Watch Bezel Antenna Layout for Touch Interface Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices like watches face challenges in integrating an antenna with optimal length for full signal transmission/reception due to limited space and interference from metal parts, while maintaining aesthetics, energy efficiency, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate with an integrated antenna circuit and touch control circuit is embedded in a dielectric and non-conductive covering element, such as a watch bezel, optimizing signal transmission and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an antenna of optimal length is used for full signal transmission/reception, then communication reliability is improved, but the device volume increases beyond acceptable limits for portable devices like watches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the antenna by integrating it into a flexible substrate within the covering element, allowing the antenna to achieve optimal electrical length through strategic placement and configuration rather than physical size. The antenna circuit is designed to resonate at the required frequency within the constrained space of the watch case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional antenna structures to a two-dimensional planar antenna circuit printed on a flexible substrate. This dimensional reduction allows the antenna to fit within the limited surface area of the watch case while maintaining functional performance through optimized trace routing and ground plane configuration.
2Strength
If metal parts are used in the device structure, then mechanical strength is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna circuit from proximity to metal parts by integrating it into the covering element structure, specifically positioning it in the bezel or crystal area where metal interference is minimized. This spatial separation reduces electromagnetic coupling between the antenna and metal components while maintaining overall device strength through the metal case structure.
3Ease of operation
If a touch interface is integrated into the covering element, then user interaction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch interface electrodes and the antenna circuit traces onto the same flexible substrate within the covering element. This integration allows both functions to be manufactured simultaneously using printed circuit board techniques, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity compared to separate components.
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 ensures efficient signal transmission/reception with minimal impact on aesthetics, energy consumption, and manufacturing costs, while avoiding interference from metal parts.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible substrate with an integrated antenna circuit and touch control circuit is embedded in a dielectric and non-conductive covering element, such as a watch bezel, optimizing signal transmission and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 2
It is known that the optimal size of such an antenna depends directly on the wavelength of the transmitted/received signal. Indeed, an antenna of optimal length allows a signal to be sent/received in full and at full power.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable electronic object (1) comprising a case (3) provided with a covering element (2) forming in whole or in part a touch interface of said electronic object (1), said covering element comprising a hollow body containing a substrate (5) on which are made an antenna circuit (10) of a communication module (6) of said object (1) and a touch control circuit (13) of a touch control element (8) of this object (1).