Flexible E-Paper Shelf Edge Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face high costs and impracticality in implementing Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) technology for automatically updating prices on shelf edges due to the need for thousands of labels across a typical grocery store, making it unfeasible for low-value items and requiring a more cost-effective and power-efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, low-power consumption, and durable e-paper display system without a glass backplane, utilizing flexible e-paper technology with a separate driving mechanism that can cover entire shelf edges, allowing for wireless communication and automatic updates, using a plastic substrate and a driver that moves along the display to rewrite information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) technology is implemented to automatically update prices on shelf edges, then information updating capability is improved, but cost and practicality deteriorate due to the need for thousands of labels across a typical grocery store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple e-paper display modules into a single continuous display unit that can cover entire shelf edges. Instead of using thousands of separate ESL labels, the system combines multiple display elements into one integrated structure, reducing the total number of discrete components needed while maintaining automatic updating capability through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The e-paper display system is designed to serve multiple functions: displaying prices, product information, promotions, and advertisements on a single continuous display surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate labeling systems, thereby lowering the overall quantity of display components required in the store.
2Reliability
If traditional glass backplane is used in e-paper displays, then manufacturing precision and durability are improved, but flexibility and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid glass backplane with flexible plastic substrates and thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. This substitution maintains the durability and reliability of the display while introducing flexibility, enabling the e-paper display to conform to curved shelf edges and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs associated with glass handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the backplane from glass to plastic, and modifies the manufacturing process parameters to use lower temperatures compatible with plastic substrates. This parameter change enables flexible manufacturing methods and reduces production costs while maintaining display performance through advanced TFT technology.
3Manufacturing precision
If active matrix technology with TFT array is used, then display resolution and control precision are improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film transistor (TFT) technology fabricated on flexible plastic substrates, which simplifies the backplane structure compared to traditional glass-based active matrix displays. The thin-film fabrication process integrates the transistor layers directly into the flexible substrate, reducing structural complexity while maintaining precise pixel control capability through standard TFT switching mechanisms.
4Area of stationary object
If e-paper display covers entire shelf edges, then information display area is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large continuous e-paper display into multiple modular segments or modules that can be individually manufactured, handled, and installed. Each module contains its own flexible substrate and TFT array, allowing the system to achieve large total display area while reducing the complexity of individual components and simplifying installation procedures through modular assembly.
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 provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and flexible e-paper display system that can cover entire shelf edges, enabling automatic updates and enhancing customer experience by utilizing wireless communications and a flexible e-paper technology, reducing the need for multiple labels and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A display with an electrophoretic frontplane forms visible images by rearranging charged pigment particles using an applied electric field
Implementation Method 2
When a voltage is applied across the two plates, the particles migrate electrophoretically to the plate bearing the opposite charge from that on the particles
Implementation Method 3
When the particles are located at the front (viewing) side of the display, it appears white, because light is scattered back to the viewer by the high-index titania particles
Implementation Method 4
When the particles are located at the rear side of the display, it appears dark, because the incident light is absorbed by the colored dye
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mass resolving aperture that may be used in an ion implantation system. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mass resolving aperture that is segmented, adjustable, and/or presents a curved surface to the oncoming ion species that will strike the aperture. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to the filtering of a flow of charged particles through a closed plasma channel (“CPC”) superconductor, or boson energy transmission system.