Flexible Electrophoretic Display with Protective Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophoretic display apparatuses with glass array substrates are too hard and thick, failing to meet commercial requirements, and flexible array substrates lack reliability at high temperatures or humidity, with a risk of damage from over-bending.
Innovation Solution
An electrophoretic display apparatus featuring a flexible array substrate enclosed within a protective case comprising a bottom shell and top frame, made of materials like polycarbonate or ABS, which provides structural reinforcement and protection from moisture and high temperatures while allowing image visibility through an opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a glass array substrate is used in the electrophoretic display apparatus, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device becomes too hard and thick to satisfy commercial requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid glass array substrate with a flexible array substrate that has a flexible support structure. This flexible substrate maintains the necessary structural strength while enabling the display apparatus to be bent or folded, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and device flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible array substrate is used to improve device flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability under high temperature and humidity conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective coating layer on the flexible array substrate before the electrophoretic display is assembled. This protective layer provides environmental protection against high temperature and humidity conditions, thus maintaining reliability while preserving the flexibility benefits of the flexible substrate.
3Length of stationary object
If the flexible array substrate is made thinner to improve flexibility, then the device thickness is reduced, but the risk of damage from over-bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible array substrate is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including a flexible support layer, electrode layers, and protective coating layers. This composite structure achieves thin overall thickness while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength to resist damage from over-bending through the synergistic properties of different materials.
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 enhances the reliability and durability of the display apparatus under high temperature and humidity conditions, preventing damage from over-bending and ensuring operational stability through structural reinforcement and moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
An external electrical field is applied to the white-colored particles to control their motions. When the white-colored particles move upward (in the direction toward the reader), the electrophoretic display apparatus will show white color.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophoretic display apparatus includes a display module and a case. The display module includes a flexible array substrate, a front plane laminate, a driving circuit and a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible array substrate has a display area and a peripheral circuit area adjacent to the display area. The front plane laminate is disposed on the display area. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the flexible array substrate. The flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected to the driving circuit. The case contains the display module and has an opening exposing at least a part of the front plane laminate.