Display Stack Antenna Integration for Thin Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display stacks in electronic devices are bulky due to a large number of stiff layers, which limits space for other components like antennas, and existing millimeter-wave antennas either require additional volume or impair performance when integrated into displays.
Innovation Solution
A display stack design that incorporates a support structure with an integrated antenna element and a polarizer layer between the display panel and cover layer, reducing the need for separate components and allowing for a thinner form factor, with the antenna element being partially transparent to electromagnetic waves and not interfering with the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of stiff layers are used in the display stack to achieve sufficient audio quality and stability, then the audio quality and stability are improved, but the volume of the display stack increases, reducing space for other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the support structure: it provides mechanical stability, houses the antenna element, and serves as a mounting platform for audio components. This integration eliminates the need for separate stiff layers, reducing overall display stack volume while maintaining structural integrity and audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, antenna functionality, and mounting capabilities for audio components. This universal design reduces the number of separate layers needed, thereby reducing display stack volume while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna elements are added to support millimeter-wave bands, then the antenna functionality is improved, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is integrated directly into the support structure, combining the antenna function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate antenna elements and their associated mounting space, thereby supporting millimeter-wave bands without increasing device volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If the antenna array size is reduced to fit within limited volume, then the device volume is reduced, but the antenna performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is strategically positioned and configured within the support structure to optimize its performance in the limited available space. The local optimization of antenna geometry and placement ensures adequate performance without requiring a larger overall device volume.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a large number of layers are used in the display stack, then the structural stability is improved, but the display stack becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions that previously required separate layers are merged into the support structure, including structural support, antenna housing, and audio component mounting. This consolidation reduces the number of layers needed, thereby reducing display stack thickness while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes composite materials that provide high structural strength and stability with reduced thickness. This allows the display stack to maintain adequate structural integrity with fewer and thinner layers.
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
This design enables a thinner electronic device with reduced component needs, allowing for easier replacement of the cover glass and improved stability, while maintaining display functionality and supporting millimeter-wave antenna performance without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer fixing the display panel to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
a polarizer layer arranged between the display panel and the cover layer
Implementation Method 3
the antenna element is a millimeter-Wave antenna at least partially transparent to electromagnetic waves
Data Source
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AI summary
A display stack (1) for an electronic device (2) comprising a plurality of adjoining layers, the layers comprising at least a display panel (3), a cover layer (4), a polarizer layer (5) arranged between the display panel (3) and the cover layer (4), and a support structure (6) comprising a support plate (6a). The support plate (6a) is arranged between the display panel (3) and the polarizer layer (5), and the support plate (6a) comprises at least one antenna element. An adhesive layer (7) fixes the display panel (3) to the support structure (6). This facilitates a display stack which reduces the need for separate antenna elements since they are included into the display stack.