Transparent Rectenna Electronic Label for Compact Wireless Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless electronic labels face challenges in reducing size due to the need to separate antennas from display units to prevent signal interference and accommodate batteries, leading to increased volume and area requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electronic label design incorporating a rectenna module made of light-transmitting conductive materials, allowing it to be integrated onto the display surface without obstructing information, combined with a control drive module that includes rectifying and filtering units, energy storage, and signal antennas for wireless power and control signals, potentially eliminating the need for larger batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna and display unit are separated to prevent signal interference, then the wireless signal reception is improved, but the volume and area of the wireless electronic label increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and display unit into an integrated structure where the antenna is formed on the display surface. The light-transmitting conductive material serves dual purposes: as the antenna element for wireless communication and as a transparent overlay that does not block the display. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna components and their associated mounting space, thereby reducing the overall volume while maintaining reliable wireless signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmitting conductive material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the antenna structure for receiving wireless signals, serves as a transparent protective layer over the display, and functions as a conductive element for electromagnetic wave reception. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing the overall volume of the wireless electronic label while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is added to the wireless electronic label for wireless signal reception, then the wireless communication capability is improved, but the area of the label increases due to the need for separate battery space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the display surface by forming the antenna structure directly on the display. The light-transmitting conductive material is deposited as a thin layer that does not significantly increase the area of the label. Additionally, the energy storage unit is integrated into the same plane as the display, utilizing the back surface or edge areas, thereby minimizing the overall area expansion while providing both wireless communication capability and power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar layout where antenna and battery occupy separate two-dimensional spaces to a three-dimensional integration where the antenna is formed as a thin conductive layer on the display surface and the energy storage unit is positioned in the vertical dimension (behind or beside the display). This dimensional reorganization allows wireless communication functionality to be added without proportionally increasing the front-facing area of the label.
3Reliability
If the antenna is made opaque to ensure signal reception, then the wireless signal reception is improved, but the display visibility is reduced due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a light-transmitting conductive material for the antenna that has different optical properties than traditional opaque antenna materials. The material is designed with specific transparency characteristics that allow light to pass through while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity for antenna function. This localized modification of material properties enables the antenna to be both functionally effective for signal reception and visually transparent for display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically light-transmitting conductive materials such as transparent conducting oxides (TCO), metal grids, or mesh structures, that combine the electrical conductivity needed for antenna function with optical transparency for display visibility. These composite materials allow the antenna to receive wireless signals effectively while permitting light to pass through to the display behind it, thus resolving the contradiction between signal reception and display visibility.
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 design enables a more compact wireless electronic label by utilizing the display surface area effectively and allowing for wireless charging and communication, reducing the overall size and volume while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The rectenna module is used to receive an electromagnetic wave signal and convert it into an electrical energy signal
Implementation Method 2
The rectenna module is made of light-transmitting electronically conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electronic label comprises a display module, a rectenna module and a control drive module. The display module has a display surface. The rectenna module is disposed on the display surface of the display module. The rectenna module is used to receive an electromagnetic wave signal and convert it into an electrical energy signal. The rectenna module is made of light-transmitting electronically conductive material. The control drive module is used to convert the electrical energy signal into electrical energy to power the wireless electronic label and to send a command signal to the display module. The display module is further used to display a label signal on the display surface according to the command signal.