Touch Sensor Antenna Film for Space-Limited Wearables

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern wearable devices face challenges in accommodating antennas due to space constraints and electromagnetic interference from other components, which degrades antenna performance.

Innovation Solution

Integrating transparent antennas onto the display portion of electronic devices, specifically forming touch sensor and antenna patterns on the same substrate, with the touch sensor acting as a radiating element and using a capacitor in series with the RFIC to isolate signals, and maintaining a specific wiring resistance to optimize antenna performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional antenna placement methods are used in wearable devices, then antenna performance can be maintained, but space constraints and electromagnetic interference from other components degrade the solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidspace availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna and touch sensor into a single integrated structure where the touch sensor pattern serves dual purposes as both a touch detection element and an antenna radiating element. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna space while maintaining both touch functionality and telecommunications functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensor pattern is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a touch sensor for user input detection and as an antenna for wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to serve both purposes, resolving the space constraint issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional antenna placement methods are used in wearable devices, then antenna functionality can be maintained, but electromagnetic interference from other components degrades the solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the antenna with the touch sensor, the patent creates a unified structure that is positioned away from other interfering components. The integrated film structure allows the antenna to be placed on the display portion where it has better electromagnetic isolation from internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate antenna and touch sensor components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna and touch sensor into a single integrated film that is formed in one manufacturing process. The antenna pattern and touch sensor pattern are created simultaneously on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate lamination and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated film structure uses the same conductive material and manufacturing process for both antenna and touch sensor functions. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing by using a single material layer and process flow rather than multiple specialized layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If separate antenna and touch sensor components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna and touch sensor into a single integrated structure where both functions share the same physical space on the display portion. The antenna pattern and touch sensor pattern are formed on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate component areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated film structure enables the same physical elements to perform both antenna and touch sensor functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the total space required compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.

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

This solution allows for improved antenna performance without occluding the display, reduces manufacturing complexities, and conserves space, providing enhanced telecommunications functionality in wearable devices.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one touch sensor operates as a radiating element for the at least one antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using a capacitor in series with the RFIC to isolate signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12148982B2Touch sensor and integrated antenna integrated film

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A disclosed apparatus may include at least one touch sensor and an integrated film that includes at least one antenna, wherein the integrated film is at least partially disposed on the at least one touch sensor such that the at least one touch sensor operates as a radiating element for the at least one antenna. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.