E-paper Display Lateral Waterproofing via Protective Layer Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic paper (e-paper) displays have a poor lateral waterproof effect due to the higher water vapor transmission rate of the glue layer compared to the protective layer, affecting the structural reliability of the e-paper display.

Innovation Solution

A display device design where the protective layer covers and bends towards the driving substrate along the glue layer, creating a dual-layer moisture barrier that enhances the lateral waterproof effect by aligning the side edges of the protective, glue, and adhesive layers to completely wrap the display medium and glue layers between the substrate and protective layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a glue layer is used to seal the lateral direction of the display medium layer, then the assembly process is simplified, but the lateral waterproof effect deteriorates due to higher water vapor transmission rate of the glue layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidlateral waterproof effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is divided into two functional parts: the glue layer for assembly and the protective layer for waterproofing. The protective layer is segmented to extend laterally from the display medium layer to the edge of the driving substrate, creating a separate waterproof barrier that does not rely solely on the glue layer's sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system uses a composite structure combining the glue layer and the protective layer. The protective layer material is specifically selected to have lower water vapor transmission rate than the glue layer, creating a composite barrier that leverages the strengths of both materials for optimal waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If the protective layer only covers the display medium layer from above, then the structure is simple, but the lateral waterproof protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidlateral waterproof effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is extended from a single-plane configuration to a multi-dimensional structure that wraps around the display medium layer. It covers the top surface and extends laterally to the edge of the driving substrate, creating a three-dimensional protective barrier that blocks moisture from both top and lateral directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is designed with a curved or bent configuration that follows the contour from the top surface down to the lateral edge. This curved structure creates a continuous protective path that effectively blocks moisture infiltration from both vertical and horizontal directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20240004254A1Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 E INK HLDG INC

AI summary

A display device includes a driving substrate, a display medium layer, a glue layer, and a protective layer. The display medium layer is disposed on the driving substrate. The glue layer is disposed around the display medium layer. The protective layer covers the display medium layer and the glue layer, and the protective layer is bent toward the driving substrate along the glue layer.