Projector Antenna Integration Using Optical Components as Substrate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectors face challenges in integrating antennas with optical components, particularly in eyewear devices, due to the need for strong electric field generation and efficient frequency band management.

Innovation Solution

An antenna is integrated with a projector in eyewear devices, utilizing nonmetallic optical components as an antenna substrate to generate a strong electric field and support multiple resonances in different frequency bands, with the antenna being coupled to the projector housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an antenna is integrated with the projector housing, then the device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but the antenna performance may be degraded due to interference from optical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is segmented into multiple elements arranged in a specific configuration within the projector housing. This segmentation allows each element to be positioned to minimize interference from optical components while maintaining overall antenna functionality and reducing device complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between the antenna elements and the optical components. This dielectric layer acts as a mediator that reduces electromagnetic interference from the optical components while allowing the antenna to maintain its compact integrated form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If nonmetallic optical components are used as antenna substrate, then the electric field generation is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric field generationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric constant and thickness of the optical components are carefully selected and optimized to enhance electric field generation. By changing these parameters, the system achieves improved power efficiency and electric field strength while maintaining manufacturability through standard optical component specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are integrated to support different frequency bands, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is designed with multiple elements that can operate across different frequency bands, providing universal functionality. This multi-functional design allows a single integrated antenna structure to support multiple wireless communication standards and frequency ranges without requiring separate antenna systems for each band

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

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 integration enables efficient electric field generation and frequency management, enhancing the functionality and performance of eyewear devices by supporting multiple resonances and improving signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The optical components are nonmetallic and high permittivity such that the antenna generates a strong electric field (E-field)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field generation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

support multiple resonances in different frequency bands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20250329917A1Projector with integrated antenna
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 SNAP INC
  • US20250329917A1 patent drawing
  • US20250329917A1 patent drawing
  • US20250329917A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna that is coupled to and integrated with a projector, such as a projector included with smart glasses including eyewear. The projector has a housing and includes optical components configured to display an image. At least one antenna is coupled to the projector, wherein the optical components operate and function as an antenna substrate. The optical components are nonmetallic such that the antenna generates a strong E-field. The antenna may be coupled to the projector housing, such as on the inside or the outside surface of the housing. Multiple antennas can be included to generate multiple resonances simultaneously in different frequency bands.