Antenna System With Differential Signal Source And Blocking Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with larger displays face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and efficient wireless signal transmission due to the use of conductive materials in their housings, which require careful management of antenna geometry and circuitry to accommodate multiple types of electromagnetic energy transmission without increasing device size.

Innovation Solution

An antenna system incorporating a conductive substrate with a conductive element and differential or alternative signal sources, coupled via high and low frequency blocking circuits, allows for efficient transmission and reception of electromagnetic energy while minimizing the need for separate dedicated space, utilizing conductive arms and substrates to form internal loops and overlapping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conductive materials are used in device housings to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but wireless signal transmission is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinterference with wireless signals
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive housing is segmented by creating openings and cuts that form distinct conductive portions, which are then integrated as radiating elements of the antenna system. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain structural integrity while enabling wireless signal transmission through the conductive portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive housing serves dual functions: it provides structural support as a housing material and simultaneously acts as a radiating element for antenna transmission. The conductive portions formed by openings and cuts in the housing are utilized for both structural and electromagnetic radiation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antenna elements are incorporated to support multiple types of wireless transmission, then adaptability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple types of electromagnetic energyVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is designed to support multiple types of electromagnetic energy transmission using a unified conductive structure. The conductive portions of the housing and integrated conductive elements can be configured to radiate different types of wireless signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antenna elements for each transmission type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna functions are merged into a single integrated conductive structure. The conductive housing portions and conductive elements work together as a unified antenna system that can handle multiple types of wireless transmission, reducing the overall space required compared to separate antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the display size is increased to dominate the front surface, then area is improved, but the amount of material available for structural housing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidstructural integrity of housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs composite construction where the housing incorporates both conductive materials for structural integrity and non-conductive materials or openings for antenna functionality. This composite approach allows the housing to maintain strength despite reduced material availability due to larger display areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is segmented to create openings that accommodate the larger display while the remaining conductive portions maintain structural integrity. The openings are strategically positioned and shaped to preserve the strength of the housing framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables effective wireless communication across various frequencies within the constraints of a compact device design, optimizing the use of conductive materials for structural integrity and signal propagation without increasing the device's size or weight.

Implementation Method 1

The differential signal source is coupled to each of the two points via a high frequency blocking circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh frequency blocking: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

an alternative signal source coupled to the conductive element between the two ends of the conductive element toward a center of the conductive element via a low frequency blocking circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow frequency blocking: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

An area between the conductive substrate and the conductive element form at least part of a loop which is internal to the antenna system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10396438B1Antenna system and electronic device including one or more conductive elements for use with a differential and an alternative signal source
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
  • US10396438B1 patent drawing
  • US10396438B1 patent drawing
  • US10396438B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides an antenna system for use in an electronic device. The antenna system includes a conductive substrate. The antenna system further includes a conductive element, which extends along a length between two ends a distance away from the conductive substrate. An area between the conductive substrate and the conductive element form at least part of a loop which is internal to the antenna system. The antenna system still further includes a differential signal source coupled between two points along the length of the conductive element. Each of the two points are proximate a respective one of the two ends of the conductive element. The differential signal source is coupled to each of the two points via a high frequency blocking circuit. Further yet, the antenna system includes an alternative signal source coupled to the conductive element between the two ends of the conductive element toward a center of the conductive element via a low frequency blocking circuit.