Display Module Shield Layer for Antenna Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, the tight internal structure space due to miniaturization trends limits antenna efficiency, and existing shield structures either complicate product design or restrict spatial freedom and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a metal shield layer that is annular and insulated from the metal frame and radio frequency circuit, reducing energy absorption by lossy materials within the display module while allowing near-field communication signals to be transmitted through openings in the shield layer, thereby enhancing antenna efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shield structure connected to an end of an antenna is disposed to improve antenna efficiency, then antenna efficiency is improved, but product design complexity increases and spatial freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna efficiencyVSAvoidproduct design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield structure is merged with the existing metal frame of the electronic device, making the metal frame itself serve as the shield structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate shield components, thereby improving antenna efficiency while avoiding increased design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the device, acts as a shield structure for antenna efficiency, and maintains spatial freedom. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both structural and shielding purposes

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

2Reliability

If a shield structure is added to improve antenna efficiency, then antenna efficiency is improved, but assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield structure is combined with the metal frame that is already part of the device assembly, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for installing shield components. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining antenna efficiency improvements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a metal shield layer is used to reduce energy absorption by lossy materials, then antenna efficiency is improved, but energy loss occurs in the shield layer itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna efficiencyVSAvoidenergy absorption by lossy materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal shield layer and the lossy materials in the display module. This insulating layer prevents direct energy transfer from the shield to the lossy materials, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining the shielding effect that improves antenna efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution improves antenna efficiency by reducing energy absorption by lossy materials and simplifies the assembly process by maintaining the product's design integrity and spatial freedom.

Implementation Method 1

the metal shield layer in the shield structure may generate reflection between the metal frame and the display module, thereby weakening field strength generated in the display module by radiated energy from the metal frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the energy radiated from the metal frame to the display module is shielded, to reduce absorption of the antenna-radiated energy by a lossy material inside the display module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4068514B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4068514B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4068514B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1c
  • EP4068514B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application relate to the field of display technologies, and provide an electronic device, to improve antenna efficiency and simplify an assembly process of a terminal. The electronic device includes a mainboard, a metal frame, a display module, and a shield structure. The mainboard includes a radio frequency circuit. The metal frame is coupled to the radio frequency circuit, and configured to receive or transmit a radio frequency signal. The shield structure is located in the display module or on a side of the display module closer to the mainboard, and is connected to the display module. The shield structure includes a metal shield layer. The metal shield layer is insulated from the metal frame and the radio frequency circuit, and the metal shield layer can generate reflection between the metal frame and the display module, weaken field strength generated in the display module by radiated energy from the metal frame, and shield the energy radiated from the metal frame to the display module, to reduce the absorption of the antenna-radiated energy by a lossy material inside the display module, and improve antenna efficiency.