are used for solid electro-optic displays, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but production cost increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-formed with apertures positioned and sized appropriately before assembly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment during manufacturing, enabling faster mass production while maintaining precision in electrical connection formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional adhesive layer formation is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but damage to thin conductive layers occurs during electrical connection formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductive layer integrityVSAvoidadhesive layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer incorporates localized apertures at specific positions where electrical connections are needed. This local modification allows precise control over where conductive layers are exposed for connection formation, protecting other areas from damage while enabling reliable electrical contacts only where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is segmented with discrete apertures rather than being a continuous opaque layer. This segmentation creates targeted access points for electrical connections, allowing the conductive layers to remain protected in non-critical areas while being accessible where needed, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If apertures are formed in the adhesive layer close to the electro-optic medium, then electrical connection formation is facilitated, but the electro-optic medium may be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection formationVSAvoidaperture positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apertures in the adhesive layer serve as intermediaries that bridge the need for electrical connection access and the requirement to preserve electro-optic medium functionality. By positioning apertures with appropriate spacing from the electro-optic medium, they provide access for connections while preventing direct contact or blocking of the medium, thus facilitating ease of operation without compromising manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8390301B2Electro-optic displays, and materials and methods for production thereof

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 E INK CORP

AI summary

A sub-assembly useful in an electro-optic display includes a conductive layer and a layer of electro-optic medium. The conductive layer has a main section covered by the electro-optic medium, an exposed section free from the electro-optic medium, and a weak section connecting the main section and the exposed section, so that the exposed section can be manipulated to rupture the weak section, thus separating the exposed section from the main section without substantial damage.