Solid OCA Lamination for UV-Resistant Front-Lit Display Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved displays in portable electronic devices, such as e-book readers, that are thin, lightweight, and capable of rendering content effectively in low ambient light conditions while resisting UV-induced discoloration, and allowing for user input.
Innovation Solution
A stack assembly comprising a cover glass, electrophoretic display, capacitive touch sensor, and front lighting, all layered with solid optically clear adhesive (OCA) films, which are laminated together using roll or vacuum lamination techniques to form a touch-sensitive front-lit electrophoretic display that filters UV light and enhances visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If liquid OCA is used to laminate display components, then assembly is achieved, but handling issues and rework costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the OCA from liquid to solid film form. This parameter change eliminates the handling issues associated with liquid OCA (spilling, contamination, improper application) while maintaining the lamination function. The solid OCA film can be precisely positioned and applied without the risks associated with liquid adhesives.
2Weight of moving object
If the display is made thin and lightweight for portable devices, then portability is improved, but display quality and UV resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure with multiple functional layers including OCA film, touch sensor, display, and lighting layers. This composite material approach allows integration of UV filtering functionality within the thin display stack without significantly increasing weight. The layered composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of thinness, light weight, and UV protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display layers (cover glass, touch sensor, display, lighting) are assembled, then functionality is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display components (cover glass, touch sensor, display, lighting) into a single integrated stack assembly that is laminated together as one unit. This merging approach, while maintaining all functional layers, simplifies the overall assembly process by treating the multi-layer structure as a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies requiring multiple mounting steps.
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 durable, UV-resistant, and user-friendly display that maintains image quality and allows for efficient assembly, reducing rework costs and handling issues associated with liquid OCAs.
Implementation Method 1
Each sub-assembly may be adhered to another sub-assembly with a solid optically clear adhesive (OCA), such as an OCA film
Implementation Method 2
a front lighting layered on top of the EPD for illuminating the EPD
Implementation Method 3
an electrophoretic display (EPD) for rendering content
Implementation Method 4
a capacitive touch sensor layered on top of the front lighting for detecting touch inputs
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a stack assembly. The stack assembly is provided with a stack of sub-assemblies such as a display for rendering content, front lighting layered on top of the display for illuminating the display, a capacitive touch sensor layered on top of the front lighting for detecting touch inputs, and a cover glass layered on top of the capacitive touch sensor. Each sub-assembly is adhered to another sub-assembly with a film optically clear adhesive before coupling sub-assemblies with each other, which forms a touch-sensitive front-lit display that is capable of accepting user input and rendering content in low ambient light conditions.