Antenna-on-Lens Layout for Dimming-Independent Wearable Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable optical devices face challenges in integrating antennas due to performance degradation from transparent conductive materials used for optical dimming, which introduce lossy paths for radio frequency signals, leading to impaired antenna efficiency and increased production complexity.
Innovation Solution
An antenna-on-lens system with a transparent antenna film layer and a radio frequency short structure electrically coupled to a transparent conductive layer, diverting lossy currents and maintaining consistent wireless performance across different dimming conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transparent conductive materials are used for optical dimming, then optical dimming functionality is achieved, but antenna efficiency deteriorates due to lossy paths for radio frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens structure into multiple functional layers: a first lens substrate, a transparent conductive layer for dimming, and a second lens substrate. The antenna is positioned on the outer surface of the second lens substrate, separating the antenna from the lossy transparent conductive layer. This segmentation allows the transparent conductive layer to perform optical dimming while the antenna operates independently without direct coupling to the lossy material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the second lens substrate - that acts as a barrier between the antenna and the transparent conductive layer. This intermediary prevents direct electromagnetic coupling between the antenna and the lossy conductive material, thereby maintaining antenna efficiency while preserving optical dimming functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different antenna architectures are used for active and passive dimming technologies, then both dimming technologies can be accommodated, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal antenna system that works with both active and passive dimming technologies. By positioning the antenna on the outer surface of the lens assembly and using a standardized feed structure connected to a RF short, the same antenna architecture can be used regardless of whether the device employs active dimming (with transparent conductive layer) or passive dimming (without transparent conductive layer), thereby simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs homogeneous antenna design across different dimming technology variants. The antenna structure, material composition, and feeding mechanism remain consistent whether the device uses active or passive dimming, ensuring uniform manufacturing processes and quality control while supporting multiple dimming technologies.
3Ease of manufacture
If antennas are placed on the lens surface, then integration is achieved, but signal strength reduces due to coupling with lossy conductive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna on the outer surface of the lens assembly, utilizing the third dimension (depth/layering) to separate the antenna from the transparent conductive layer. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the antenna to be integrated into the lens structure while maintaining sufficient distance from the lossy conductive material to preserve signal strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system maintains consistent wireless performance by canceling or diverting lossy radio frequency currents, reducing production complexity, and supporting multiple dimming technologies with a unified antenna architecture.
Implementation Method 1
an active dimming structure comprising a transparent conductive layer that is electrically coupled with a short structure, such as a radio frequency short structure, that can be configured to conduct current induced by the antenna away from the transparent conductive layer of the active dimming structure
Implementation Method 2
a transparent antenna film layer that is disposed on at least a portion of the lens, where the transparent antenna film layer includes at least one antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a dimming-independent antenna-on-lens solution for wearable optical devices are disclosed. A system can include a support structure, at least one lens mounted to the support structure, and a transparent antenna film layer disposed on at least a portion of the lens, where the transparent antenna film layer includes at least one antenna. The system further includes an active dimming structure comprising a transparent conductive layer that is electrically coupled with a short structure configured to conduct current induced by the antenna away from the transparent conductive layer of the active dimming structure. The disclosed configuration enables reliable antenna performance regardless of dimming technology by mitigating RF losses associated with lossy conductive layers, supporting consistent wireless operation in devices such as augmented reality or virtual reality eyewear.