Flexible Segmented Electro-Optic Displays With Direct-Printed Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art segmented electro-optic displays suffer from reduced flexibility due to the bulk and stiffness introduced by the backplane substrate and adhesive layers, which are necessary for patterning display segment electrodes, limiting their application in flexible devices.
Innovation Solution
The display segment electrodes are directly printed adjacent to the electroactive layer without a backplane substrate, eliminating the need for adhesive layers and reducing thickness, thereby enhancing flexibility and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a backplane substrate and adhesive layers are used to pattern display segment electrodes, then the electrodes can be properly formed and connected, but the device becomes less flexible and more rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backplane substrate and adhesive layers from the display structure, extracting the problematic rigid components that prevented flexibility. The display segment electrodes are formed directly on the flexible substrate without requiring a separate backplane, thereby eliminating the source of rigidity while maintaining electrode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the backplane substrate and display segment electrodes into a single integrated structure. The flexible substrate serves both as the structural base and as the carrier for the patterned electrodes, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and reducing overall device thickness while improving flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a backplane substrate with adhesive layers is used, then display segment electrodes can be patterned and laminated, but manufacturing complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the lamination process by removing the adhesive layers and backplane substrate. Display segment electrodes are formed directly on the flexible substrate using printing or other direct patterning techniques, thereby eliminating the need for precise lamination alignment between multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate is prepared in advance with the necessary surface properties and structural features to directly receive and support the display segment electrodes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for subsequent lamination steps and complex alignment procedures during assembly.
3Strength
If adhesive layers and backplane substrate are used, then electrodes are properly supported, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function into the flexible substrate itself, which provides mechanical support for the display segment electrodes without requiring additional adhesive layers or backplane substrate. This integration maintains electrode support while minimizing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flexible substrate as a thin-film structure that provides sufficient mechanical support for the electrodes while maintaining minimal thickness. The flexible substrate acts as both the structural base and the support medium, eliminating the need for thicker rigid backplane components.
4Ease of manufacture
If backplane substrate and adhesive layers are used, then electrodes can be formed, but material waste and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backplane substrate and adhesive layers from the manufacturing process, eliminating the materials that would otherwise be wasted. Display segment electrodes are formed directly on the flexible substrate using material-efficient techniques such as printing, which deposits conductive material only where needed rather than requiring extensive adhesive and substrate 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
This approach results in a more flexible and cost-effective segmented electro-optic display with improved mechanical design, allowing for higher segment counts and reduced material waste, while eliminating the need for precise lamination alignment and costly connectors.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulated electrophoretic medium
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible segmented electro-optic display and method of manufacture are disclosed. The display includes an electroactive layer having a front viewing side and an opposite rear side. The electroactive layer includes an encapsulated electrophoretic medium. A light transmissive common electrode layer is superposed on the front viewing side of the electroactive layer. A plurality of display segment electrodes are directly adjacent the rear side of the electroactive layer. Each of the display segment electrodes is associated with an adjacent portion of the encapsulated electrophoretic medium. A processor die is electrically connected to each of the plurality of display segment electrodes to apply voltages to selected display segment electrodes to drive the respective associated portions of the encapsulated electrophoretic medium among different optical states. A protective seal encapsulates the electroactive layer, the light transmissive common electrode layer, the plurality of display segment electrodes, and the processor die.