Reflective Display Using Electrostriction Gel for Dark State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reflective displays face issues with the easy aggregation of black particles in ink, which degrades display quality, especially in achieving dark state displays.

Innovation Solution

A reflective display design featuring a first and second substrate with a transparent dielectric layer and immiscible electrostriction light-absorbing material composed of polyelectrolyte hydrogel and graphene oxide, where the electrostriction material deforms under an electric field to change the spreading area of a transparent liquid, allowing for both bright and dark state displays without particle aggregation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If black particles in electronic ink are absorbed to the display side to achieve dark state display, then dark state display is achieved, but particle aggregation occurs which degrades display quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedark state displayVSAvoiddisplay quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the light-absorbing material from solid particles (electronic ink) to a gel material that can reversibly transform between swollen and contracted states. This parameter change eliminates particle aggregation while maintaining the ability to achieve dark state display through electric field-induced contraction of the gel material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite gel material comprising crosslinked polymer chains and light-absorbing groups. This composite structure combines the advantages of polymer gels (no particle aggregation, reversible deformation) with light-absorbing functionality, resolving the contradiction between achieving dark state display and maintaining display quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If electrostriction light-absorbing material is used to avoid particle aggregation, then display quality is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the gel material itself: the gel material simultaneously provides the structural matrix, the light-absorbing functionality, and the electric field-responsive deformation capability. This consolidation simplifies the overall device structure compared to using separate particle-based components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If transparent liquid spreading area is changed to achieve bright and dark state switching, then display switching is enabled, but control precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay switchingVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical particle movement with electric field-induced gel deformation. The electrostriction effect provides precise, controllable, and reversible changes in gel volume and shape, enabling accurate control of transparent liquid spreading area and achieving precise display state switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improves display quality by avoiding particle aggregation and enabling effective switching between bright and dark states through the swelling and contraction of the electrostriction material, enhancing the reflective display's performance.

Implementation Method 1

the electrostriction light-absorbing material deforms under action of an electric field formed by the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 2

the light incident into the reflective display can be totally reflected on the side of the transparent liquid next to the first substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the electrostriction light-absorbing material comprises a compound material from polyelectrolyte hydrogel and graphene oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel swelling and contraction: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS10503006B2Reflective display and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A reflective display includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, a first electrode provided on the first substrate, a transparent dielectric layer arranged on the side of the first substrate opposite to the second substrate, a second electrode provided on the second substrate, and immiscible electrostriction light-absorbing material and transparent liquid filled between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light incident into the reflective display can be totally reflected on the side of the transparent liquid next to the first substrate; the electrostriction light-absorbing material deforms under action of an electric field formed by the first electrode and the second electrode, which enables a spreading area of the side of the transparent liquid next to the first substrate change.