US20030214612A1 - Composite structure for enhanced flexibility of electro-optic displays - Google Patents
Composite structure for enhanced flexibility of electro-optic displays Download PDFInfo
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- US20030214612A1 US20030214612A1 US10/147,628 US14762802A US2003214612A1 US 20030214612 A1 US20030214612 A1 US 20030214612A1 US 14762802 A US14762802 A US 14762802A US 2003214612 A1 US2003214612 A1 US 2003214612A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/133308—Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
- B32B27/285—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42 comprising polyethers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
- B32B27/286—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42 comprising polysulphones; polysulfides
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
- B32B27/365—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters comprising polycarbonates
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
- B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
- B32B7/08—Interconnection of layers by mechanical means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
- B32B9/005—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising one layer of ceramic material, e.g. porcelain, ceramic tile
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
- B32B9/04—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B9/045—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
- B32B2307/412—Transparent
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
- B32B2457/20—Displays, e.g. liquid crystal displays, plasma displays
- B32B2457/202—LCD, i.e. liquid crystal displays
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
- B32B2457/20—Displays, e.g. liquid crystal displays, plasma displays
- B32B2457/206—Organic displays, e.g. OLED
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/133308—Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
- G02F1/133322—Mechanical guidance or alignment of LCD panel support components
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/133342—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods for double-sided displays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
- G02F2201/46—Fixing elements
- G02F2201/465—Snap -fit
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
- G02F2201/50—Protective arrangements
- G02F2201/503—Arrangements improving the resistance to shock
Definitions
- an electronic display it is highly desirable for an electronic display to be as thin and light as possible while still maintaining a high degree of ruggedness and imperviousness to forces that are a consequence of shock and drop.
- size and weight are critical factors to the commercial success of a product.
- breakage of the electro-optic displays within these devices remains the primary cause of repairs and product returns.
- electro-optic displays contain an electro-optic material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field.
- the electro-optic material can be contained on a single substrate or can form an electro-optic layer between two substrates that are bonded together.
- electro-optic displays have been manufactured using glass substrates, making the product heavy, rigid and prone to breakage. Lighter, thinner displays employing rigid plastic substrates also require structural support and shock absorption properties to prevent or reduce breakage. Therefore, attention in the industry has turned to the need for electro-optic displays that are thin and lightweight and can also be bent or flexed while maintaining desirable durability.
- electro-optic displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) require additional layers such as polarizers, analyzers, reflectors, and the like, to achieve the desired electro-optic effect.
- LCDs liquid crystal displays
- an electro-optic display of any type can also include a touchscreen incorporated into the overall display assembly.
- electro-optic display assemblies can include a protective barrier layer, an anti-scratch layer, and the like.
- the invention provides a thin, lightweight, durable electro-optic display assembly that is significantly more flexible than known plastic electro-optic displays, while eliminating the need for additional structural support and shock absorption that glass displays and even rigid plastic displays require.
- the enhanced flexibility of the electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention is achieved by employing laminate display structures in which there is little, if any, bonding between adjacent layers of the laminate assembly. If any bonding is used, it is localized to areas where stress induced by flexing of the laminate assembly is minimized.
- the flexible electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention retain all the advantages of known plastic electro-optic displays, while providing desirably enhanced flexibility.
- the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly that comprises an electro-optic display element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and a structure element for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- the structure element can comprise a flexible frame structure having an inner periphery defining a viewing area for a liquid crystal display, the flexible frame structure engaging peripheral portions of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- the resulting flexible electro-optic display assembly can be mounted into any desired device, such as a cellular telephone, computer, watch band, PDA, pager, clock, integrated circuit chip card, or the like.
- the device itself can provide the flexible frame structure for the laminate assembly, such as by molding a portion of the device over the laminate assembly.
- the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly such as that described in the embodiment above, wherein the structure element, such as a flexible frame structure, has a top surface portion comprising an area for viewing a liquid crystal display, and a body portion, wherein the top portion and the body portion comprise a housing for the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the housing, the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other.
- An exemplary use for this embodiment is an integrated circuit chip card.
- the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly having a deflection axis.
- a fastener is provided for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly. The fastener maintains the individual layers of the laminate assembly in a first position relative to one another at the fastener, and wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other in regions outside the fastener.
- the flexible plastic electro-optic display assemblies according to embodiments of the invention are especially suitable for, but not limited to, applications such as “electronic paper” and the like, wearable electronics, such as computers, multifunction watches, and the like, and other electronic and/or mobile communication device applications, such as cellular telephones, PDAs, pagers, calculators, clocks, integrated circuit chip cards, computers, television sets, combinations of the foregoing, and the like.
- applications such as “electronic paper” and the like, wearable electronics, such as computers, multifunction watches, and the like
- other electronic and/or mobile communication device applications such as cellular telephones, PDAs, pagers, calculators, clocks, integrated circuit chip cards, computers, television sets, combinations of the foregoing, and the like.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a flexible electro-optic display assembly according to the invention, comprising a liquid crystal display element and laminar layers in sliding apposition, held together by a structure element such as a flexible frame structure.
- FIG. 1B is a view similar to FIG. 1A, illustrating spacing elements that can be used to prevent optical interference patterns resulting when the inner surfaces come in contact.
- FIG. 1C is a view similar to FIG. 1A, illustrating two electro-optic display elements in a single electro-optic display assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1 C.
- FIG. 3 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly wherein the structure element contains means for mounting the display assembly into a device or housing.
- FIG. 4 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly in which the structure element comprises a watch band.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in FIG. 4.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a laminate assembly housed in a flexible plastic card which comprises a structure element for holding together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are embodiments of the inside of the top cover of a flexible plastic card showing circuitry and battery connections.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly wherein the layers of the laminate assembly are held together by one or more fasteners placed on a fixation axis orthogonal to a deflection axis.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate placement of fasteners on a fixation axis orthogonal to a deflection axis.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a flexing of an embodiment according to FIG. 9.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly where the layers of the laminate assembly are held together by a single fastener in conjunction with a collar positioned along a second orthogonal axis.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a detail view of the collar of FIG. 11.
- FIGS. 13A, B and C illustrate an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein the fasteners take the form of clips.
- FIGS. 14A and B illustrate details of the clips used in FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment in which a single rivet assembly is employed to hold together the layers of the laminate assembly.
- FIGS. 16A, B and C illustrate detail views of the rivet assembly.
- the enhanced flexibility of the electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention is achieved by employing laminate display structures in which there is little, if any, bonding between adjacent layers of the laminate assembly. If any bonding is used, it is localized to areas where stress induced by flexing of the laminate assembly is minimized. Therefore, the invention provides an electro-optic display assembly having laminate layers with enhanced flexibility over known display assemblies.
- the invention can be applied to any electro-optic display having two or more layers including, but not limited to, displays employing electro-optic materials such as liquid crystals, polymer dispersed liquid crystals, electrophoretic microparticles, rotating bichromal microbeads, thin film electroluminescent material, thin film photoluminescent material, organic light emitting diodes and other electrochomic materials, and the like.
- electro-optic materials such as liquid crystals, polymer dispersed liquid crystals, electrophoretic microparticles, rotating bichromal microbeads, thin film electroluminescent material, thin film photoluminescent material, organic light emitting diodes and other electrochomic materials, and the like.
- An electro-optic display element can be defined as an element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, including photoelectric-induced luminescence. That is, the material is “switchable” from one optical state to another. Generally, the switchable material is associated with one or more substrates on which electrodes may be located to change the optical state of the material in accordance with a desired pattern.
- electro-optic displays employing the switchable electro-optic material disposed between two substrates that are bonded together to form a so-called microencapsulated display.
- electrophoretic displays achieve images by electrophoresis, the rapid migration of microparticles in colloidal suspensions.
- light scattering particles are moved within a dyed colloidal suspension by electrostatic forces. The particles either move toward the viewer, in which case the typically white particles are observed, or to the surface away from the viewer, in which case the white particles are hidden by the dark dye.
- Cholesteric displays employ a cholesteric liquid crystal material that, when sandwiched between conducting electrodes, can be switched between two stable states—the so-called focal conic and planar states—in which the helical structures of the liquid crystal have different orientations.
- focal conic state the helical structures are unaligned and the liquid crystal is transparent.
- planar state the axes of the helical structures are all perpendicular to the display's surface resulting in essentially monochromatic transmission by the display.
- Another type of microencapsulated display employs microscopic beads, randomly dispersed and held in place between two plastic substrates by a flexible elastomeric matrix of oil-filled cavities.
- the balls have strongly contrasting hemispheres, black on one side and white on the other.
- the white side is highly reflective, while the black side absorbs light.
- Each hemisphere has a unique intrinsic charge, resulting in a force on the ball when an electric field is applied and the axis of the ball is not aligned with the field.
- the side of the ball presented for display depends on the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode.
- LCDs Liquid crystal displays
- PDLCDs polymer dispersed displays
- the orientation of the molecules is random and light is scattered by the droplets.
- Applying a voltage to the electrodes of the PDLCD causes the LC molecules to become aligned, resulting in the display becoming transparent.
- All of the foregoing electro-optic displays can employ layers on an outer surface of one or more of the substrates such as, but not limited to, polarizers, analyzers, reflectors, or other optical compensation elements, anti-scratch layers and other protective barrier layers, and the like, and combinations of any of the foregoing.
- electro-optic displays employing an electro-optic (or photo-optic) material disposed on one substrate.
- thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) displays employ a glass sheet as a substrate that is coated with an electrode (e.g., indium tin oxide) and a light-emitting phosphor film (e.g., ZnS:Mn).
- an electrode e.g., indium tin oxide
- a light-emitting phosphor film e.g., ZnS:Mn
- a thin film black layer is then deposited to provide optical contrast, followed by application of a rear electrode (e.g., aluminum).
- the display is then “encapsulated” with a solid gel and a glass cover plate to keep out moisture.
- These displays also can employ additional layers on an outer surface of the electro-optic layer and/or the substrate layer, such as but not limited to, absorption and interference filters, reflective layers, protective layers, and the like.
- OLEDs Organic light emitting diodes
- the OLED can employ a glass substrate as a substrate that is coated with an electrode and a light-emitting small molecule based on, e.g., aluminum quinolate (Alq3).
- Alq3 aluminum quinolate
- These displays also can employ additional layers on an outer surface of the electro-optic layer and/or the substrate layer, such as but not limited to, polarizer layers, reflective layers, protective layers, and the like.
- Each of the foregoing embodiments of electro-optic displays can additionally include a touchscreen element incorporated into the overall display assembly, for applications requiring input by a user.
- the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly comprising an electro-optic display element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and a structure element for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- a flexible electro-optic display assembly 1 includes an electro-optic display element that contains an electro-optic material 2 , disposed between two substrates 3 that are bonded together, such as by a gasket 4 . Bonding between two or more substrates can be achieved by an adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, by laser cutting, or the like. The adhesive can be an ultraviolet cured adhesive, if desired. The type of bonding of the substrates is not critical to the invention. Although two substrates are illustrated, an electro-optic display element having one substrate is not excluded. Further, the display element is not limited to any one type of element design.
- electro-optic material employed and the configuration of the material with or without other compounds or electrode materials within the element are not critical to the invention.
- spacers 5 are shown as an example of other non-limited materials that can be included in the electro-optic display element.
- the substrate(s) 3 can be made of commonly used optically clear materials such as, but not limited to, cast allyl-diglycol carbonate, or the like, which is a relatively rigid material.
- Flexible clear plastic materials including, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, and the like, that are well known to those skilled in the art, can also be employed as the substrate(s).
- the substrate(s) may be made of clear glass, preferably a very thin flexible glass.
- a suitable flexible glass substrate is about 0.030 mm thick and available from Schott Glass Technologies, Inc., Duryea, Pa.
- the substrate can comprise a composite of a polymer and a ceramic or a composite of a polymer and an inorganic material, which are well known materials. Moreover, if two or more substrates are employed, they can be individually made from different materials.
- An advantage of the display assembly according to the invention is that commonly obtained plastic, glass or composite substrate materials can be employed that are optimized for such desirable features as hardness, scratch-resistance, puncture resistance, and the like, but can have very little elasticity or be very flexible.
- the display assembly 1 also includes one or more layers adjacent to an outer surface of the electro-optic material and/or to at least one of the substrates 3 , to achieve the desired electro-optic effect.
- These layers can include, but are not limited to, polarizers 6 , a reflector 7 , and the like, but can include other or alternative desirable layers, such as an analyzer, an optical compensation element, or other layers known to those of ordinary skill in the art of electro-optic displays. Commonly used polarizers, analyzers and reflectors can be employed without limitation.
- these layers can add desired features, such as hardness and scratch resistance or anti-reflection layers to the display assembly.
- layers can include an anti-scratch layer or any type of protective barrier layer.
- the layers may include a flexible touchscreen input subassembly, currently manufactured and incorporated into rigid products such as Palm Pilots or other PDAs.
- the layers, together with the electro-optic display element are all slidingly apposed and comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly 8 .
- the individual layers of the laminate assembly are held together in sliding apposition by a structure element, such as a flexible frame structure 9 having an inner periphery 10 defining a viewing area 11 which is better seen in FIG. 2.
- the flexible frame structure engages peripheral portions of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the layers of the laminate assembly 8 in the sliding apposition until flexing of the display assembly allows the individual layers to slide relative to each other.
- the materials used for the flexible frame structure are preferably softer and more elastic than those used for the substrates, and have no requirement to be optically clear.
- the flexible frame can be made from vinyl, urethane, polyethylenes, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose derivatives, vinyl resins, polystyrenes, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, paper, rubber; mica tape, plate or sheet, glass cloth, and the like.
- the flexible frame can be made from a polymer film, preferably an adhesive-back film.
- Exemplary films can include, but are not limited to, Kapton®, Nomex® and Mylar® (E. I. duPont de Nemours Co.).
- an adhesive-based film can be folded over the laminate stack.
- An optically clear film can cover all or part of the viewing area for the electro-optic display, if desired.
- spacing elements 12 that prevent direct contact between the inner surfaces of the laminate layers may be incorporated, as illustrated in FIG. 1B.
- the spacing elements are used to prevent optical interference patterns resulting when the inner surfaces come in contact. Such patterns are commonly called Newton rings or fringes. Spacing between layers is usually maintained at less than 10 mils, though the exact gap is not critical other than that the gap must be greater than 1 ⁇ 2 the longest wavelength of light of interest.
- Methods commonly used by those skilled in the art include printing the spacer elements onto at least one of the surfaces. Other methods may involve use of adhesive-coated microspheres such as those used to maintain the cell gap in a liquid crystal cell.
- FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of the electro-optic display assembly that includes a second electro-optic display element 13 , including its attendant layers that are similar to those of the display element 12 and are designated with an “A” in addition to the numerical identification.
- a flexible electro-optic display assembly comprising a first electro-optic display element and a second electro-optic display element, wherein the first and second electro-optic display elements independently comprise a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the first or the second display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the first and second electro-optic display elements, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and a structure element 9 for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- the first and second display elements may be the same or may be different from each other.
- An advantage of this embodiment is that the electro-optic display assembly can comprise a front portion 11 and a back portion 11 A, and the first and the second electro-optic display elements are positioned in the laminate assembly such that the first electro-optic display element provides an image on the front portion of the electro-optic display assembly and the second electro-optic display element provides an image on the back portion of the electro-optic display assembly.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a structure element such as the flexible frame in which the shape of the frame is generally a rectangle having four sides 12 .
- a flexible frame can have a variety of different shapes, such as oval or irregular shapes, and the like, without limitation.
- a flexible tail 13 for connecting the liquid display element to conventional display driver electronics is also illustrated.
- the flexible frame can have an outer periphery 14 for inserting the flexible display assembly into a housing (not shown) such as a mobile communications device, a watch, a PDA, or the like, or other electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, a calculator, a clock, an integrated circuit chip card, a pager, a computer, a television set, or the like.
- mounting holes 15 can be placed between the outer and inner peripheries of the flexible frame structure.
- exemplary mounting means can be, but are not limited to, pegs, rivets, velcro, or the like, or combinations of these.
- the mounting means can be flexible or rigid.
- the mounting means can employ adhesives for mounting the display assembly into the device.
- the structure element can engage the peripheral portions of the laminate assembly by overmolding, such as with a urethane or other thermoplastic polymer.
- the device in which the laminate assembly is to be employed can itself serve as the structure element.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a watch band 20 that is a structure element for maintaining the individual layers of the laminate assembly of the electro-optic display 21 in the sliding apposition.
- the device, such as the watch band can further comprise conventional electronics, battery and controls 22 , as known to those skilled in the art of electro-optic displays. As shown more clearly in FIG.
- the flexible electro-optic display assembly includes the electro-optic display element 23 comprising the electro-optic material dispersed between substrates 24 and 25 and a reflector layer 26 slidingly apposed to an outer surface of one of the substrates 24 .
- a clear protective top layer 27 can optionally be added to protect the display assembly from damage.
- small holes or notches 28 can be introduced in the peripheral areas of the laminate stack that can become filled with the polymer during the molding process.
- Such notches or holes can be produced, for example, by die cutting or by laser, such as a carbon dioxide laser, by known methods.
- the flexible electro-optic display assembly comprises a flexible frame structure having a top portion comprising an area for viewing the electro-optic display, and a body portion, wherein the top portion and the body portion comprise a housing for the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the housing, the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B An illustrative example of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in which the laminate assembly 30 is incorporated into a laminated flexible plastic card 31 , such as an integrated circuit chip card.
- the card comprises a top cover 32 for viewing the electro-optic display 33 and a body portion 34 that is preferably opaque.
- the laminate assembly 30 is layered and fitted into an appropriately sized opening 35 in the body portion 34 and the top cover 32 is laminated to the body portion 34 , thus forming a housing that encloses and holds together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition.
- the body portion 34 comprises an inner body 36 and a bottom cover 37 .
- the top cover 32 , the inner body 36 and the bottom cover 37 are configured to provide an appropriately sized opening 38 for the laminate assembly 30 to hold together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition and to contain the assembly within the housing.
- the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other.
- the integrated circuit chip card can further comprise electronic connections to the laminate assembly, integrated circuits, battery and controls 39 , including micromodular electronic systems and the like, as known to those skilled in the art of electronic displays in integrated circuit chip cards, such as the chip card disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,284, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate more detailed views of embodiments of the inside of the top cover of a smart card 131 and the non-viewing area surface of the laminate assembly.
- the electro-optic display assembly 130 is connected to a micromodule (a printed circuit board) 132 having an integrated circuit 133 for smart card functions. Also illustrated are additional integrated circuits and passive components 134 located on the display assembly 130 .
- a battery 135 is connected to the display assembly by a contact ledge 136 .
- the display assembly is connected to the micromodule by a contact ledge 137 .
- FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of the inside of the top cover that does not include a separate micromodule. That is, the display assembly 130 comprises a micromodule area 138 containing integrated circuit 133 for smart card functions.
- the battery 135 is connected to the micromodule area 138 of the display assembly 130 by the contact ledge 136 .
- the structure element such as the flexible frame structure and/or fasteners described herein
- the structure element when the display is not in flexed configuration, the structure element holds the layers of the laminate assembly in the correct alignment to allow the display to function correctly.
- the performance of the display may be degraded. For those embodiments which have degraded performance during flexure, once the display is allowed to resume its original shape the display will regain its original performance characteristics.
- the laminate assembly and structure element are manufactured in a pre-flexed configuration and the structure element holds the layers of the flexed laminate assembly in the correct alignment to allow the display to function correctly.
- the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly having a deflection axis.
- a fastener is provided for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly. The fastener maintains the individual layers of the laminate assembly in a first position relative to one another at the fastener, and wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other in regions outside of the fastener.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a laminate assembly 40 that is held together by two or more rigid or flexible fasteners such as, but not limited to, two or more rivets 41 placed on a so-called fixation axis 43 that is at a non-zero angle to a deflection axis 42 . That is, the layers of the laminate assembly 40 cannot slide relative to each other on the fixation axis. However, the layers can slide relative to each other outside of the fixation axis.
- the deflection axis 42 is determined by the axis at which the assembly is bent; that is, it is non-specific to a particular display and will change depending on the direction in which the display is bent.
- the fixation axis 43 along which the rivets 41 are placed can be at a side 44 of the laminate assembly or can be centrally located, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively.
- the fixation axis can be located anywhere on the laminate assembly depending on the configuration and location of the deflection axis.
- two or more fasteners 50 can hold together the layers of the laminate assembly 51 and are placed on an axis 52 orthogonal to a deflection axis 53 .
- the orthogonal axis is a fixation axis.
- the layers can slide relative to each other outside of the fixation axis during flexing of the laminate assembly.
- a single fastener such as a rivet 61 is used in conjunction with a collar 62 positioned along a fixation axis 63 .
- the collar positioned along the fixation axis maintains rotational alignment between the layers of the laminate assembly 60 about the axis 64 of the fastener 61 , but still allows for flexure along the displacement axis 65 .
- the collar 62 may be a rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible element that may be either fully circumferential around the laminate assembly 60 or only semi-circumferential.
- a semi-circumferential collar comprises an elongated portion 66 having opposite ends 67 and 68 .
- a fully circumferential collar comprises an additional elongated portion 69 connecting the ends 67 and 68 .
- the collar may also contain features which constrain the motion of one or more layers relative to each other along the displacement axis. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, molded protrusions 70 on an inner wall 71 of the collar keep the collar from sliding off the laminate assembly.
- one or more clips 81 can be employed as fasteners to hold together the laminate stack forming the display 80 .
- the clips can be located on the sides of the display.
- the clips 81 can be located in the corners of the display if the display is rectangular in shape. That is, the display assembly has a periphery comprising at least a first side 82 and a second side 83 that intersect to form a corner area 88 of the assembly, and the fastener is located in the corner area of the display assembly. If the display has curved outer edges, the clips can be formed so as to closely conform to the perimeter of the display edge with which it comes into contact.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B Possible configurations of a clip 90 conforming to a side of the display and a clip 91 conforming to a corner of the display are illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively. It is also preferable that the upper 93 or lower 94 inner surfaces, respectively, of the clips which come into contact with the laminate stack have protrusions 92 that extend into holes or depressions in the outer layers of the laminate stack so as to retain the clips in the desired position relative to the laminate stack.
- FIG. 13B illustrates a hole or depression pattern 84 in a top sheet 85 of the laminate stack.
- FIG. 13C illustrates a hole or depression pattern 86 in a bottom sheet 87 of the laminate stack.
- the protrusions may be on both the upper and lower inner surfaces of the clips, but it is preferable that the protrusions only be on one of the inner surfaces.
- the latching mechanism provided by the protrusion/hole combination may be augmented with a heat or ultraviolet light activated adhesive on the inner surface with the protrusion. This single-sided latching mechanism allows for all laminate layers to slide apposing with each other. Additionally, the side of the display on which the single-sided latch is located can be alternated so that each outer laminate layer can have at least one clip latched to it.
- a single rivet assembly 96 may be used as shown in FIG. 15 and in more detail in FIG. 16 wherein the rivet is located in a corner of the display 95 .
- Features are incorporated in the rivet assembly 96 that, when riveted to the laminate stack, align with edges of the stack that intersect at the corner at which the rivet is located.
- FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16 C illustrates an outer oblique view of the top half of the rivet assembly 96 , a rear view of the top of the rivet assembly, and a view of the bottom half of the rivet assembly, respectively, showing corner alignment rails 97 and insertion hole 98 for a rivet 99 .
- a single rivet with corner alignment features can be used to hold together the laminate stack, both rotationally and laterally, while still allowing for the individual layers to slide against each at all points other than at the rivet.
- any of these embodiments incorporating one or more fasteners preferably optically clear fasteners may be used in the area for viewing the electro-optic display, if desired.
- Means for fastening the layers together can also include other conventional fasteners, such as pins, bolts, screws, clamp pairs, and the like, known to those skilled in the art.
- the fasteners may be rigid or flexible.
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Abstract
Description
- Commercially, it is highly desirable for an electronic display to be as thin and light as possible while still maintaining a high degree of ruggedness and imperviousness to forces that are a consequence of shock and drop. In the area of mobile electronics, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, size and weight are critical factors to the commercial success of a product. However, breakage of the electro-optic displays within these devices remains the primary cause of repairs and product returns.
- In general, electro-optic displays contain an electro-optic material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field. The electro-optic material can be contained on a single substrate or can form an electro-optic layer between two substrates that are bonded together. Traditionally, electro-optic displays have been manufactured using glass substrates, making the product heavy, rigid and prone to breakage. Lighter, thinner displays employing rigid plastic substrates also require structural support and shock absorption properties to prevent or reduce breakage. Therefore, attention in the industry has turned to the need for electro-optic displays that are thin and lightweight and can also be bent or flexed while maintaining desirable durability.
- There are many useful applications for such flexible products. For example, so-called ‘electronic paper’ in which fiber paper is replaced with a display would be much more compelling as a product if the electro-optic display could be rolled up or folded like traditional paper. Wearable electronics, such as pagers, computers or multifunction watches, and the like, would be more comfortable to the wearer if the display conformed to the user's body. Integrated circuit chip cards or smart cards, which have strict flexure life-test performance standards, would be able to incorporate flexible electro-optic displays and still conform to those standards.
- In addition to the electro-optic layer and substrate(s), electro-optic displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) require additional layers such as polarizers, analyzers, reflectors, and the like, to achieve the desired electro-optic effect. In applications requiring input by a user, an electro-optic display of any type can also include a touchscreen incorporated into the overall display assembly. Often, electro-optic display assemblies can include a protective barrier layer, an anti-scratch layer, and the like.
- Conventionally, all of the layers of the electro-optic display assembly are bonded together by optically-clear adhesives, or other similar means. This results in a laminate having an increased rigidity, in much the same way that bonding multiple thin layers of wood together results in a plywood sheet having significantly enhanced rigidity and strength. Even when the individual layers of the laminate stack are very thin, the overall flexibility of the bonded laminate is still significantly less than the flexibility of a single sheet of plastic having an equivalent thickness. The relatively inflexible mechanical properties of these plastic displays are therefore considered detrimental for performance in applications in which very flexible plastic displays are desirable.
- There is a need, therefore, for multiple layer flexible electro-optic displays that have enhanced flexibility.
- The invention provides a thin, lightweight, durable electro-optic display assembly that is significantly more flexible than known plastic electro-optic displays, while eliminating the need for additional structural support and shock absorption that glass displays and even rigid plastic displays require. The enhanced flexibility of the electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention is achieved by employing laminate display structures in which there is little, if any, bonding between adjacent layers of the laminate assembly. If any bonding is used, it is localized to areas where stress induced by flexing of the laminate assembly is minimized. As a result, the flexible electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention retain all the advantages of known plastic electro-optic displays, while providing desirably enhanced flexibility.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly that comprises an electro-optic display element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and a structure element for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- The structure element can comprise a flexible frame structure having an inner periphery defining a viewing area for a liquid crystal display, the flexible frame structure engaging peripheral portions of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other. The resulting flexible electro-optic display assembly can be mounted into any desired device, such as a cellular telephone, computer, watch band, PDA, pager, clock, integrated circuit chip card, or the like. Alternatively, the device itself can provide the flexible frame structure for the laminate assembly, such as by molding a portion of the device over the laminate assembly.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly such as that described in the embodiment above, wherein the structure element, such as a flexible frame structure, has a top surface portion comprising an area for viewing a liquid crystal display, and a body portion, wherein the top portion and the body portion comprise a housing for the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the housing, the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other. An exemplary use for this embodiment is an integrated circuit chip card.
- In yet another embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly of the invention, the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly having a deflection axis. A fastener is provided for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly. The fastener maintains the individual layers of the laminate assembly in a first position relative to one another at the fastener, and wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other in regions outside the fastener.
- The flexible plastic electro-optic display assemblies according to embodiments of the invention are especially suitable for, but not limited to, applications such as “electronic paper” and the like, wearable electronics, such as computers, multifunction watches, and the like, and other electronic and/or mobile communication device applications, such as cellular telephones, PDAs, pagers, calculators, clocks, integrated circuit chip cards, computers, television sets, combinations of the foregoing, and the like.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a flexible electro-optic display assembly according to the invention, comprising a liquid crystal display element and laminar layers in sliding apposition, held together by a structure element such as a flexible frame structure.
- FIG. 1B is a view similar to FIG. 1A, illustrating spacing elements that can be used to prevent optical interference patterns resulting when the inner surfaces come in contact.
- FIG. 1C is a view similar to FIG. 1A, illustrating two electro-optic display elements in a single electro-optic display assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and1C.
- FIG. 3 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly wherein the structure element contains means for mounting the display assembly into a device or housing.
- FIG. 4 is a plane view of an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly in which the structure element comprises a watch band.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in FIG. 4.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a laminate assembly housed in a flexible plastic card which comprises a structure element for holding together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are embodiments of the inside of the top cover of a flexible plastic card showing circuitry and battery connections.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly wherein the layers of the laminate assembly are held together by one or more fasteners placed on a fixation axis orthogonal to a deflection axis.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate placement of fasteners on a fixation axis orthogonal to a deflection axis.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a flexing of an embodiment according to FIG. 9.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly where the layers of the laminate assembly are held together by a single fastener in conjunction with a collar positioned along a second orthogonal axis.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a detail view of the collar of FIG. 11.
- FIGS. 13A, B and C illustrate an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein the fasteners take the form of clips.
- FIGS. 14A and B illustrate details of the clips used in FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment in which a single rivet assembly is employed to hold together the layers of the laminate assembly.
- FIGS. 16A, B and C illustrate detail views of the rivet assembly.
- The enhanced flexibility of the electro-optic display assemblies according to the invention is achieved by employing laminate display structures in which there is little, if any, bonding between adjacent layers of the laminate assembly. If any bonding is used, it is localized to areas where stress induced by flexing of the laminate assembly is minimized. Therefore, the invention provides an electro-optic display assembly having laminate layers with enhanced flexibility over known display assemblies. The invention can be applied to any electro-optic display having two or more layers including, but not limited to, displays employing electro-optic materials such as liquid crystals, polymer dispersed liquid crystals, electrophoretic microparticles, rotating bichromal microbeads, thin film electroluminescent material, thin film photoluminescent material, organic light emitting diodes and other electrochomic materials, and the like.
- An electro-optic display element can be defined as an element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, including photoelectric-induced luminescence. That is, the material is “switchable” from one optical state to another. Generally, the switchable material is associated with one or more substrates on which electrodes may be located to change the optical state of the material in accordance with a desired pattern.
- There are a variety of different types of electro-optic displays employing the switchable electro-optic material disposed between two substrates that are bonded together to form a so-called microencapsulated display. For example, electrophoretic displays achieve images by electrophoresis, the rapid migration of microparticles in colloidal suspensions. In this type of display, light scattering particles are moved within a dyed colloidal suspension by electrostatic forces. The particles either move toward the viewer, in which case the typically white particles are observed, or to the surface away from the viewer, in which case the white particles are hidden by the dark dye.
- Cholesteric displays employ a cholesteric liquid crystal material that, when sandwiched between conducting electrodes, can be switched between two stable states—the so-called focal conic and planar states—in which the helical structures of the liquid crystal have different orientations. In the focal conic state, the helical structures are unaligned and the liquid crystal is transparent. In the planar state, the axes of the helical structures are all perpendicular to the display's surface resulting in essentially monochromatic transmission by the display.
- Another type of microencapsulated display employs microscopic beads, randomly dispersed and held in place between two plastic substrates by a flexible elastomeric matrix of oil-filled cavities. The balls have strongly contrasting hemispheres, black on one side and white on the other. The white side is highly reflective, while the black side absorbs light. Each hemisphere has a unique intrinsic charge, resulting in a force on the ball when an electric field is applied and the axis of the ball is not aligned with the field. The side of the ball presented for display depends on the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode.
- Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are attractive because of the low drive voltages required to switch them, their relatively fast response times, the wide availability of drive electronics, and the significant intellectual and manufacturing investment in the technology. Attempts have been made to develop LCDs that intermix the liquid crystal within a polymer matrix in order to make them compatible with plastic substrates, one example being polymer dispersed displays (PDLCDs). PDLCDs are fabricated by intermixing the liquid crystal and a pre-polymer into a solution prior to assembling the display. After assembling the display, the polymer is cured, typically by ultraviolet light. During the polymerization the LC separates out from the polymer into microscopic droplets. Since the droplets of LC are not in contact with any alignment layer, the orientation of the molecules is random and light is scattered by the droplets. Applying a voltage to the electrodes of the PDLCD causes the LC molecules to become aligned, resulting in the display becoming transparent.
- All of the foregoing electro-optic displays can employ layers on an outer surface of one or more of the substrates such as, but not limited to, polarizers, analyzers, reflectors, or other optical compensation elements, anti-scratch layers and other protective barrier layers, and the like, and combinations of any of the foregoing.
- There are also a variety of electro-optic displays employing an electro-optic (or photo-optic) material disposed on one substrate. For example, thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) displays employ a glass sheet as a substrate that is coated with an electrode (e.g., indium tin oxide) and a light-emitting phosphor film (e.g., ZnS:Mn). A thin film black layer is then deposited to provide optical contrast, followed by application of a rear electrode (e.g., aluminum). The display is then “encapsulated” with a solid gel and a glass cover plate to keep out moisture. These displays also can employ additional layers on an outer surface of the electro-optic layer and/or the substrate layer, such as but not limited to, absorption and interference filters, reflective layers, protective layers, and the like.
- Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) form another type of electro-optic display based on light emission by phosphorescent phosphors upon electrical stimulation. The OLED can employ a glass substrate as a substrate that is coated with an electrode and a light-emitting small molecule based on, e.g., aluminum quinolate (Alq3). These displays also can employ additional layers on an outer surface of the electro-optic layer and/or the substrate layer, such as but not limited to, polarizer layers, reflective layers, protective layers, and the like.
- Each of the foregoing embodiments of electro-optic displays can additionally include a touchscreen element incorporated into the overall display assembly, for applications requiring input by a user.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a flexible electro-optic display assembly comprising an electro-optic display element that comprises a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and a structure element for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other.
- In embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a flexible electro-
optic display assembly 1 according to the invention includes an electro-optic display element that contains an electro-optic material 2, disposed between twosubstrates 3 that are bonded together, such as by agasket 4. Bonding between two or more substrates can be achieved by an adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, by laser cutting, or the like. The adhesive can be an ultraviolet cured adhesive, if desired. The type of bonding of the substrates is not critical to the invention. Although two substrates are illustrated, an electro-optic display element having one substrate is not excluded. Further, the display element is not limited to any one type of element design. The type of electro-optic material employed and the configuration of the material with or without other compounds or electrode materials within the element are not critical to the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, spacers 5 are shown as an example of other non-limited materials that can be included in the electro-optic display element. - The substrate(s)3 can be made of commonly used optically clear materials such as, but not limited to, cast allyl-diglycol carbonate, or the like, which is a relatively rigid material. Flexible clear plastic materials including, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, and the like, that are well known to those skilled in the art, can also be employed as the substrate(s). Alternatively, the substrate(s) may be made of clear glass, preferably a very thin flexible glass. For example, a suitable flexible glass substrate is about 0.030 mm thick and available from Schott Glass Technologies, Inc., Duryea, Pa. If desired, the substrate can comprise a composite of a polymer and a ceramic or a composite of a polymer and an inorganic material, which are well known materials. Moreover, if two or more substrates are employed, they can be individually made from different materials. An advantage of the display assembly according to the invention is that commonly obtained plastic, glass or composite substrate materials can be employed that are optimized for such desirable features as hardness, scratch-resistance, puncture resistance, and the like, but can have very little elasticity or be very flexible.
- The
display assembly 1 also includes one or more layers adjacent to an outer surface of the electro-optic material and/or to at least one of thesubstrates 3, to achieve the desired electro-optic effect. These layers can include, but are not limited to,polarizers 6, areflector 7, and the like, but can include other or alternative desirable layers, such as an analyzer, an optical compensation element, or other layers known to those of ordinary skill in the art of electro-optic displays. Commonly used polarizers, analyzers and reflectors can be employed without limitation. In addition to enhancing the electro-optic effect, these layers can add desired features, such as hardness and scratch resistance or anti-reflection layers to the display assembly. Other layers can include an anti-scratch layer or any type of protective barrier layer. Additionally, the layers may include a flexible touchscreen input subassembly, currently manufactured and incorporated into rigid products such as Palm Pilots or other PDAs. The layers, together with the electro-optic display element are all slidingly apposed and comprise individual layers of alaminate assembly 8. - In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the individual layers of the laminate assembly are held together in sliding apposition by a structure element, such as a
flexible frame structure 9 having aninner periphery 10 defining aviewing area 11 which is better seen in FIG. 2. The flexible frame structure engages peripheral portions of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the layers of thelaminate assembly 8 in the sliding apposition until flexing of the display assembly allows the individual layers to slide relative to each other. The materials used for the flexible frame structure are preferably softer and more elastic than those used for the substrates, and have no requirement to be optically clear. For example, the flexible frame can be made from vinyl, urethane, polyethylenes, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose derivatives, vinyl resins, polystyrenes, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, paper, rubber; mica tape, plate or sheet, glass cloth, and the like. The flexible frame can be made from a polymer film, preferably an adhesive-back film. Exemplary films can include, but are not limited to, Kapton®, Nomex® and Mylar® (E. I. duPont de Nemours Co.). For example, an adhesive-based film can be folded over the laminate stack. An optically clear film can cover all or part of the viewing area for the electro-optic display, if desired. - In any of the embodiments according to the invention,
spacing elements 12 that prevent direct contact between the inner surfaces of the laminate layers may be incorporated, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The spacing elements are used to prevent optical interference patterns resulting when the inner surfaces come in contact. Such patterns are commonly called Newton rings or fringes. Spacing between layers is usually maintained at less than 10 mils, though the exact gap is not critical other than that the gap must be greater than ½ the longest wavelength of light of interest. Methods commonly used by those skilled in the art include printing the spacer elements onto at least one of the surfaces. Other methods may involve use of adhesive-coated microspheres such as those used to maintain the cell gap in a liquid crystal cell. - FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of the electro-optic display assembly that includes a second electro-
optic display element 13, including its attendant layers that are similar to those of thedisplay element 12 and are designated with an “A” in addition to the numerical identification. That is, a flexible electro-optic display assembly is provided that comprises a first electro-optic display element and a second electro-optic display element, wherein the first and second electro-optic display elements independently comprise a material having an optical state that changes as a function of an applied electric or magnetic field, at least one laminar layer in sliding apposition to the first or the second display element, and optionally one or more additional slidingly apposed laminar layers, wherein the first and second electro-optic display elements, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly; and astructure element 9 for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly, wherein the structure element engages a portion of the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the laminate assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other. The first and second display elements may be the same or may be different from each other. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electro-optic display assembly can comprise afront portion 11 and a back portion 11A, and the first and the second electro-optic display elements are positioned in the laminate assembly such that the first electro-optic display element provides an image on the front portion of the electro-optic display assembly and the second electro-optic display element provides an image on the back portion of the electro-optic display assembly. - FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a structure element such as the flexible frame in which the shape of the frame is generally a rectangle having four
sides 12. However, a flexible frame can have a variety of different shapes, such as oval or irregular shapes, and the like, without limitation. Aflexible tail 13 for connecting the liquid display element to conventional display driver electronics is also illustrated. The flexible frame can have anouter periphery 14 for inserting the flexible display assembly into a housing (not shown) such as a mobile communications device, a watch, a PDA, or the like, or other electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, a calculator, a clock, an integrated circuit chip card, a pager, a computer, a television set, or the like. Mechanical features can be added to the frame to aid with mounting of the flexible electro-optic display assembly into the device into which it is to be integrated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, mountingholes 15 can be placed between the outer and inner peripheries of the flexible frame structure. Alternatively, exemplary mounting means can be, but are not limited to, pegs, rivets, velcro, or the like, or combinations of these. The mounting means can be flexible or rigid. The mounting means can employ adhesives for mounting the display assembly into the device. - In another embodiment of the invention, the structure element can engage the peripheral portions of the laminate assembly by overmolding, such as with a urethane or other thermoplastic polymer. In one such embodiment, the device in which the laminate assembly is to be employed can itself serve as the structure element. A non-limiting example of such a device is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, which illustrate a
watch band 20 that is a structure element for maintaining the individual layers of the laminate assembly of the electro-optic display 21 in the sliding apposition. The device, such as the watch band can further comprise conventional electronics, battery and controls 22, as known to those skilled in the art of electro-optic displays. As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, the flexible electro-optic display assembly includes the electro-optic display element 23 comprising the electro-optic material dispersed betweensubstrates reflector layer 26 slidingly apposed to an outer surface of one of thesubstrates 24. A clear protectivetop layer 27 can optionally be added to protect the display assembly from damage. - It may be desirable to provide a means for more firmly integrating the molding with the flexible laminate assembly. For example, small holes or
notches 28 can be introduced in the peripheral areas of the laminate stack that can become filled with the polymer during the molding process. Such notches or holes can be produced, for example, by die cutting or by laser, such as a carbon dioxide laser, by known methods. - In another embodiment, the flexible electro-optic display assembly comprises a flexible frame structure having a top portion comprising an area for viewing the electro-optic display, and a body portion, wherein the top portion and the body portion comprise a housing for the laminate assembly so as to maintain the individual layers of the laminate assembly in the sliding apposition, wherein upon flexing of the housing, the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other.
- An illustrative example of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in which the
laminate assembly 30 is incorporated into a laminatedflexible plastic card 31, such as an integrated circuit chip card. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the card comprises atop cover 32 for viewing the electro-optic display 33 and abody portion 34 that is preferably opaque. Thelaminate assembly 30 is layered and fitted into an appropriately sized opening 35 in thebody portion 34 and thetop cover 32 is laminated to thebody portion 34, thus forming a housing that encloses and holds together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, thebody portion 34 comprises aninner body 36 and abottom cover 37. Thetop cover 32, theinner body 36 and thebottom cover 37 are configured to provide an appropriatelysized opening 38 for thelaminate assembly 30 to hold together the layers of the laminate assembly in sliding apposition and to contain the assembly within the housing. Upon flexing of the plastic card, the individual layers of the laminate assembly slide relative to each other. An advantage of providing a laminate assembly having slidably apposed layers into a flexible plastic card is that the card can flex sufficiently to meet strict flexure life-test performance standards without delamination of the electro-optic display. - The integrated circuit chip card can further comprise electronic connections to the laminate assembly, integrated circuits, battery and controls39, including micromodular electronic systems and the like, as known to those skilled in the art of electronic displays in integrated circuit chip cards, such as the chip card disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,284, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate more detailed views of embodiments of the inside of the top cover of a
smart card 131 and the non-viewing area surface of the laminate assembly. As shown in FIG. 7A, the electro-optic display assembly 130 is connected to a micromodule (a printed circuit board) 132 having anintegrated circuit 133 for smart card functions. Also illustrated are additional integrated circuits andpassive components 134 located on thedisplay assembly 130. Abattery 135 is connected to the display assembly by acontact ledge 136. The display assembly is connected to the micromodule by acontact ledge 137. FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of the inside of the top cover that does not include a separate micromodule. That is, thedisplay assembly 130 comprises amicromodule area 138 containing integratedcircuit 133 for smart card functions. Thebattery 135 is connected to themicromodule area 138 of thedisplay assembly 130 by thecontact ledge 136. - In some embodiments of the structure element such as the flexible frame structure and/or fasteners described herein, when the display is not in flexed configuration, the structure element holds the layers of the laminate assembly in the correct alignment to allow the display to function correctly. When the display is flexed into a curved shape, the performance of the display may be degraded. For those embodiments which have degraded performance during flexure, once the display is allowed to resume its original shape the display will regain its original performance characteristics. In other embodiments, the laminate assembly and structure element are manufactured in a pre-flexed configuration and the structure element holds the layers of the flexed laminate assembly in the correct alignment to allow the display to function correctly.
- In yet another embodiment of the flexible electro-optic display assembly of the invention, the electro-optic display element, the at least one laminar layer and the optional one or more additional laminar layers comprise individual layers of a laminate assembly having a deflection axis. A fastener is provided for fastening together the individual layers of the laminate assembly. The fastener maintains the individual layers of the laminate assembly in a first position relative to one another at the fastener, and wherein upon flexing of the display assembly, the individual layers slide relative to each other in regions outside of the fastener.
- For example, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a
laminate assembly 40 that is held together by two or more rigid or flexible fasteners such as, but not limited to, two ormore rivets 41 placed on a so-calledfixation axis 43 that is at a non-zero angle to adeflection axis 42. That is, the layers of thelaminate assembly 40 cannot slide relative to each other on the fixation axis. However, the layers can slide relative to each other outside of the fixation axis. Thedeflection axis 42 is determined by the axis at which the assembly is bent; that is, it is non-specific to a particular display and will change depending on the direction in which the display is bent. As a non-limiting example, thefixation axis 43 along which therivets 41 are placed can be at aside 44 of the laminate assembly or can be centrally located, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. However, the fixation axis can be located anywhere on the laminate assembly depending on the configuration and location of the deflection axis. In a similar embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, two ormore fasteners 50 can hold together the layers of the laminate assembly 51 and are placed on anaxis 52 orthogonal to adeflection axis 53. In this embodiment, the orthogonal axis is a fixation axis. The layers can slide relative to each other outside of the fixation axis during flexing of the laminate assembly. - In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a single fastener, such as a
rivet 61 is used in conjunction with acollar 62 positioned along afixation axis 63. In this embodiment, the collar positioned along the fixation axis maintains rotational alignment between the layers of thelaminate assembly 60 about the axis 64 of thefastener 61, but still allows for flexure along the displacement axis 65. Thecollar 62 may be a rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible element that may be either fully circumferential around thelaminate assembly 60 or only semi-circumferential. A semi-circumferential collar comprises anelongated portion 66 having opposite ends 67 and 68. A fully circumferential collar comprises an additionalelongated portion 69 connecting theends - In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, one or
more clips 81 can be employed as fasteners to hold together the laminate stack forming thedisplay 80. The clips can be located on the sides of the display. However, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, theclips 81 can be located in the corners of the display if the display is rectangular in shape. That is, the display assembly has a periphery comprising at least a first side 82 and a second side 83 that intersect to form acorner area 88 of the assembly, and the fastener is located in the corner area of the display assembly. If the display has curved outer edges, the clips can be formed so as to closely conform to the perimeter of the display edge with which it comes into contact. Possible configurations of aclip 90 conforming to a side of the display and aclip 91 conforming to a corner of the display are illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively. It is also preferable that the upper 93 or lower 94 inner surfaces, respectively, of the clips which come into contact with the laminate stack haveprotrusions 92 that extend into holes or depressions in the outer layers of the laminate stack so as to retain the clips in the desired position relative to the laminate stack. For example, FIG. 13B illustrates a hole ordepression pattern 84 in atop sheet 85 of the laminate stack. FIG. 13C illustrates a hole ordepression pattern 86 in abottom sheet 87 of the laminate stack. The protrusions may be on both the upper and lower inner surfaces of the clips, but it is preferable that the protrusions only be on one of the inner surfaces. The latching mechanism provided by the protrusion/hole combination may be augmented with a heat or ultraviolet light activated adhesive on the inner surface with the protrusion. This single-sided latching mechanism allows for all laminate layers to slide apposing with each other. Additionally, the side of the display on which the single-sided latch is located can be alternated so that each outer laminate layer can have at least one clip latched to it. - In another embodiment, a
single rivet assembly 96 may be used as shown in FIG. 15 and in more detail in FIG. 16 wherein the rivet is located in a corner of thedisplay 95. Features are incorporated in therivet assembly 96 that, when riveted to the laminate stack, align with edges of the stack that intersect at the corner at which the rivet is located. FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C illustrates an outer oblique view of the top half of therivet assembly 96, a rear view of the top of the rivet assembly, and a view of the bottom half of the rivet assembly, respectively, showing corner alignment rails 97 andinsertion hole 98 for a rivet 99. In this way, a single rivet with corner alignment features can be used to hold together the laminate stack, both rotationally and laterally, while still allowing for the individual layers to slide against each at all points other than at the rivet. - In any of these embodiments incorporating one or more fasteners, preferably optically clear fasteners may be used in the area for viewing the electro-optic display, if desired. Means for fastening the layers together can also include other conventional fasteners, such as pins, bolts, screws, clamp pairs, and the like, known to those skilled in the art. The fasteners may be rigid or flexible.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Claims (41)
Priority Applications (5)
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AU2003241410A AU2003241410A1 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-09 | Composite structure for enhanced flexibility of eletro-optic displays |
PCT/US2003/014644 WO2004003645A1 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-09 | Composite structure for enhanced flexibility of eletro-optic displays |
JP2004517545A JP4617157B2 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-09 | Composite structure to increase flexibility of electro-optic display |
CNB038143755A CN100371786C (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-09 | Composite structure for enhanced flexibility of eletro-optic displays |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004003645A1 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
JP4617157B2 (en) | 2011-01-19 |
US6655788B1 (en) | 2003-12-02 |
CN1662844A (en) | 2005-08-31 |
CN100371786C (en) | 2008-02-27 |
AU2003241410A1 (en) | 2004-01-19 |
JP2005526296A (en) | 2005-09-02 |
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