Display Cover Electrode Layout for Wearable Sensing and RF Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing devices face challenges in integrating biometric sensors and radio frequency antennas in a compact, visually appealing manner without the need for additional components like bezels, while maintaining functionality for on-demand biometric measurements and communication.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating biometric sensor electrodes with conductive materials into the cover of a wearable computing device's display screen, which wrap around the periphery and connect to electrical contacts, functioning as both biometric measurement tools and radio frequency antennas, eliminating the need for separate bezels and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If biometric sensor electrodes and antenna functions are integrated into the cover, then device complexity is reduced and component count decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise electrical contacts and conductive material placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biometric sensor electrode and antenna functions into a single integrated component located on the cover. The conductive material on the cover serves dual purposes: as an electrode for biometric measurements (such as electrocardiogram or electrodermal activity) and as an antenna for radio frequency communication. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna components and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving not only as a protective and aesthetic element but also as the substrate for both biometric sensing and wireless communication. The conductive material on the cover performs multiple functions simultaneously, making the cover a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated parts for sensing and communication.
2Shape
If the biometric sensor electrode wraps around the periphery of the cover, then visual aesthetics are enhanced and additional framing elements are eliminated, but the area available for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor electrode is positioned in the peripheral region of the cover, utilizing the border area that would traditionally be occupied by bezels or framing elements. By wrapping around the periphery, the electrode design transforms the previously wasted or purely aesthetic peripheral space into a functional area, effectively adding utility to the edge dimension of the cover without encroaching on the central display area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive material is used for the biometric sensor electrode, then radio frequency communication capability is enabled, but the conductive material may interfere with display screen performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer or coating between the conductive material of the biometric sensor electrode and the display screen. This intermediary layer serves as a mediator that electrically isolates the conductive electrode from the display, preventing interference with display performance (such as touch sensitivity or image quality) while still allowing the conductive material to function as an antenna for radio frequency communication. The dielectric layer acts as a buffer that maintains both functions without direct interaction.
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
Enables on-demand biometric measurements and radio frequency communication over a range of frequencies, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for additional framing elements, while protecting the display screen and enhancing visual aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The biometric sensor electrode has one or more portions that include a conductive material capable of carrying a radio frequency current
Implementation Method 2
a physical vapor deposition defined coating covering the one or more portions of the biometric sensor electrode that include the conductive material capable of carrying the radio frequency current
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a housing and a printed circuit board at least partially disposed within the housing. The wearable computing device includes a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a cover positioned on the display screen. The cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a biometric sensor electrode positioned partially on the top surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode wraps at least partially around a periphery of the cover and contacts the one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode has one or more portions that include a conductive material capable of carrying a radio frequency current.