Pixel-Aligned Ground Mesh for Display EMI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display-and-touch-screen apparatuses face challenges in reducing electromagnetic interference without compromising visibility or mechanical robustness, particularly due to limitations in transparent conductive materials and the tendency of existing solutions to increase electrical noise and reflections.

Innovation Solution

A ground mesh with electrically connected ground lines is introduced between pixels in the display apparatus to absorb and conduct electromagnetic radiation, reducing interference while maintaining transparency and mechanical flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If transparent conductive materials are used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but transparency and mechanical flexibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidtransparency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground plane is segmented into individual ground lines that are aligned with pixel boundaries and positioned in the gaps between pixels. This segmentation allows the ground structure to provide electromagnetic shielding while minimizing obstruction of light transmission through the display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ground lines are placed locally in the gaps between pixels rather than forming a continuous opaque layer. This local placement provides electromagnetic interference reduction specifically where needed while maintaining transparency in the pixel display regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ground lines are placed between pixels to reduce electromagnetic interference, then electromagnetic radiation is reduced, but manufacturing alignment precision is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic radiationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel gap pattern is established during the display manufacturing process before the ground mesh is applied. This preliminary establishment of the gap pattern serves as a guide for subsequent ground line placement, reducing the alignment precision requirements for the ground mesh application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel structure itself, with its inherent gaps between pixels, serves as the alignment reference for the ground lines. The ground lines automatically align with the pixel gaps through the predetermined pattern, eliminating the need for separate high-precision alignment processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing ground structures are used, then electromagnetic interference is addressed, but electrical noise and reflections increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidelectrical noise and reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel gaps, which are necessarily present in display structures and represent potential sources of electromagnetic interference, are converted into beneficial positions for placing ground lines. The ground lines in these gaps effectively shield the pixel regions without requiring additional space or creating extra reflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 implementation of a ground mesh effectively minimizes electromagnetic interference, enhances display performance, and maintains visibility, even under mechanical stress, by absorbing electromagnetic radiation and reducing spurious signals in both touch screens and displays.

Implementation Method 1

A ground mesh with electrically connected ground lines is introduced between pixels in the display apparatus to absorb and conduct electromagnetic radiation, reducing interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9164630B2Display apparatus with pixel-aligned ground mesh
Publication Date: 2015.10.20 EASTMAN KODAK CO
  • US9164630B2 patent drawing
  • US9164630B2 patent drawing
  • US9164630B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Display apparatus with reduced susceptibility to electro-magnetic interference includes a display including an array of pixels and a ground mesh located in proximity to the display. The ground mesh includes a plurality of electrically connected ground lines located between the pixels, so that electro-magnetic radiation emitted or received by the display is reduced.