Liquid Display Device Using Segmented Droplet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in maintaining the stability of liquid streams during image display, leading to mixing of pixel information liquids, which affects the brightness and clarity of color displays, especially when using electrophoresis-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring a liquid chamber with a switch to control liquid passage and blockage, connected to liquid supply and discharge passages, allowing for separate and stable transfer of liquid droplets as pixels, preventing mixing and enabling efficient two-dimensional and color displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a segmented fluid stream is moved by pump pressurization to form display images, then the liquid stream can be transported to desired positions, but the fluid stream cannot be uniformly pressurized in its sectional direction causing mixing between pixel information liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid stream into discrete liquid droplets separated by repeller structures. Each droplet is individually confined and transported, preventing mixing while allowing efficient pump pressurization. The segmentation of the continuous stream into discrete units resolves the contradiction between transport speed and stream stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeller structures as intermediary elements between the pump and the liquid droplets. These repellers create physical barriers that maintain droplet separation and prevent mixing during pressurized transport, while still allowing the pump to effectively move the liquid stream at high speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a color-filter array substrate is added to display color, then color display capability is achieved, but white display luminance is lowered reducing brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid droplets of different colors that can be selectively deposited onto the display surface. By directly transporting and placing colored liquids at desired positions, the system achieves full color display capability without requiring a color-filter array substrate, thereby maintaining high white display luminance when color filters are not needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display devices are laminated to display different colors, then full color display is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple color display functions into a single display device by using a unified liquid droplet transport system that can handle different colored liquids. Instead of laminating multiple separate display devices, the invention merges color generation and display functions into one integrated system, reducing structural complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal liquid droplet transport system that can transport and deposit multiple colors of liquid through a single apparatus. The same pump, flow passage, and droplet placement mechanism handle all colors, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate display devices for different colors.
4Stability of the object's composition
If separating fluid is used to prevent mixing of pixel information liquids, then liquid mixing is avoided, but the volume of separating fluid increases reducing the area ratio for display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separating fluid by using repeller structures that physically confine and separate liquid droplets. Instead of adding separating fluid to prevent mixing, the invention removes the requirement for large volumes of separating fluid by using structural repellers that achieve separation with minimal fluid volume, thereby increasing the display area ratio.
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 configuration ensures stable liquid transfer and prevents mixing of droplets, enhancing display brightness and clarity, allowing for rapid image formation and updating, while reducing the complexity and cost associated with multiple display devices.
Implementation Method 1
the flow passage inner wall is made of liquid repellent surface 30
Implementation Method 2
whose liquid repellency will be reduced upon exposure to an electric field; and liquid transfer means 18 which includes switch part 3 and electrodes 7 capable of applying electric field to liquid repellent surface 30
Data Source
AI summary
In this display device, a pixel constituting a display image is made up of a liquid chamber which can contain liquid. To such a pixel, a liquid supply passage and a liquid discharge passage are connected via a switch. The liquid supply passage, the liquid discharge passage, and the pixel together constitute a flow passage. The switch is configured to control the passage and blockage of liquid in the flow passage. Further, the transfer of liquid into and out of a pixel is performed by liquid transfer means.