Transparent Lens Antennas for RF-Ready AR Glasses Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented-reality (AR) glasses face challenges in achieving structural reliability and radio-frequency (RF) transparency due to materials like magnesium alloy and carbon fiber composite blocking antenna radiation, leading to design tradeoffs between structural integrity and RF transparency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing tunable transparent antennas on lenses using a transparent thin film with embedded conductive traces and a Board-to-Board connector, minimizing visual impact and maintaining RF functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural materials like magnesium alloy and carbon fiber composite are used to ensure structural reliability, then structural integrity is improved, but RF transparency deteriorates because these materials block antenna radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame is segmented into multiple portions: opaque structural portions providing mechanical strength, and transparent portions containing the antenna elements. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the front frame have different properties: some areas are opaque and structurally reinforced, while other areas are transparent and optimized for RF transmission. The antenna elements are locally integrated into the transparent portions where RF transparency is critical.
2Reliability
If RF transparent materials are used in the front frame to enable antenna radiation, then RF transparency is improved, but structural reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame is divided into structural support portions and transparent antenna portions, allowing the transparent portions to maintain RF transparency while the opaque portions provide the necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The front frame employs composite construction combining transparent and opaque materials, each optimized for their respective functions. The transparent portions enable RF transmission while the opaque composite portions provide structural reinforcement.
3Device complexity
If antennas are placed behind metallic or composite front frames, then device integration is improved, but RF functionality deteriorates due to blocked radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are merged directly into the front frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna housings or RF windows. The front frame simultaneously serves as both the structural element and the antenna support, improving integration while maintaining RF functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent portions of the front frame act as intermediaries that allow RF signals to pass through to antennas positioned behind the frame, enabling both good integration and maintained RF functionality.
4Reliability
If RF windows are created in the front frame to support RF radiation, then RF transparency is improved, but structural stiffness and cosmetic design deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are merged into the front frame structure, eliminating the need for separate RF windows. This integration maintains structural continuity and stiffness while providing the necessary RF transparency through the transparent frame portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than creating discrete RF windows that compromise structural integrity, the front frame is segmented into transparent and opaque portions, with antenna elements integrated into the transparent sections, maintaining overall structural stiffness.
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
The solution provides RF transparency while ensuring structural reliability and minimal visual obstruction, opening up new antenna implementation real estate on AR glasses.
Implementation Method 1
transparent thin film with embedded conductive traces... provides RF transparency while ensuring structural reliability and minimal visual obstruction
Implementation Method 2
a lens stack coupled to the frame and positioned in an optical path of the user such that the user is able to see through at least a portion of the lens stack
Data Source
AI summary
An AR device comprising (1) a frame dimensioned to be worn on a head of a user and (2) a lens stack coupled to the frame and positioned in an optical path of the user such that the user is able to see through at least a portion of the lens stack, wherein the lens stack comprises (A) a lens, (B) an optical waveguide that (I) is configured to display computer-generated content to the user and (II) is at least partially aligned with the lens, and (C) a radio-frequency antenna disposed on the lens. Various other apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.