Micro Wire Antenna in Touch Sensor Layer for Bezel-less Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of wireless communication protocols in bezel-less display devices requires alternative antenna locations that do not compromise touch sensitivity or optical quality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a micro wire antenna within or below the touch sensor layer of a touch panel display, utilizing a metal mesh with high conductivity and transparency, allowing for bezel-less edge-to-edge display solutions without affecting touch sensitivity or optical clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If antennas are hidden in the bezel surrounding the display, then antenna performance is maintained, but the display cannot achieve bezel-less edge-to-edge design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel-less display shapeVSAvoidantenna location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is moved from the traditional bezel area (peripheral dimension) to the touch sensor layer (central dimension), utilizing the unused space within the display area. This dimensional relocation allows the antenna to coexist with the edge-to-edge display design while maintaining wireless communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensor layer is designed to serve dual functions: touch sensing and antenna operation. By integrating the antenna within the touch sensor layer, the same structural space performs multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate antenna locations in the bezel area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a metal mesh antenna is integrated into the touch sensor layer, then antenna performance is achieved, but touch sensitivity and optical quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidtouch sensitivity and optical quality degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The metal mesh antenna is designed with locally optimized properties where different regions have different characteristics. The mesh pattern density and conductivity are adjusted in specific areas to maintain touch sensitivity while ensuring adequate antenna performance in other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure uses a composite design combining metal mesh with transparent conductive materials. This composite approach provides both the electrical conductivity needed for antenna operation and the optical transparency required for display quality, while maintaining touch sensor functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 micro wire antenna achieves comparable performance to traditional antennas while maintaining the display's optical properties and touch sensitivity, enabling bezel-less designs in wireless communication devices.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a metal mesh with high conductivity and transparency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a metal mesh with high conductivity and transparency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical Transparency:

Data Source

PatentUS10551949B2Display integrated antenna

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

A touch panel for a display, the touch panel having a touch sensor configured to receive touch input, and an antenna located within or below the touch sensor.