3D Antenna Module for Slim Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enhance the coverage of millimeter wave antenna systems in electronic devices, particularly in mobile devices with slim form factors, where the integration of high-frequency band antennas is hindered by space constraints and path loss sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates an antenna module with a printed circuit board and antenna elements, where the antenna array is strategically positioned within the device's structure, utilizing a beamforming system to concentrate energy and improve communication range, and the antenna module is designed to transmit and receive signals across high-frequency bands, including 5G frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of radiating elements are tightly coupled to achieve narrow-beam and high-gain millimeter wave antenna system, then antenna gain and directionality are improved, but coverage is limited due to path loss sensitivity and space constraints in slim form factor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar 2D antenna arrays to three-dimensional 3D antenna arrays with volumetric radiation patterns. The 3D antenna array structure enables spatial diversity in multiple dimensions, creating omnidirectional or multi-directional beamforming capabilities that overcome the limited coverage of traditional 2D arrays while maintaining high gain through constructive interference in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested 3D antenna arrays where smaller antenna elements are positioned within the volumetric structure formed by larger elements. This nested configuration enables multiple radiation patterns and beamforming modes simultaneously, allowing the system to maintain high gain while expanding coverage area through hierarchical spatial distribution of radiating elements.
2Volume of moving object
If millimeter wave antenna system is integrated into slim form factor mobile devices, then device portability is improved, but antenna coverage and communication range are reduced due to limited space for radiating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the slim device to create volumetric 3D antenna arrays. By distributing radiating elements throughout the available vertical and lateral space rather than confining them to a planar surface, the system achieves enhanced coverage and communication range while maintaining the device's slim form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameters of antenna elements from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional volumetric configurations. This parameter change in spatial geometry allows the antenna system to achieve broader coverage and improved path loss characteristics without increasing the overall device volume, effectively decoupling coverage performance from device thickness.
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 configuration enhances the communication range and quality by reducing signal loss and deformation, ensuring effective operation in mobile environments while maintaining a slim form factor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one antenna element disposed on the first surface, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface; and a communication circuit disposed at the second surface of the printed circuit board, the communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element
Implementation Method 2
The electronic device may use a beam forming system that processes a transmission signal or a reception signal so that energy radiated from the phase array antenna is concentrated in a specific direction in a space
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate disposed opposite the front plate, and a side bezel enclosing at least a portion of a space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display disposed in the space and visible through at least a portion of the front plate, wherein the display includes a first layer including a plurality of pixels; and a second layer disposed at the first layer and including an opening; and an antenna module disposed in the space, wherein the antenna module includes a printed circuit board including a first surface facing away from the first layer through the opening and a second surface facing opposite the first surface; at least one antenna element disposed on the first surface, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface; and a communication circuit disposed at the second surface of the printed circuit board, the communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element.