Manufacturing method based on fusion of visual identification element and antenna

Abstract

The invention discloses a manufacturing method based on fusion of a visual identification element and an antenna, and the method comprises the steps: S1, designing the visual identification element and an antenna line pattern combined with the visual identification element based on a three-dimensional structure of a housing; s2, laser is used for conducting roughening treatment on the visual recognition element area on the outer surface of the shell; s3, processing a line conduction micro-through hole for communicating the visual identification element with the antenna line pattern by using laser; s4, performing roughening treatment on the antenna circuit pattern area on the inner surface of the shell by using laser; s5, carrying out metallization processing on the visual identification element and the antenna line pattern to form a metal coating; and S6, the outer surface of the shell is subjected to surface covering protection treatment. According to the invention, the visual identification element of the product and the antenna line are integrally designed, and the visual identification element is directly used as the antenna, so that the radiation performance and the signal propagation quality of the antenna are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a manufacturing method based on the integration of visual recognition elements with an antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the industry faces a persistent technical challenge: effectively integrating antennas, which function as radio frequency components, with visual elements (such as logos, symbols, patterns, and text) that serve as brand identity carriers. The main difficulties lie in the following aspects: Antenna radiation often requires a specific frequency band. According to the formula speed of light = wavelength * frequency, the antenna traces need to be of a certain length to meet the wavelength requirements of that specific frequency band. However, the design of visual elements in a product's appearance primarily considers brand recognition and aesthetic value. Whether these visual elements are continuous graphic elements or separate characters, their physical dimensions are almost impossible to meet the precise wavelength requirements of antenna design.

[0003] Currently, the market generally pursues a metallic texture or metallic effect for the visual elements of products. However, the traditional processing technology required to realize antenna functions often fails to achieve the high standard of appearance and texture required by the visual elements in terms of final metallic texture, flatness and visual effect. The industry has to add an additional antenna surface covering process, which not only increases the manufacturing cost, but also indirectly affects the stability of antenna performance due to the covering layer. Furthermore, the additional process increases the overall defect rate of product production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issues mentioned above, such as the inability of visual elements to meet antenna design requirements and the need for additional antenna surface covering processes in traditional antenna manufacturing, which increases manufacturing costs and indirectly affects the stability of antenna performance, thus increasing the overall product defect rate, this invention proposes a manufacturing method based on the integration of visual recognition elements with the antenna.

[0005] The present invention proposes a manufacturing method based on the integration of visual recognition elements and antennas, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Based on the three-dimensional structure of the shell, design the visual recognition elements and the antenna circuit pattern combined with them; Step S2: Use a laser to roughen the visual recognition element area on the outer surface of the housing; Step S3: Use a laser to process a microvia that connects the visual recognition element and the antenna circuit pattern; Step S4: Use a laser to roughen the antenna circuit pattern area on the inner surface of the housing; Step S5: Metallize the visual recognition elements and the antenna circuit pattern to form a metal plating layer; Step S6: Perform surface covering protection treatment on the outer surface of the shell.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step S1, the visual recognition element is designed on the outer surface of the housing, and the antenna circuit pattern is designed on the inner surface of the housing.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, step S2 and / or step S4 further includes: querying a pre-stored laser parameter correspondence table based on the material data of the shell to obtain the corresponding laser processing parameters; the laser parameters include laser wavelength, laser power, laser frequency, filling spacing, laser processing speed, and number of laser processing operations.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the laser parameter correspondence table is obtained by conducting laser processing tests on the shells of various materials in advance to obtain the corresponding laser parameters required for different material shells to achieve the target roughening effect, and a mapping relationship between the parameters is established accordingly.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, step S5 further includes: querying a pre-stored metal plating parameter correspondence table according to the material data of the shell to obtain the plating parameters corresponding to the metal plating; the plating parameters include the number of plating layers, the material of each layer, and the thickness.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the metal coating parameter correspondence table is obtained by testing and analyzing different antenna design requirements and the material properties of the housing in advance, and the corresponding metal coating parameters are obtained, and the mapping relationship between each parameter is established accordingly.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the diameter of the microvia for circuit conduction is 0.05-0.1 mm.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antenna circuit pattern is further provided with a feed point and a ground point for connecting the antenna to the motherboard.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the metallization process in step S5 is a chemical plating process.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the visual identification element is at least one of logo, pattern and text.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By integrating the product's visual identification elements with the antenna circuitry, and directly using the visual identification elements as antennas, the optimal location for the exterior design becomes the optimal location for the antenna layout. Without occupying additional internal space, the antenna layout is extended to the outer surface, which is optimal for the radio frequency environment, significantly improving the antenna's radiation performance and signal propagation quality. It also provides a new approach to surface treatment processes for covering antenna circuitry, because the visual identification elements are themselves part of the antenna circuitry and have become part of the product ID design, eliminating the need for additional covering. This not only reduces surface treatment costs but also avoids situations where covering affects the radio frequency signal. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process flow of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific implementation of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2-2 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional circuit structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific implementation of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3-2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit three-dimensional structure according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the conduction principle of the internal and external wiring vias in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The correspondence between the reference numerals and the component names is as follows: Outer surface of housing—1; Visual identification elements—2; Micro-vias for circuit continuity—3; Antenna circuit diagram—4; Antenna metal plating—5; Surface protective layer—6; 7. Feed point and ground point connecting the antenna to the motherboard; 8. Inner surface of the housing; 9. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, this invention provides a method for manufacturing an antenna based on the fusion of visual recognition elements, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Based on the three-dimensional structure of the shell 9, design the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4 combined with it; Step S2: Use a laser to roughen the area of ​​the visual recognition element 2 on the outer surface 1 of the housing; Step S3: Use a laser to process a microvia 3 that connects the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4; Step S4: Use a laser to roughen the area of ​​the antenna circuit pattern 4 on the inner surface 8 of the housing; Step S5: Metallize the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4 to form a metal plating layer 5. Step S6: Perform surface covering protection treatment on the outer surface 1 of the housing.

[0021] In step S1 of this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure of the housing 9 refers to the layout and electrical connection relationship between the visual identification element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4. It is not completed on an abstract or ideal two-dimensional plane, but rather designed with the housing 9 as a three-dimensional entity with real physical dimensions, spatial form, and material properties as the carrier and constraint. The housing 9 is preferably a plastic material housing produced by injection molding. In this example, the plastic material types include, but are not limited to, PC, ABS, PC+ABS, LCP, LDS, LDS containing glass fiber, or ordinary materials containing glass fiber. Plastic colors include, but are not limited to, white, black, gray, transparent, semi-transparent, and other colors mixed with color powder or masterbatch. Furthermore, the housing 9 can also be made of other materials according to product function and characteristic requirements, such as ceramic, glass, or metal substrates with plating properties. The shape of the housing 9 is not limited and can be produced according to actual conditions and needs. The visual identification element 2 refers to all visual symbols on the product's appearance that have identification, indication, or decorative functions, including, but not limited to, product logos, symbols, letters, patterns, and text.

[0022] In step S2 of this embodiment, the corresponding laser processing parameters can be obtained by querying a pre-stored laser parameter mapping table based on the material data of the shell 9. The laser parameters include laser wavelength, laser power, laser frequency, filling spacing, laser processing speed, and the number of laser processing cycles. The laser parameter mapping table is established by pre-testing the shell 9 with various materials to determine the laser parameters required to achieve the target roughening effect for different material shells, and a mapping relationship is established between these parameters. Even if no corresponding parameter is found in the laser parameter mapping table, the stored associated data can still serve as a reference in subsequent laser processing, greatly ensuring the stability, efficiency, and consistency of subsequent production and processing.

[0023] On the outer surface 1 of the housing, laser engraving is preferably used to process the visual recognition element 2 area, roughening the area to meet the surface roughening effect required for subsequent metallization. Laser processing can be performed using a single-wavelength intelligent laser device or a dual-wavelength intelligent laser device for single or double laser engraving. By precisely controlling the adjustable process parameters such as power, frequency, and processing speed of the intelligent laser device, the roughening effect of the visual recognition element 2 area can be accurately controlled, thereby providing an excellent coating adhesion foundation for subsequent metallization steps.

[0024] In step S3 of this embodiment, laser perforation is performed on the inner and outer surfaces of the housing 9 at precise locations where electrical connection between the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4 is required, forming the circuit conduction microvia 3. The circuit conduction microvia 3 preferably has a diameter of 0.05-0.1 mm. This miniaturized design ensures that it can be fully filled and completely sealed and covered during subsequent processing, maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the product appearance. To further ensure the consistency of the aperture of the circuit conduction microvia 3, it is preferable to use a short-wavelength (e.g., 10nm-700nm) intelligent laser equipment for processing, and the aperture size of the circuit conduction microvia 3 is precisely controlled by adjustable parameters such as power, frequency, and processing speed of the intelligent laser equipment.

[0025] In step S4 of this embodiment, the corresponding laser processing parameters can be obtained by querying a pre-stored laser parameter mapping table based on the material data of the shell 9. The laser parameters include laser wavelength, laser power, laser frequency, filling spacing, laser processing speed, and the number of laser processing cycles. The laser parameter mapping table is established by pre-testing the shell 9 with various materials to determine the laser parameters required to achieve the target roughening effect for different material shells, and a mapping relationship is established between these parameters. Even if no corresponding parameter is found in the laser parameter mapping table, the stored associated data can still serve as a reference in subsequent laser processing, greatly ensuring the stability, efficiency, and consistency of subsequent production and processing.

[0026] On the inner surface 8 of the housing, the antenna circuit pattern 4 area is preferably processed using a laser engraving process. The antenna circuit pattern 4 area includes the antenna feed point, ground point, internal connecting lines, etc. Roughening is achieved in the antenna circuit pattern 4 area to meet the surface roughening effect required for subsequent metallization processing. Laser processing can be performed using a single-wavelength intelligent laser device or a dual-wavelength intelligent laser device for single or double laser engraving. By precisely controlling the adjustable process parameters such as the power, frequency, and processing speed of the intelligent laser device, the roughening effect of the antenna circuit pattern 4 area can be precisely controlled, thereby providing an excellent coating adhesion foundation for subsequent metallization processing.

[0027] In step S5 of this embodiment, the metallization process is preferably achieved through a chemical plating process. This chemical plating process mainly includes pretreatment, activation, chemical copper plating, chemical nickel plating, and chemical gold plating, forming a metal plating layer 5 with a certain thickness. After the chemical plating process, an integrated conductive path is formed on the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4, realizing the antenna function and achieving a perfect integration of the two.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 2-2 As shown, this is an embodiment of the present invention, where the visual recognition element 2 is the letters "LOGOABC". After processing through steps S1 to S5 described above, the outline region and structure of the visual recognition element 2 are as follows: Figure 4As shown, the antenna circuit pattern 4 on the inner surface 8 of the housing is electrically connected to the micro-via 3, forming the radiating part of the antenna. The antenna circuit pattern 4 also has a feed point and a ground point 7 for connecting the antenna to the motherboard. Thus, the visual recognition element 2 is an integral part of the antenna in terms of electrical function. The radio frequency signal it generates is conducted through the metal plating layer 5 to the feed point and ground point 7 for connecting the antenna to the motherboard, ultimately interacting with the motherboard circuitry. This truly achieves an integrated fusion of structure, aesthetics, and radio frequency performance. This embodiment clearly demonstrates how an ordinary visual recognition element 2 can be transformed into a structural component with complete circuit functionality through the method of this invention.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 3-2 As shown, this is another embodiment of the present invention, where the visual element 2 includes not only text but also graphics. After processing through steps S1 to S5 described above, the outline region and structure of the visual recognition element 2 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the antenna circuit pattern 4 on the inner surface 8 of the housing is electrically connected to the micro-via 3, forming the radiating part of the antenna. The antenna circuit pattern 4 also has a feed point and a ground point 7 for connecting the antenna to the motherboard. Thus, the visual recognition element 2 is an integral part of the antenna in terms of electrical function. The radio frequency signal it generates is conducted through the metal plating layer 5 to the feed point and ground point 7 for connecting the antenna to the motherboard, ultimately interacting with the motherboard circuitry. This truly achieves an integrated fusion of structure, aesthetics, and radio frequency performance. This embodiment clearly demonstrates how multiple visual recognition elements 2 can be transformed into a single structural component with complete circuit functionality using the method of this invention.

[0030] To ensure the reliability and consistency of the electrical performance of the metal plating layer 5, in step S5, a pre-stored metal plating parameter correspondence table can be consulted based on the material data of the housing 9 to obtain the plating parameters corresponding to the metal plating layer 5. The plating parameters include the number of plating layers, the material of each layer, and its thickness. The metal plating parameter correspondence table is obtained by pre-testing and analyzing different antenna design requirements and the material characteristics of the housing 9 to determine the parameters corresponding to the metal plating layer 5, and establishing a mapping relationship between the parameters. Even if there is no corresponding parameter in the metal plating parameter correspondence table, the stored associated data can still serve as a reference for subsequent related parameters, thereby greatly ensuring stability and consistency. For example, during the chemical plating process, according to the relevant data of the antenna design, the thickness of the metal plating layer 5 in the chemical plating process is 10 μm for copper, 2 μm for nickel, and 0.05 μm for gold. The thickness and material of each plating layer can be set according to the antenna design requirements, and are not limited to the plating thicknesses and materials listed above. It is understood that any process capable of forming the metal plating layer 4 on the visual recognition element 2 and the antenna circuit pattern 4, such as electroplating, physical vapor deposition, or conductive paste filling, is applicable to the present invention.

[0031] In step S6 of this embodiment, the core purpose of the surface covering protection treatment is to cover and protect the underlying metal plating layer 5, and to provide both decorative and protective properties for the final product. Further surface covering protection treatments can be applied to the product according to different product requirements, such as selective electroplating of the visual identification element 2, or UV spraying or vacuum plating of the housing 9 to form a surface protective layer 6, to achieve the final appearance effect of the product. It is understood that the surface covering protection treatment is not limited to a specific process. Any surface treatment process that can achieve effective covering, decoration, and durable protection, such as directly applying a decorative film, spraying a protective coating, or selective electroplating, is applicable to this invention and can be selected according to the user's diverse standards and usage needs.

[0032] This invention integrates the product's visual identification elements with the antenna circuitry, directly utilizing the visual identification elements as the antenna. This makes the optimal location for the exterior design the optimal location for the antenna layout. Without occupying additional internal space, the antenna layout is extended to the outer surface, which is optimal for the radio frequency environment, significantly improving the antenna's radiation performance and signal propagation quality. It also provides a new approach to surface treatment processes for covering antenna circuitry, as the visual identification elements are themselves part of the antenna circuitry and have become part of the product ID design, eliminating the need for additional covering. This not only reduces surface treatment costs but also avoids situations where covering could affect the radio frequency signal.

[0033] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the inventive concept, and all such deductions or substitutions should be considered part of the present invention.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method based on the integration of visual recognition elements and antennas, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Based on the three-dimensional structure of the shell (9), design the visual recognition element (2) and the antenna circuit pattern (4) combined with it. Step S2, use a laser to roughen the visual recognition element (2) area on the outer surface (1) of the housing; Step S3: Use laser processing to create a microvia (3) that connects the visual recognition element (2) and the antenna circuit pattern (4). Step S4: Use a laser to roughen the area of ​​the antenna circuit pattern (4) on the inner surface (8) of the housing; Step S5: Metallize the visual recognition element (2) and the antenna circuit pattern (4) to form a metal plating layer (5). Step S6: Perform surface covering protection treatment on the outer surface (1) of the shell.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the visual recognition element (2) is designed on the outer surface (1) of the housing, and the antenna circuit pattern (4) is designed on the inner surface (8) of the housing.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps S2 and / or S4 further include: querying a pre-stored laser parameter correspondence table based on the material data of the housing (9) to obtain the corresponding laser processing parameters; the laser parameters include laser wavelength, laser power, laser frequency, filling spacing, laser processing speed and number of laser processing operations.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The laser parameter correspondence table is obtained by conducting laser processing tests on the shell (9) of various materials in advance, obtaining the corresponding laser parameters required for different material shells to achieve the target roughening effect, and establishing the mapping relationship between the parameters accordingly.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S5 further includes: querying a pre-stored metal plating parameter correspondence table based on the material data of the housing (9) to obtain the plating parameters corresponding to the metal plating (5); the plating parameters include the number of plating layers, the material of each layer, and the thickness.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The metal coating parameter correspondence table is obtained by testing and analyzing the material properties of the housing (9) in advance for different antenna design requirements, and establishing the mapping relationship between each parameter.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the microvia (3) for the line conduction is 0.05-0.1 mm.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna circuit diagram (4) also includes a power supply point and a grounding point (7) for connecting the antenna to the motherboard.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metallization process in step S5 is a chemical plating process.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The visual identification element (2) is at least one of logo, pattern and text.

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