Antenna Substrate With Integrated Lighting and RF Bypass Capacitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antennas lack the ability to provide increased functionality and performance in diverse applications beyond wireless communication, particularly in space-limited environments where additional features like illumination and visual notifications are desired.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a light source into the antenna substrate, allowing it to emit light when a direct current flows between domains, with capacitors to bypass RF current and a reflective coating to enhance functionality, while maintaining primary communication capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is integrated into the antenna substrate, then illumination functionality is added, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna substrate and light source into a single integrated structure. The light source is mounted directly on the antenna substrate, merging two separate components (antenna and lighting element) into one unified device. This integration adds illumination functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and wiring harnesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna substrate is designed to serve dual functions: wireless communication and illumination. By integrating the light source onto the antenna substrate, the same structural platform supports both RF signal transmission and light emission, creating a multi-functional device that reduces overall system complexity despite adding new capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If capacitors are added to bypass RF current, then communication performance is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna substrate is divided into multiple domains with capacitors strategically placed between adjacent domains. This segmentation allows RF current to be directed through specific paths (bypassing the light source) while DC current flows through the light source. The capacitors create distinct current pathways, maintaining communication performance by preserving RF signal integrity while enabling independent DC-powered illumination functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the antenna is used for both communication and illumination, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna and lighting element into a single integrated substrate structure. The light source is directly mounted on the antenna substrate, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, additional fasteners, and separate wiring harnesses. This consolidation improves space utilization while the modular design approach maintains ease of manufacture by allowing standard antenna fabrication processes to be followed, with the light source added as an integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated light source provides backlight for advertising, illuminates dark areas, and offers visual notifications, enhancing antenna functionality without occupying additional space.

Implementation Method 1

a light source connected to the domains, wherein the light source emits light when a current flows from one domain to another domain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor is provided between adjacent domains to provide a path for RF current to bypass the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

the substrate is coated with a reflective material to reflect impinging light rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12489194B2Antennas with light source

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An antenna for providing light is disclosed. The antenna may comprise a substrate having at least two domains and a light source which is connected to two domains. The light source may emit light when a direct current flows from one domain to another domain. A radio frequency (RF) current flows through the domains for generation of radio waves. A capacitor is provided between adjacent domains to provide a path for the RF current to bypass the light source. The substrate is enabled to absorb the heat dissipated by the light source. The substrate is coated with a reflective material to reflect impinging light rays.