Flexible Wearable Display Integration via Substrate Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable computing devices face challenges in integrating displays due to real estate limitations, size constraints, and the need for additional components for thermal dissipation, which can increase discomfort, cost, and overall size.

Innovation Solution

The integration of flexible displays into wearable devices using a packaging architecture with polyimide-based dielectric layers, allowing for direct mounting of displays on one side and electronic components on the other, with encapsulants to reduce size and enhance user experience while providing efficient thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If displays are integrated into wearable devices, then user experience is enhanced, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar 2D displays to three-dimensional volumetric displays that utilize the Z-axis dimension. Multiple display layers are stacked vertically within the bracelet structure, enabling enhanced user experience through 3D visualizations without significantly increasing the wearable device's footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple display layers are nested within each other in a compact stacked arrangement. The displays are integrated into the bracelet structure by nesting them between structural components, allowing multiple display functions to coexist in a limited space without proportionally increasing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If displays are integrated into wearable devices, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracelet structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the battery, contains the multiple display layers, and facilitates thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple display layers are merged into a single integrated assembly within the bracelet. Rather than manufacturing and assembling separate display modules, the displays are combined into one unified structure that can be manufactured as a single unit, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If displays are integrated into wearable devices, then performance is enhanced, but thermal effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidthermal effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Thermal interface material is introduced as an intermediary between the display layers and the heat dissipation structure. This mediator facilitates efficient heat transfer from the high-performance displays to the bracelet's thermal management system, allowing enhanced display performance without excessive temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracelet structure incorporates thermal expansion considerations in its design, allowing it to naturally dissipate heat generated by the displays through controlled expansion and conduction pathways. The structural materials are selected to facilitate thermal energy distribution and dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 enables the integration of multiple displays into low-profile wearable devices, reducing thermal effects and power consumption, while maintaining a comfortable and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

packaging architecture with polyimide-based dielectric layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

encapsulants to reduce size and enhance user experience

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncapsulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10606316B2Flexible computing device that includes a plurality of displays

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A flexible electronic device that includes a flexible substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and interconnects extending between the upper surface and the lower surface; a flexible display mounted directly to the upper surface of the flexible substrate such that the flexible display is electrically connected to the flexible substrate; a first encapsulant mounted to the upper surface of the flexible substrate such that the flexible display is at least partially embedded within the first encapsulant; an electronic component mounted to a lower surface of the flexible substrate such that the electronic component is electrically connected to the flexible substrate; a second encapsulant mounted to the lower surface of the flexible substrate such that the electronic component is at least partially embedded within the second encapsulant; a flexible casing that surrounds the electronic component and the second encapsulant.