Transparent Antenna on Wearable Display Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected wearables face challenges in achieving good radio-frequency performance due to their small size, which limits the number and efficiency of antennas that can be packed, and the proximity of these antennas to the user's body results in impedance and absorption losses.
Innovation Solution
The use of transparent conductors to create antennas on the top surface of the display lens of wearable devices, allowing for increased antenna 'real estate' and minimizing losses by positioning them further from the body, enabling support for multiple antennas and improved radiated performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are packed into small wearable devices, then device functionality is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to limited space and proximity to body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the antenna from the traditional planar configuration within the device housing to a three-dimensional structure that extends upward from the display surface. The transparent conductor on the display creates a vertical antenna element that utilizes the z-dimension (height) rather than competing for limited x-y plane space, thereby improving antenna performance while maintaining compact wearable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the antenna portion transparent while other device components remain opaque. The transparent conductor is selectively applied to specific regions of the display where antenna functionality is needed, allowing the antenna to be visually integrated into the display area while maintaining its electromagnetic radiation properties in those local regions
2Area of stationary object
If transparent conductor is applied to display surface, then antenna real estate is increased, but display transparency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conductor is applied selectively to specific regions of the display surface where antenna functionality is required, rather than covering the entire display. This localized application ensures that antenna real estate is maximized in critical areas while preserving display transparency and visual quality in regions where antenna coverage is not needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the transparent conductor material and its deposition characteristics to achieve the desired balance between electrical conductivity for antenna performance and optical transparency for display visibility. By controlling conductor thickness, material composition, and pattern density, the solution adjusts the trade-off between antenna real estate and display transparency
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 enhances the radiated performance of small form factor wearables by allowing for multiple antennas, including MIMO diversity functions, while maintaining transparency and minimizing detuning effects from human tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna formed from at least one transparent conductor extending across a top surface of the display unit
Implementation Method 2
An outer edge of the at least one transparent conductor may be visually transparent relative to the display unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an electronic device comprising a display unit operable to electronically display information; an antenna formed from at least one transparent conductor extending across a top surface of the display unit; and wireless communication circuitry operatively coupled to the antenna and positioned below the display unit. According to certain aspects, the at least one transparent conductor, the display unit, and the wireless communication circuitry may be stacked in parallel to each other and a housing for encasing the wireless communication circuitry and at least a portion of the display unit. One embodiment includes an electronic watch comprising a watch face operable to electronically display information; an antenna formed from at least one transparent conductor extending across a top surface of the watch face; and a watch housing for housing at least a portion of the watch face and wireless communication circuitry operatively coupled to the antenna.