Antenna Pattern in Sensor Layer for Thin Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices poses challenges in accommodating internal electronic circuits while increasing demand for features and functionality, particularly in providing sufficient space for antenna areas without compromising display and sensing performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that includes a display layer with a peripheral area adjacent to an active area, a sensor layer with overlapping antenna patterns, and a cover layer with openings to indirectly supply power to the antenna patterns through the cover layer, allowing for reduced thickness and improved radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the device is miniaturized to reduce size, then portability improves, but space for antenna areas and internal circuits decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension (z-axis) by positioning the antenna pattern on the sensor layer which is disposed between the display layer and the cover layer. The antenna pattern extends in the thickness direction with a length of 0.1mm to 10mm, effectively using the third dimension to accommodate antenna functionality without increasing the device's planar footprint. This dimensional transition allows the antenna to fit within the limited space of miniaturized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna pattern is nested within the sensor layer structure, which itself is integrated between the display and cover layers. The sensing electrodes and antenna pattern are formed on the same sensor layer, creating a nested configuration where multiple functionalities (sensing and antenna) coexist within the same structural envelope, maximizing space utilization in the miniaturized device.
2Loss of energy
If the antenna pattern is placed on the sensor layer, then radiation efficiency improves, but display and sensing performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct functional zones within the sensor layer: regions with antenna patterns for radiation and regions with sensing electrodes for touch sensing. The antenna pattern is configured with specific geometry (length 0.1mm to 10mm, width 0.01mm to 1mm) optimized for radiation efficiency in specific areas, while sensing regions maintain their electrode configurations for touch detection. This local differentiation allows both antenna and sensing functions to operate effectively without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is segmented into multiple functional regions: antenna pattern regions for wireless communication and sensing electrode regions for touch input. The antenna pattern consists of multiple segments (first antenna pattern and second antenna pattern) that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows the antenna and sensing functions to be spatially separated within the same layer, maintaining both radiation efficiency and sensing performance.
3Device complexity
If power is supplied directly to the antenna pattern, then device complexity decreases, but display and sensing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer serves as an intermediary structure with an opening that allows indirect power supply to the antenna pattern. The driving chip is disposed below the cover layer and supplies power through the opening, which acts as a mediator between the power source and the antenna. This indirect power supply method avoids direct electrical connection that would interfere with the display and sensing layers, maintaining their performance while still enabling antenna functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display layer, a sensor layer, a cover layer, and a driving chip. The display layer includes a peripheral area adjacent to an active area. The sensor layer is on the display layer and includes sensing electrodes and an antenna pattern. The cover layer is below the display layer and includes an opening overlapping the antenna pattern. The driving chip provides a signal to the antenna pattern through the opening in the cover layer.