Flexible Electrophoretic Display Wearable Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable devices with flexible electrophoretic displays are limited in their flexibility and comfort due to the need for rigid structures to protect sensitive circuitry, resulting in bulky and uncomfortable designs that do not fully utilize the potential of flexible displays.

Innovation Solution

A flexible wearable apparatus featuring a wound support member, such as an elongated ribbon spring, with a retainer that allows the electrophoretic display to translate freely, maintaining a planar configuration and reducing elastic force through features like small holes or openings, enabling a large area, lightweight, and thin display that can be easily worn without compromising the display's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid supporting structures are used to protect sensitive circuitry, then reliability is improved, but weight and bulk increase, reducing flexibility and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive circuitryVSAvoidweight of wearable device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible supporting structures such as flexible circuits and thin-film encapsulation layers to protect the electrophoretic display and circuitry. These flexible shells and thin films provide mechanical protection while maintaining the device's flexibility and lightweight characteristics, eliminating the need for bulky rigid housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material structures combining flexible substrates, thin-film protective layers, and flexible circuit materials to create a protective system that is both reliable and lightweight. This composite approach provides the necessary protection against damage while keeping the overall device weight minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If rigid supporting structures are used to protect sensitive circuitry, then reliability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive circuitryVSAvoidbulkiness of wearable device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible supporting structures such as flexible circuits and thin-film encapsulation layers to protect the electrophoretic display and circuitry. These flexible shells and thin films provide mechanical protection while maintaining the device's flexibility and lightweight characteristics, eliminating the need for bulky rigid housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the protective function into multiple thin segments or layers rather than using a single bulky rigid structure. The protective system is segmented into thin-film encapsulation layers, flexible circuit boards, and thin protective covers, which collectively provide protection while maintaining a thin, comfortable profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the display area is increased for larger devices, then functionality is improved, but the device requires larger and heavier supporting structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidweight of supporting structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible supporting structures such as flexible circuits and thin-film encapsulation layers to protect the electrophoretic display and circuitry. These flexible shells and thin films provide mechanical protection while maintaining the device's flexibility and lightweight characteristics, eliminating the need for bulky rigid housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material structures combining flexible substrates, thin-film protective layers, and flexible circuit materials to create a protective system that is both reliable and lightweight. This composite approach provides the necessary protection while keeping the overall device weight minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device is made flexible to maximize EPID potential, then flexibility and lightness are improved, but the display may be damaged during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of wearable deviceVSAvoidprotection against display damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates protective cushioning elements and padded structures that cushion the electrophoretic display against mechanical stress during wearing and removal. These protective features absorb impact and prevent damage to the flexible display while maintaining the device's overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible supporting structures such as flexible circuits and thin-film encapsulation layers to protect the electrophoretic display and circuitry. These flexible shells and thin films provide mechanical protection while maintaining the device's flexibility and lightweight characteristics, eliminating the need for bulky rigid housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 high-functioning, lightweight, and flexible wearable display that expands design possibilities, reduces component count, and enhances user interaction while minimizing the risk of damage, offering a premium and stylish product at a lower cost.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible electrophoretic display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

a support member configured to be wound around a body part and to be held in place around the body part by an elastic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10146261B2Wearable apparatus having a flexible electrophoretic display

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 E INK CORP

AI summary

A flexible, wearable apparatus comprising a flexible display, a support member and a retainer. In some embodiments, the flexible, wearable apparatus can be used in a flat or rounded configuration. In some embodiments, the flexible support member is formed to provide a substantially planar viewing surface for the electrophoretic display when the flexible, wearable apparatus is in a rounded state.