Electrophoretic Display Sacrifice Area for Seamless Printed Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoretic display devices face issues with noticeable boundaries between printed surfaces and display faces due to misalignment during substrate bonding, leading to deteriorated design properties and appearance, especially in small-size applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sacrifice display area surrounding the display area and positioning the printed area outside the display area to create a seamless boundary, with the printed area containing electrophoretic particles, allowing for alignment adjustments and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If printing is carried out on the cover member above the display face, then design property is improved, but the boundary between printed surface and display face becomes noticeable due to depth difference, deteriorating appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A sacrifice layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the printed cover member and the display face. This sacrifice layer fills the depth difference and creates a transition zone that masks the boundary between the printed area and the display area, making the transition unnoticeable and improving overall appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of the noticeable boundary is solved by utilizing the depth dimension (z-axis) to create a gradual transition. The sacrifice layer is positioned at different depths to create a stepped structure that visually blends the printed area with the display face, transforming a 2D boundary problem into a 3D solution
2Shape
If printing is carried out on the cover member, then design property is improved, but position misalignment occurs during bonding, deteriorating appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrifice layer is designed with sufficient width to provide a cushion zone that absorbs potential misalignment during bonding. By pre-positioning this sacrificial element, the patent creates a buffer that prevents misalignment from affecting the critical display area, thereby maintaining manufacturing tolerance and appearance quality
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrifice layer is designed as a disposable element that can be easily replaced. It serves its purpose of masking misalignment and can be repositioned or replaced without affecting the main display functionality, making it an economical solution for compensating manufacturing variations
3Area of stationary object
If the display area is made small for compact application, then device size is reduced, but position misalignment has significant impact on appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrifice layer is strategically positioned around the display area with optimized width to provide localized compensation. The width of the sacrifice layer is specifically designed to be sufficient to mask misalignment effects, creating a zone of improved local quality that protects the small display area from the harmful effects of bonding variations
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 configuration makes the boundary between the display and printed areas unnoticeable, preventing design and appearance deterioration even with substrate misalignment, and allows for flexible design variations while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrophoretic layer which is sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophoretic display device includes: an electrophoretic layer which is sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein a disposition area of the electrophoretic layer is constituted by a display area and a sacrifice display area which is provided to surround the display area, and at the second substrate, a printed area which is set outside the display area in a plan view and overlaps an outer peripheral portion of the sacrifice display area is provided.