Touch Panel Electrode Layout for Remote Control NFC Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices for air conditioners and heat pumps face performance degradation and increased costs due to the placement of wireless communication antennas, which can interfere with near field communication (NFC) and reduce operability when integrated with touch panels and displays.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a touch panel that incorporates an electrode unit with a first electrode section for touch position detection and a second electrode section functioning as an antenna, positioned closer to the front surface than the back, eliminating the need for a separate antenna and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is disposed on the back surface side of the main unit, then wireless communication can be performed, but the communication performance is degraded due to positioning on the sidewall side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the touch panel electrode unit by making the second electrode section serve dual purposes: touch detection and wireless communication antenna. This integration eliminates the need for a separate antenna component and resolves the spatial conflict between antenna placement and display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode section of the touch panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a touch detection electrode and a wireless communication antenna. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to satisfy both touch sensitivity requirements and wireless communication performance requirements.
2Reliability
If the antenna is disposed on the front surface side of the main unit, then wireless communication performance is improved, but the surface area of the display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the touch panel electrode structure, specifically using the second electrode section for both touch detection and antenna functions. This eliminates the need for a separate antenna that would occupy display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode section serves dual purposes as both a touch detection element and a wireless communication antenna, allowing the full display surface area to be maintained while achieving effective antenna placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate antenna is installed in addition to the touch panel, then wireless communication function is added, but costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the existing touch panel electrode unit, eliminating the need for a separate antenna component. This integration reduces part count, assembly complexity, and manufacturing costs while maintaining wireless communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode section is designed to perform multiple functions including touch detection and wireless communication, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing overall device cost.
4Device complexity
If the electrode sections overlap as seen from the front surface part side, then the touch panel structure is simplified, but the antenna function is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the overlap conflict by arranging the first and second electrode sections in different spatial positions within the touch panel structure. The electrode sections are positioned at different depths or lateral positions so they do not overlap when viewed from the front, allowing both touch detection and antenna functions to operate effectively.
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 maintains communication performance, reduces costs, and preserves the surface area of the liquid crystal display, while enhancing operability by allowing near field communication without degrading the device's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The second electrode section is configured and arranged to function as an antenna for performing wireless communication with another communication device
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode section is configured and arranged to function as an electrode for detecting a touched position
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device configured communicate with an air conditioner or a heat pump includes a touch panel having an electrode unit, a liquid crystal display, and a casing accommodating the touch panel and the liquid crystal display. The casing has a back surface part and a front surface part. The liquid crystal display is disposed to overlap the touch panel as seen from a front surface part side. The electrode unit has a first electrode section to detect a touched position, and a second electrode section that may function as an antenna to perform wireless communication with another communication device. The first and second electrode sections are configured and arranged to be nearer to the front surface part than to the back surface part inside the casing, and to be disposed so as not to overlap with each other as seen from the front surface part side.