Strain-Sensing Display Switching for Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices struggle to efficiently switch between display and non-display modes while maintaining low power consumption, especially in varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

An information terminal incorporating a reflection-type liquid crystal element, an organic EL element, and a strain sensor, where the strain sensor controls the display mode by altering the light emission or reflection based on applied strain, utilizing a metal thin film resistor or piezoelectric element to sense strain and adjust the display accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light emission type element is used for display, then display quality in dark environments is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between reflection-type and light emission type display modes based on environmental conditions and user interaction. The display element changes its operational state from light emission to reflection type depending on whether strain is applied, allowing optimal performance in different scenarios while managing power consumption efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the display element from light emission mode to reflection mode by applying mechanical strain. This parameter change allows the display to adapt to different environmental conditions (bright vs. dark environments) while controlling power consumption through state transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a reflection-type element is used for display, then power consumption is reduced, but display quality in dark environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display element universal by enabling it to function in both reflection-type and light emission modes. This multi-functionality allows the same display element to perform optimally in both bright environments (reflection mode for low power consumption) and dark environments (light emission mode for high visibility)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If display mode switching is implemented, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical strain-based switching mechanism. The strain sensor detects physical deformation to trigger mode switching, eliminating the need for complex environmental sensors, processors, and control algorithms while achieving adaptive display functionality

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

Enables efficient switching between display and non-display modes by strain, reducing power consumption and providing a novel, flexible display solution suitable for various environments.

Implementation Method 1

The strain sensor preferably includes a metal thin film resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The strain sensor preferably includes a piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an organic EL element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 4

a reflection-type liquid crystal element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11308833B2Information terminal
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US11308833B2 patent drawing
  • US11308833B2 patent drawing
  • US11308833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information terminal capable of switching display and non-display of images by strain. The information terminal includes a display portion and a strain sensor. The display portion includes a liquid crystal element, a light-emitting element, and a first and a second transistors. The strain sensor includes a strain sensor element and a resistor. The first transistor has a function of controlling current flowing into the light-emitting element. The strain sensor element has a function as a variable resistor. A first terminal of the strain sensor element is electrically connected to a first terminal of the resistor. A gate of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first terminal of the strain sensor element via the second transistor.