Antenna Frequency Band Switching via Configurable Feed Points

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently switching between different frequency bands for communication, particularly in limited spaces, as adding or modifying antennas to support multiple frequency bands often increases device size and alters resonant frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic device with a power feed module, current supply module, antenna module, and connection module, where the connection module's wiring paths are designed to maintain consistent or varied lengths to support multiple frequency bands without physical antenna size increases, allowing for seamless switching between frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an antenna is physically added or modified to support multiple frequency bands, then the frequency band adaptability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., Band 3, Band 5, Band 8) by using a universal antenna design with configurable feed points. The antenna is designed to support both specific operator frequency bands and other operator frequency bands without requiring physical modification or additional antenna elements, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the antenna's electrical characteristics to be reconfigured in real-time based on the selected frequency band. By dynamically adjusting which feed points are activated and how the ground plane is configured, the same physical antenna structure can adapt its resonant frequency and radiation pattern to match different frequency bands, enabling frequency band adaptability without physical changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an antenna pattern is added to support multiple frequency bands, then the frequency band adaptability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band adaptabilityVSAvoidembedding space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna patterns into a single integrated antenna structure. Instead of adding separate antenna elements for different frequency bands, the design combines multiple feed points and ground plane configurations into one unified antenna system. This merging approach allows the same physical space to support multiple frequency bands by electronically switching between different operational modes, thereby improving frequency band adaptability without increasing the embedding area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ground characteristics are modified to change resonant frequency, then the frequency band adaptability is improved, but other resonant frequencies are altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonant frequency tunabilityVSAvoidfrequency band stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ground plane into multiple independent or semi-independent regions that can be individually configured or switched. By dividing the ground plane into different segments, the system can selectively activate specific ground plane configurations that are optimized for particular frequency bands. This segmentation allows the resonant frequency to be tuned for different bands while maintaining stable performance within each band, as each segment can be independently optimized without affecting the entire ground plane structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces switching mechanisms and control circuits as intermediaries between the antenna structure and the feed points. These intermediary components enable dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna's electrical characteristics by selectively connecting different feed points and ground plane segments. The intermediary switching system allows the resonant frequency to be adjusted for different frequency bands while maintaining stable and reliable operation within each selected band, as the switching mechanism precisely controls which configuration is active at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10812124B2Method for operating antenna and electronic device implementing the same

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for operating an antenna and an electronic device implementing the method are provided. The electronic device includes a power feed module including a first power feed terminal and a second power feed terminal, a current supply module configured to select one of the first power feed terminal and the second power feed terminal and to supply an electric current to the selected power feed terminal, and an antenna module including a first antenna and a second antenna. The electronic device further includes a connection module configured to connect the power feed module and the antenna module, and a control module configured to control the current supply module. The connection module includes a plurality of wirings.