Fixed Image Display Using Patterned Electrode Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed image display devices based on layered electrochemically active organic materials fail to effectively hide the image in the non-active state due to visual differences between opacifier and chromic layers, and suffer from non-uniform switching and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fixed image display device with a pixelated design featuring a continuous pixel electrode layer and solidified electrolyte segments, where a hidden patterned electrode layer switches the coloring state of pixel elements, ensuring the image is concealed in the non-active state and allowing for efficient, low-cost manufacturing using conventional printing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opacifier layer and chromic layer are used to define the fixed image, then the display device can show the fixed image when activated, but the image remains visible in the non-active state due to visual differences between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the image-defining function from the opacifier/chromic layer structure and relocates it to a separate patterned electrode layer. This allows the electrophoretic layers to be uniform and opaque in the non-active state, while the hidden patterned electrode layer defines the fixed image when activated, eliminating the alignment issues between multiple image-defining layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the image definition from the optical dimension (layer transparency and color) to the electrical dimension (electrode patterning). By using a patterned electrode layer that is hidden from direct view, the fixed image is defined electrically rather than optically, allowing the visible layers to maintain uniform appearance in the non-active state.
2Ease of manufacture
If a patterned electrode layer is used to define the fixed image, then manufacturing alignment requirements are reduced, but the electrode layer must be electronically connected to multiple pixel elements requiring conductive pathways across pixel boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrophoretic display into independent pixel elements with individual electrode connections, while using a continuous patterned electrode layer for image definition. This segmentation allows each pixel to be independently addressed and connected to voltage sources, simplifying the overall connectivity structure while maintaining manufacturing tolerance.
3Reliability
If the electrolyte is arranged in segments corresponding to pixel elements, then uniform switching of pixel elements is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-aligning features in the manufacturing process where the segmented electrolyte structure automatically positions itself relative to the pixel electrodes and patterned electrode layer. This self-alignment mechanism achieves uniform pixel element switching while avoiding complex manual alignment procedures, allowing standard printing techniques to be used effectively.
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 solution effectively conceals the image in the non-active state, improves color contrast and sharpness, and reduces manufacturing costs while enabling uniform and efficient switching of pixel elements, enhancing the display characteristics and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
comprises electrochromic and electrochemically active organic polymer material being switchable between different visually detectable coloring states
Implementation Method 2
The fixed image display device further comprises solidified electrolyte arranged, in a viewing direction, behind the pixel electrode, which solidified electrolyte is in ionic contact with the pixel electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a display device, which is arranged to display a predetermined fixed image, having a pixel electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel portions, and opaque solidified electrolyte arranged in a plurality of separated segments in ionic contact with a respective pixel portion, wherein each electrolyte segment and respective pixel portion form a pixel element. The fixed image display further comprises at least one continuous electrode layer extending across at least two rows and two columns of the pixel matrix, and is connected to the electrolyte segments of a subset of the pixel elements. Upon application of an electric potential difference between the patterned electrode layer and the pixel electrode layer, the pixel portions of the subset of the pixel elements switch color.