Shield Plate Antenna via Coil Electromagnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication terminals face challenges in implementing near-field communication from the front surface due to complex antenna structures and reduced conductivity of transparent conductive materials like ITO, leading to decreased communication range and noise interference.

Innovation Solution

A communication interface featuring a power supply coil electromagnetically coupled with a shield plate, where the coil opening is partially exposed to the display, allowing for favorable communication without complicating the display device structure, and enabling the shield plate to function as an antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an antenna is overlapped with a liquid crystal panel display screen to enable front surface communication, then near-field communication from the front surface becomes possible, but the structure of the display device becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront surface communication capabilityVSAvoiddisplay device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the antenna function with the shield plate that is already present in the display device. The shield plate, which normally serves to block noise from the liquid crystal panel, is configured to function as an antenna by providing an opening that exposes the coil opening portion, thereby eliminating the need for separate antenna structures and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield plate is given multiple functions: it continues to block noise from the liquid crystal panel while simultaneously serving as an antenna for near-field communication. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the display device structure while maintaining front surface communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If ITO is used as transparent conductive material for antenna patterns, then the display device structure can be maintained, but the conductivity is less than or equal to 1/100 that of copper, aluminum, or silver, resulting in poor Q characteristics and unsatisfactory antenna performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay device structureVSAvoidantenna performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the transparent conductive material antenna pattern (ITO-based) with a magnetic field-based coil structure. Instead of relying on electrically conductive transparent materials with inherently poor conductivity, the system uses magnetic coupling between the coil and shield plate to achieve antenna functionality, thereby achieving satisfactory Q characteristics and antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a shield plate is disposed on the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel to block noise, then noise from the liquid crystal panel is blocked, but induced current produced by the shield plate worsens antenna characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise from liquid crystal panelVSAvoidantenna characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the shield plate, which was previously a source of harm (induced current worsening antenna characteristics), into a beneficial component by configuring it to function as the antenna itself. The opening in the shield plate allows magnetic field penetration while the shield plate's large surface area provides effective antenna radiation, transforming the problematic induced current into useful antenna operation.

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 solution allows for effective near-field communication with external devices positioned in front of the display without complicating the display device structure, enhancing communication range and reducing noise interference, while allowing for flexible design and material choices for the terminal's housing.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply coil that electromagnetically couples with the shield plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9819778B2Interface, communication apparatus, and program

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A power supply coil is disposed on a rear surface of a display via a shield plate. When a current flows in the power supply coil, a magnetic flux emitted from the power supply coil traverses an opening of the shield plate. As a result, the power supply coil and the shield plate are electromagnetically coupled and the shield plate defines and functions as an antenna. Accordingly, a communication terminal communicates favorably with a smartcard, which is a device positioned on a front surface side of the display.