Remote Controller Antenna Layout for Near-Field Communication Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of setting operations for air conditioner indoor units using remote controllers is high, and incorporating a large antenna for near field radio communication in these devices is challenging due to space constraints, particularly with liquid crystal modules occupying significant space.

Innovation Solution

A remote controller design that includes a casing with a communication surface and a shielding part, where the antenna is positioned behind the communication surface with a space in between, allowing the coil pattern to overlap the storage component, thereby maximizing antenna size and improving communication accuracy without shielding the magnetic flux.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large antenna is formed in the remote controller to improve communication accuracy, then communication accuracy is improved, but the remote controller cannot accommodate the antenna due to space occupied by the liquid crystal module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication accuracyVSAvoidantenna area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by allowing the antenna coil pattern to overlap with the liquid crystal module in the front-rear direction (depth dimension). This enables the antenna to utilize space that would otherwise be occupied in the two-dimensional plane, effectively increasing antenna area without increasing the remote controller's footprint or thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the antenna coil pattern within the spatial envelope defined by the liquid crystal module's position. The antenna is nested in the third dimension (front-rear direction) relative to the liquid crystal module, allowing both components to coexist in the same footprint area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the antenna is positioned close to the communication surface to reduce size, then the remote controller size is reduced, but communication accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote controller volumeVSAvoidcommunication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the front-rear dimension to position the antenna. The antenna is placed behind the communication surface at an optimized distance while overlapping the liquid crystal module in the depth direction, maintaining both compact overall size and adequate antenna dimensions for accurate communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the coil pattern of the antenna overlaps the liquid crystal module, then the antenna size is maximized, but magnetic flux may be shielded reducing communication accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna areaVSAvoidcommunication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the coil pattern such that only specific portions overlap with the liquid crystal module, while the magnetic flux passing regions are strategically positioned to avoid shielding. This localized optimization allows maximum antenna area while preserving communication accuracy in critical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of magnetic flux shielding into a benefit by strategically positioning the coil pattern. The overlap with the liquid crystal module is arranged so that the module's structure actually helps contain and direct the magnetic flux, improving field concentration while maintaining communication accuracy.

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

This configuration enables the formation of a larger antenna within the remote controller, enhancing communication accuracy and facilitating easier setting operations by allowing for more efficient data transmission from portable information terminals.

Implementation Method 1

a storage component stored in the casing and including a shielding part having a property of shielding a magnetic flux

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an antenna for near field radio communication disposed behind the communication surface with a space between the antenna and the communication surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field radio communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3553881B1Remote controller
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3553881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a remote controller capable of enhancing communication accuracy with as large an antenna as possible disposed inside a casing. A remote controller includes: a casing (20) including a communication surface (13) for near field radio communication on a front panel of the casing (20); a storage component (30) stored in the casing (20) and including a shielding part (32b) having a property of shielding a magnetic flux; and an antenna (41) for near field radio communication disposed behind the communication surface (13) with a space between the antenna (41) and the communication surface (13), the antenna (41) including a coil pattern (41a) inside which a magnetic flux passing region (41b) for passing a magnetic flux in a front-rear direction is formed. A part of the coil pattern (41a) of the antenna (41) overlaps the storage component (30) in the front-rear direction.