Antenna Integration on Flexible Display Substrate

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing methods for mobile phone antennas, which often use separate Flexible Printed Circuit Boards (FPCB), result in increased accessory costs and a larger phone size due to the separate assembly of antennas and mainboards.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a flexible substrate that integrates a display portion and a back portion, where the antenna is located on the back portion, allowing for a compact design without occupying display space, and is manufactured by forming coils and connection wires on the flexible substrate before bending it to create the back portion, using materials like molybdenum, silver, or copper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate FPCB is used for antenna assembly, then antenna function is achieved, but accessory cost increases and phone size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna functionVSAvoidaccessory cost and phone size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the antenna directly onto the display substrate, merging the antenna function with the display module. This eliminates the need for separate FPCB antenna assemblies, reducing both accessory costs and overall device size while maintaining reliable NFC functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display structure and the antenna carrier. By making the substrate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated antenna components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

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

2Area of stationary object

If antenna is integrated on back portion, then display space is preserved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay spaceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into a display portion and a back portion, with the antenna specifically placed on the back portion. This segmentation allows the display area to remain uninterrupted while the antenna functions on the reverse side, preserving display space without compromising manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is positioned on the back portion of the substrate, utilizing the z-dimension (thickness direction) rather than occupying display area on the x-y plane. This dimensional arrangement preserves display space while maintaining antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If flexible substrate is bent to form back portion, then compact design is achieved, but signal transmission may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible substrate that can be bent to form the back portion, enabling compact device design. The flexible nature of the substrate allows it to maintain structural integrity and electrical connectivity even when bent, ensuring reliable signal transmission in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This integration reduces the overall cost and size of the display device, enabling a thinner and lighter design while maintaining efficient signal transmission and reception.

Implementation Method 1

NFC is composed of an initiator and a receiver... with a working frequency of about 13.56 MHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11340664B2Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD
  • US11340664B2 patent drawing
  • US11340664B2 patent drawing
  • US11340664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The display device includes: a flexible substrate including a display portion and a back portion that are connected with each other, the display portion including a display side and a back side opposite to the display side, the back portion being located at the back side of the display portion; and an antenna located on the back portion.