Foldable Antenna Frame Switching for Upward Satellite Directivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in optimizing satellite communication performance due to the need for improved upward directivity in their antenna radiation patterns, particularly when transitioning between unfolded and folded states.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a rotatable housing design with switch circuits that control the electrical connection between conductive frames, allowing for adjustable radiation patterns to enhance upward directivity, thereby improving satellite communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the second frame is electrically isolated from the ground portion, then the radiation pattern may have better upward directivity in certain configurations, but the adaptability to different communication scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupward directivityVSAvoidradiation pattern adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a switch circuit that can dynamically change the electrical connection state between the second frame and ground portion, allowing the antenna system to transition between different radiation patterns based on communication requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to various scenarios while maintaining optimal upward directivity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection parameter (connected or isolated) between the second frame and ground portion to achieve different radiation characteristics. By controlling this parameter through a switch circuit, the system can optimize upward directivity for satellite communication or adapt to other communication scenarios as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the second frame is electrically connected to the ground portion, then the radiation pattern coverage is improved, but the upward directivity for satellite communication is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation pattern coverageVSAvoidupward directivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch circuit enables dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical connection between the second frame and ground, allowing the system to switch between broad radiation pattern coverage and focused upward directivity based on the specific communication scenario, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and directivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the electrical connection parameter (connected or isolated) through the switch circuit, the system can achieve different radiation patterns. When ground connection is established, broader coverage is achieved; when isolated, upward directivity is enhanced, allowing optimization for different communication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed electrical connection configuration is used between the frame and ground, then the device complexity is reduced, but the satellite communication performance cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection configurationVSAvoidsatellite communication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a switch circuit that can dynamically adjust the electrical connection configuration between the frame and ground portion. This dynamic capability, while adding some complexity, enables optimization of satellite communication performance by steering the radiation pattern to achieve better upward directivity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switch circuit allows changing the electrical connection parameter (connected or isolated) to optimize satellite communication performance. This parameter change capability enables the system to achieve better upward directivity for satellite communication while maintaining manageable device complexity through a relatively simple switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enables enhanced satellite communication by steering the antenna radiation pattern to achieve higher upward directivity, thereby improving signal transmission and reception with artificial satellites.

Implementation Method 1

The first switch circuit may be configured to connect the ground portion and the second frame. The at least one processor may be configured to, while the wireless communication circuitry transmits or receives the signal, control the first switch circuit, based on a state having higher upward directivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical connection control: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The wireless communication circuitry may be configured to receive or transmit a signal on designated frequency band, through at least a portion of the first conducive portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4685998A1Electronic device comprising antenna
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4685998A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685998A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4685998A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment comprises: at least one processor; a first housing comprising a first frame comprising a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion; a second housing comprising a second frame comprising a third conductive portion and a fourth conductive portion; a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit or receive signals in a designated frequency band through at least a part of the first conductive portion; a printed circuit board which is positioned in the second housing and comprises a ground portion; and a first switch circuit configured to connect the ground portion and the second frame. The at least one processor is configured to control the first switch circuit on the basis of a state having a higher upward directivity among a first state in which the second frame is electrically separated from the ground portion and a second state in which the second frame is electrically connected to the ground portion.