Flexible Edge Seals for Electro-Optic Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge seals for electro-optic displays are not suitable for flexible displays, as they impart rigidity and do not effectively prevent moisture and contaminant ingress, which is a challenge for encapsulated electrophoretic and other flexible electro-optic media.

Innovation Solution

A sealing layer of metal or ceramic is vapor deposited to contact the backplane and protective layer, extending across the gap to seal the electro-optic material from the outside environment, with a flexible barrier material optionally used to ensure adhesion and prevent electrical shorts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing edge seals are used to seal the electro-optic display, then moisture and contaminant ingress is prevented, but the display loses flexibility and becomes rigid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture and contaminant preventionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible barrier material (such as a flexible polymer film) as the sealing layer that can conform to the flexible electro-optic display while providing effective moisture and contaminant barrier. This flexible film maintains the display's bendability and flexibility while preventing environmental ingress, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a sealing layer is added to prevent moisture ingress, then service life is extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin flexible barrier material that can be applied as a simple layer over the electro-optic display edges. This thin film provides effective sealing without adding significant structural complexity, maintaining service life extension while minimizing impact on device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible barrier material acts as an intermediary layer between the electro-optic display and the external environment. This intermediate sealing layer provides the necessary protection against moisture and contaminants while being compatible with the flexible display structure, extending service life without complicating the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 an effective seal that prevents moisture and contaminant ingress while maintaining flexibility in the electro-optic display, ensuring high-quality image production and extending the display's service life.

Implementation Method 1

A sealing layer of metal or ceramic is vapor deposited to contact the backplane and protective layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS8830553B2Edge seals for, and processes for assembly of, electro-optic displays

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 E INK CORP

AI summary

An electro-optic display comprises a backplane; a layer of electro-optic material disposed adjacent the backplane; a protective layer; and a sealing layer of a metal or a ceramic extending between the backplane and the protective layer, and thus sealing the layer of electro-optic material from the outside environment.