Eyewear Antenna Layout Using a Lens Retention Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality (AR) eyewear faces challenges in integrating antennas due to their compact form factor, which limits available space and requires a balance between performance, aesthetics, and user experience. The compact size hinders efficient wireless communication while maintaining a sleek and lightweight design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-function antenna and lens retention ring concept, where the retention ring serves as both a structural element for lens retention and an antenna component, optimizing antenna placement and performance within the limited space of AR eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are integrated into AR eyewear, then wireless communication capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna structure with existing structural components of the AR eyewear, such as integrating antennas into the frame or housing. This merging approach allows wireless communication functionality to be added without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the antenna shares space with structural elements that would exist anyway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs antenna structures that serve multiple functions simultaneously - for example, a structural component that provides both mechanical support and antenna functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated antenna components, thereby improving wireless capability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Reliability
If antenna space is increased for better performance, then radiation efficiency is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs planar or surface-mounted antenna designs that utilize the two-dimensional surface area of the eyewear frame rather than requiring three-dimensional volume. This dimensional approach allows sufficient antenna surface area for good radiation efficiency while keeping the antenna profile thin and lightweight, avoiding significant weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-film antenna structures or flexible printed circuit board (PCB) traces that provide adequate radiation efficiency through optimized trace geometry and surface area while maintaining minimal thickness. These thin-film approaches add negligible weight compared to traditional bulk antenna structures.
3Reliability
If antenna space is increased for better performance, then radiation efficiency is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral surface area of the eyewear frame for antenna placement, converting the problem from requiring increased linear dimensions to utilizing available surface area. This allows maintaining compact eyewear dimensions while providing sufficient antenna surface for good radiation efficiency through optimized trace patterns and geometric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates antenna elements in specific localized regions of the eyewear where space is most efficiently utilized, such as along the temple pieces or front frame. By optimizing antenna geometry and distribution in these specific locations rather than uniformly distributing antenna material throughout, good radiation efficiency is achieved without increasing overall device dimensions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are added for various communication functions, then adaptability is improved, but coupling between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple spatially separated antenna elements that are strategically positioned at different locations on the eyewear frame. This segmentation in space, combined with orthogonal or perpendicular orientations of different antenna elements, reduces mutual coupling and interference while enabling support for multiple communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of multiple antenna elements to minimize coupling. By placing antennas at non-symmetric locations and using different orientations (e.g., one antenna horizontal, another vertical), the patent reduces the strength of electromagnetic coupling between antennas while maintaining compact form factor and supporting multiple communication functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) eyewear display utilizes an antenna arrangement for eyewear that optimizes the performance of the antenna without sacrificing the functionality or modularity of the eyewear. In one implementation, the antenna arrangement includes a first conductor that functions as a ground for the antenna, a second conductor configured to help retain a lens, and an antenna feed configured to excite the second conductor, causing the second conductor to act as an antenna. The first and/or second conductor additionally acts as a lens retention feature by interfacing with a groove in a lens and the use of a locking clip that prevents the lens from becoming dislodged from the second conductor, thus enabling quick and easy installation or removal of the lens.