Communication Device Antenna Connector Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of antennas in mobile electronic devices requires larger connectors for multiple transmission lines, which contradicts the trend of making devices lighter and thinner.
Innovation Solution
A communication device design where the second terminal of the transmission line is directly electrically connected to the antenna, eliminating the need for an additional connector, and allowing for multiple antennas to be coupled, thereby reducing the volume required for connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission lines are disposed to support multiple antennas, then the antenna signal transmission capability is improved, but the connector volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmission lines into a single multi-conductor transmission line. Instead of using separate transmission lines for different antenna bands, the invention integrates multiple signal paths within one transmission line structure, allowing multiple antennas to be supported while reducing the number of connectors needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is designed with multi-functionality to handle different antenna bands and signal types through its multiple conductors. Each conductor can carry signals for different frequency bands or antenna elements, making the single transmission line structure capable of supporting multiple antenna functions that would traditionally require separate transmission lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used to support multiple antennas, then the antenna diversity is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single multi-conductor transmission line connector. The connector includes multiple conductors that can be separately connected to different antennas, providing the diversity of multiple connectors while physically integrating them into one compact structure that reduces overall device volume.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector volume is reduced to make the device lighter and thinner, then the device portability is improved, but the ability to support multiple antennas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) with microstrip lines. This flexible film structure allows the transmission line to be made very thin and adaptable to the device's form factor, while the multi-conductor design ensures that multiple antenna support capability is maintained within the thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional multi-connector structure to a two-dimensional planar transmission line structure on the FPC. By arranging multiple conductors in parallel on the same plane, the design achieves multiple antenna support without increasing the thickness dimension, thus maintaining device portability while supporting multiple antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first connector, a first radio frequency unit, a first transmission line and a first antenna. The first radio frequency (RF) unit is connected to the first connector, the first transmission line has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the first transmission line is connected to the first connector, and the first antenna is contacted and electrically coupled to the second terminal of the first transmission line. The first RF unit is configured to generate a first RF signal. The first terminal of the first transmission line is configured to receive the first RF signal, and the first transmission line is configured to transmit the first RF signal from the first terminal of the first transmission line to the second terminal of the first transmission line. The first antenna is configured to send the first RF signal.