Liquid Crystal Frequency Tunable Antenna for Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna technologies face challenges in efficiently adjusting transmitting and receiving frequencies in response to changes in electromagnetic wave wavelengths, requiring additional components like variable capacitors to maintain impedance matching, which increases production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A frequency tunable antenna design utilizing a liquid crystal layer between two electrodes on opposite substrates, where the alignment of liquid crystals is controlled to adjust the dielectric constant and capacitance, allowing for frequency adjustments without the need for additional components like variable capacitors, leveraging existing TFT-LCD processes for manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional antenna frequency adjustment methods using variable capacitors are employed, then frequency tuning capability is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency tuning capabilityVSAvoidantenna structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna electrode with the liquid crystal control electrode into a single integrated structure. The first electrode serves dual functions as both the antenna radiating element and the control electrode for the liquid crystal layer, eliminating the need for separate variable capacitor components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining frequency tuning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the antenna radiating element for electromagnetic wave transmission and reception, and also serves as the control electrode for adjusting the liquid crystal alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the antenna structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional antenna frequency adjustment methods using variable capacitors are employed, then frequency tuning capability is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency tuning capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure utilizes the liquid crystal layer's inherent electro-optic properties to achieve frequency tuning. The liquid crystal molecules naturally align according to the applied electric field from the first electrode, providing automatic frequency adjustment without requiring external variable capacitors or additional tuning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If liquid crystal layer is integrated into the antenna structure, then frequency tuning is enabled without additional components, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structure complexityVSAvoidliquid crystal layer alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer by changing the alignment of liquid crystal molecules through electric field control. By applying different voltages to the first electrode, the liquid crystal molecules reorient themselves, changing the effective dielectric constant and thus tuning the antenna resonant frequency without requiring mechanical adjustments or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables smooth frequency tuning of antennas by controlling liquid crystal alignment, reducing production costs and complexity by integrating frequency adjustment within the existing TFT-LCD process, ensuring compatibility and stable performance.

Implementation Method 1

The second electrode and the first electrode are configured to adjust transmitting and receiving frequencies of the frequency tunable antenna by controlling an alignment manner of liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the alignment of liquid crystals is controlled to adjust the dielectric constant and capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric constant modulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11095028B2Frequency tunable antenna and method of manufacturing the same, display panel

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A frequency tunable antenna includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are disposed opposite to each other, a second electrode disposed on a side of the second substrate close to the first substrate, a first electrode disposed on a side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the second electrode and the first electrode. The second electrode and the first electrode are configured to adjust transmitting and receiving frequencies of the frequency tunable antenna by controlling an alignment manner of liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer.