Staggered Metal Mesh Layers for NFC Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive electronic devices with integrated NFC functions face interference issues due to the placement of NFC antennas, which affect the radiation resistance and visibility, especially when using metal mesh touch panels that can cause moiré effects.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a layered structure with a first metal mesh layer for touch functionality and a second metal mesh layer for NFC antenna functionality, where both layers are made of conductive metals like copper or aluminum, with identical diamond-shaped patterns staggered to minimize interference and maintain visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-transparent solid metal antenna circuit is disposed outside the active area, then the antenna's radiation resistance is maintained, but the display panel border becomes too wide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the antenna from a traditional planar configuration outside the active area to a multi-layer stacked configuration within the active area. By utilizing the vertical dimension (Z-axis) with multiple metal mesh layers separated by insulators, the antenna achieves its radiation resistance function while occupying minimal horizontal space, thus enabling narrow borders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the NFC antenna structure within the touch panel's existing multi-layer structure. The first and second metal mesh layers are nested between the substrate and the touch electrodes, effectively hiding the antenna within the display panel's internal layers rather than placing it externally, which reduces the border width.
2Area of stationary object
If the NFC antenna is integrated into the touch panel, then the border width is reduced, but interference occurs between the antenna magnetic field and touch electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulator layers between the metal mesh antenna layers and the touch electrodes. These insulator layers act as intermediary elements that electrically isolate the antenna from the touch sensing circuits, preventing magnetic field interference while allowing the antenna to be integrated within the active area of the touch panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different material properties in different regions: conductive metal mesh for antenna functionality, insulating materials for electromagnetic isolation, and transparent conductive oxide for touch sensing. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others.
3Ease of manufacture
If a metal mesh is used for the touch conductive layer, then manufacturing cost is reduced and touch performance is improved, but moiré effect occurs affecting visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mesh patterns where the first and second metal mesh layers have different orientations (e.g., one layer at 0 degrees, the other at 45 degrees). This asymmetric arrangement disrupts the formation of regular interference patterns, thereby reducing the moiré effect while maintaining the cost and performance advantages of metal mesh structures.
Solution Approach 2:
By stacking multiple metal mesh layers in the vertical dimension with different orientations, the patent distributes the mesh pattern interference across multiple planes. This three-dimensional arrangement reduces the visibility of moiré patterns compared to a single-layer mesh, while still maintaining the benefits of metal mesh construction.
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 reduces interference fringes, enhances display quality, and allows for thinner module thickness by optimizing the projection ranges of the mesh patterns, effectively integrating NFC functions within the touch panel without compromising touch performance or visibility.
Implementation Method 1
it will cause the radiation resistance value to rise and in turn decrease the induced voltage value since the touch electrodes of the touch panel are within the distribution range of the antenna magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The insulator is at least partially disposed between the first metal mesh layer and the second metal mesh layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first metal mesh layer, a second metal mesh layer and an insulator. The first metal mesh layer is made up of a plurality of first electrode pattern units. The second metal mesh layer is disposed on one side of the first metal mesh layer, and is made up of a plurality of second electrode pattern units and a plurality of third electrode pattern units. The pattern of the second electrode pattern units and the pattern of the first electrode pattern units are at least partially identical in shape. The insulator is at least partially disposed between the first metal mesh layer and the second metal mesh layer. On a virtual projection surface parallel to the first metal mesh layer, a first vertical projection range projected from the shape of a first electrode pattern units distribution area and a second vertical projection range projected from the shape of a second electrode pattern units distribution area are staggered.