Antenna Feed Structure Using Near-Field Coupling Without Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with wireless capabilities face challenges in designing satisfactory connections between transmission lines and antennas due to the cost, bulkiness, and space consumption of physical contacts, which complicate manufacturing and design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless coupling mechanism between antenna feed structures and resonating elements using electromagnetic near-field coupling, eliminating the need for physical contacts and allowing for compact integration of radio-frequency transmission lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contacts are used to connect transmission lines to antennas, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical contact connections with electromagnetic field-based wireless energy transfer. The antenna feed structure generates electromagnetic fields that couple with resonating elements without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating complex mechanical connection structures while maintaining reliable energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the transmission line and antenna resonating elements. The antenna feed structure converts electrical signals to electromagnetic fields, which then couple to the resonating elements, serving as a non-contact mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical contacts.
2Reliability
If physical contacts are used to connect transmission lines to antennas, then electrical connection is established, but space consumption and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical connection structures with compact electromagnetic field-based coupling. The antenna feed structure and resonating elements can be positioned close together with minimal spacing, dramatically reducing the volume required for connections compared to traditional physical contact methods.
3Reliability
If physical contacts are used to connect transmission lines to antennas, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes with simpler electromagnetic coupling. The antenna feed structure and resonating elements can be manufactured separately and positioned using standard PCB techniques, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and contact assembly, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes.
4Device complexity
If wireless coupling is used between antenna feed structure and resonating elements, then space and complexity are reduced, but coupling efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes coupling efficiency by carefully controlling electromagnetic field parameters such as frequency, impedance, and geometric configuration. The antenna feed structure and resonating elements are designed with specific dimensional parameters and material properties that maximize electromagnetic coupling while minimizing losses, ensuring reliable energy transfer without physical contact.
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 approach reduces design and manufacturing complexities, saves space, and enables efficient wireless communication without the need for bulky physical connections, enhancing the overall performance and compactness of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna feed structure may be wirelessly coupled to one or more antenna resonating elements. In particular, the antenna feed structure may be formed on package substrate for an integrated circuit package. The wireless coupling between the antenna feed structure and the one or more antenna resonating elements may pass through an intervening slot in a conductive layer.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include one or more radios and one or more antennas. Radio-frequency transmission lines may couple a radio to an antenna feed structure. The antenna feed structure may be wireless coupled to one or more antenna resonating elements. An intervening slot element may be disposed between the antenna feed structure and the one or more antenna resonating elements. The antenna feed structure may be disposed on a package substrate forming an integrated circuit package. The one or more antenna resonating elements may be disposed on an antenna support structure. The integrated circuit package and the antenna support structure may be mounted to the same side or opposing sides of a system substrate.