Flat Screen Slot Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable devices face challenges in compactness and manufacturing cost due to the need for discrete antennas, and previous solutions for integrating antennas into screens are not economically efficient and do not optimize space usage, especially for radiating antennas operating in far fields.

Innovation Solution

A flat screen with an active matrix and a conductive strip surrounding the pixels, where a slot is created in the strip to form a slot antenna, allowing for simultaneous production without additional technological steps and minimal cost increase, enabling efficient use of space and operation in far fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional discrete antennas are used in portable devices, then the device can achieve reliable wireless communication functionality, but the device dimensions increase and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication functionalityVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna function with the existing conductive strip (common electrode) of the flat screen by creating a slot in the strip. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete antennas, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining wireless communication functionality. The conductive strip serves dual purposes: as the common electrode for the screen and as the antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive strip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the common electrode for the active matrix pixels and as the antenna structure for wireless communication. By making the strip universal, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby compacting the device without sacrificing functionality.

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

2Reliability

If traditional discrete antennas are used in portable devices, then the device can achieve reliable wireless communication functionality, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna manufacturing process with the existing screen manufacturing process. The slot is created in the conductive strip during the same production sequence, eliminating the need for separate antenna assembly steps. This merging of processes reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive strip is prepared in advance as part of the screen manufacturing process, with the slot already formed before the antenna functionality is activated. This preliminary preparation allows the antenna to be ready for use without requiring additional manufacturing steps later, thereby reducing overall production cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If antennas are integrated into the screen substrate next to the screen, then manufacturing steps are reduced, but space is wasted and device miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing stepsVSAvoidspace usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna structure with the conductive strip that is already an integral part of the screen assembly. By forming the slot directly in this existing strip, the antenna is embedded within the screen's own structure rather than being placed beside it. This eliminates wasted space and supports device miniaturization while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If the conductive strip is used as the antenna structure, then additional manufacturing steps are eliminated, but the slot must be precisely formed in the strip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing stepsVSAvoidslot formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slot is formed in the conductive strip during the same manufacturing sequence in which the strip itself is created and positioned. This preliminary formation of the slot ensures that precise alignment and positioning are maintained, as the slot is created while the strip is still in its manufacturing context, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and required precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for compact, cost-effective integration of radiating antennas in portable devices, optimizing space usage and maintaining device functionality without increasing dimensions or adding significant manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one slot forming an antenna is made in said conductive strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlot antenna resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

By 'antenna' is meant a radiating antenna, operating in the far field, in transmission and/or in reception

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2380236B1Flat screen with integrated antenna
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2380236B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2380236B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e
  • EP2380236B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a flat screen (E) that comprises an active pixel matrix (M), an electrode that is common to said pixels (C), and a conductive strip (R) preferably in the form of a ring that is connected to said common electrode and at least partially surrounds said active matrix, characterised in that at least one slot (F) defining an antenna is formed in said conducting strip. The invention also relates to a portable apparatus that comprises: such a flat screen (E); an electronic board including a floorplan (PM) parallel to the flat screen and electrically connected to the conductive strip of the same; a means for generating and/or detecting electric radiofrequency signals; and an excitation port (P) for the slot antenna (F) installed in the flat screen, and connected to said means for generating and/or detecting electric radiofrequency signals.