Image Transport Layer Embedded Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with integrated sensors and wireless components often result in bulky and unattractive designs due to the incorporation of electrical components, which can compromise both aesthetics and performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of circuitry, such as capacitive touch sensor circuitry and antenna resonating elements, within an image transport layer made of coherent fiber bundles or Anderson localization material, which transports images from an input surface to an output surface while hiding the embedded metal structures from view, enhancing the device's appearance and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are incorporated into an electronic device with a display, then device functionality is enhanced, but the device becomes bulky and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (display, touch sensor, antenna, and image transport layer) into a single integrated structure. The image transport layer serves as a host medium that embeds both the touch sensor circuitry and antenna elements, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified assembly, thereby reducing overall device bulk while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the touch sensor circuitry and antenna elements are embedded within the image transport layer, which itself is positioned between the display and cover layer. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall device footprint and eliminating the need for separate component housings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are incorporated into an electronic device with a display, then device functionality is enhanced, but the device appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image transport layer acts as an intermediary medium that hosts the embedded circuitry and antenna elements. This intermediate layer provides a camouflage function, hiding the metallic and electronic components from external view while still allowing optical signals to pass through. The intermediary structure enables aesthetic preservation by concealing functional components within its transparent or translucent matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of the image transport layer, which can be transparent, translucent, or have specific optical characteristics that allow it to blend with the overall device appearance. By selecting materials with appropriate optical properties, the embedded components become visually integrated with the device exterior, maintaining aesthetic appeal while housing functional elements.
3Shape
If circuitry is embedded within the image transport layer, then device aesthetics are enhanced by hiding metal structures, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image transport layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transports images from the display, provides a host medium for embedded circuitry and antennas, offers aesthetic camouflage for metal structures, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assembly steps, ultimately simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the integrated design.
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 solution allows for the embedding of circuitry within the image transport layer, enhancing device aesthetics and performance by hiding the metal structures, thus maintaining a sleek appearance while supporting advanced functionalities like capacitive sensing and wireless communications.
Implementation Method 1
The image transport layer may be formed from a coherent fiber bundle or Anderson localization material
Implementation Method 2
The image transport layer may be formed from a coherent fiber bundle or Anderson localization material
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a display with pixels configured to display an image. The pixels may be overlapped by a cover layer. An image transport layer may be formed from a coherent fiber bundle or Anderson localization material. The image transport layer may overlap the pixels and may have an input surface that receives the image from the pixels and a corresponding output surface on which the received image is viewable through the cover layer. Circuitry may be embedded within the image transport layer. The circuitry that is embedded within the image transport layer may include capacitive touch sensor circuitry, antenna resonating element structures, input-output components, signal lines, and other circuitry.