Antenna Resonant Element Grounding via Segmented Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity of a metal frame to a metal housing in electronic devices can lead to electrical coupling, reducing the radiation performance of the metal frame when used as an antenna resonant element, even with a nonconductive member in between.
Innovation Solution
Electrically connecting the antenna resonant element to a ground plate via multiple electrical paths, allowing for adjustment of the resonant frequency using switches, thereby improving radiation efficiency and reducing signal leakage to the metal housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a nonconductive member is disposed between the metal frame and the metal housing to maintain design, then the metal frame can be electrically coupled with the metal housing, but radiation performance of the metal frame used as an antenna resonant element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connection is divided into multiple separate grounding points distributed around the metal housing perimeter, rather than a single connection point. This segmentation allows the antenna resonant element to maintain proper electrical coupling with the housing while distributing the capacitive effect across multiple locations, thereby preserving radiation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electrical connection characteristics at different locations around the housing perimeter. By strategically positioning grounding points at specific locations rather than providing uniform coupling throughout, the antenna can achieve proper grounding where needed while maintaining radiation efficiency in critical areas.
2Reliability
If the metal frame is electrically coupled with the metal housing, then electrical connection is achieved, but signal leakage to the metal housing increases and radiation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nonconductive member as an intermediary between the metal frame and metal housing. This intermediary provides electrical coupling through capacitive coupling rather than direct conductive connection, allowing the antenna to function as a resonant element while preventing direct signal leakage paths to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical coupling is achieved through multiple discrete grounding points rather than continuous coupling. This segmentation creates controlled capacitive coupling that maintains electrical connection functionality while minimizing signal leakage and preserving radiation efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple electrical paths are used to connect the antenna resonant element to the ground plate, then radiation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding functions into the metal housing structure itself. The housing serves both as the antenna resonant element and as the grounding reference, with multiple grounding points integrated into the housing perimeter. This merging approach achieves multiple electrical paths without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal housing performs multiple functions: it serves as the antenna resonant element, provides structural support, and acts as the grounding reference through its perimeter. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent achieves complex grounding requirements without adding separate dedicated grounding structures that would increase complexity.
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
Enhances radiation performance and adjusts resonant frequency, improving antenna efficiency by reducing signal leakage to the metal housing and increasing radiation efficiency compared to single-path grounding.
Implementation Method 1
The metal frame may be used as an antenna resonant element
Implementation Method 2
a nonconductive member may be interposed between the metal frame and the rear housing such that the metal frame and the rear housing used as the antenna resonant element are electrically separated from each other
Implementation Method 3
Electrically connecting the antenna resonant element to a ground plate via multiple electrical paths
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electronic device includes a metal housing, a conductive member disposed adjacent to the metal housing, a plurality of ground parts including a first ground part electrically connected with a first point of the conductive member and a second ground part electrically connected with a second point of the conductive member, a ground plate electrically connected with the metal housing and electrically connected with the conductive member via the plurality of ground parts, and a feeding part electrically connected with the conductive member.