Antenna Ground Expansion via Hinge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In down-sized and light-weighted electronic devices, it is challenging to secure space for antenna devices while maintaining aesthetic appearance and stable wireless transmission/reception performance, as metallic materials used for external shapes can deteriorate antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device is disposed on a hinge assembly, where the electric conductor portion of the hinge assembly serves as a ground, allowing for a smaller size and improved wireless transmission/reception performance by expanding the ground area of the antenna device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If metallic materials are used for external shapes to improve aesthetic appearance, then appearance quality is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna device from the metallic housing structure and places it on a non-conductive hinge assembly, separating the aesthetic metallic exterior from the antenna functional components to prevent performance deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves as an intermediary non-conductive support structure between the metallic housing and the antenna device, providing mechanical support while electrically isolating the antenna from the conductive metallic materials
2Weight of moving object
If device size is reduced to improve portability, then weight and dimensions are improved, but space for antenna installation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the hinge assembly structure, which provides three-dimensional space utilization by mounting the antenna on the hinge rather than on flat housing surfaces, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to accommodate antenna components without increasing overall device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection between housing parts, structural support for the antenna device, and electrical isolation, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated antenna mounting components that would increase device volume
3Weight of moving object
If device size is reduced to improve portability, then weight and dimensions are improved, but ground area of antenna is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly extends in multiple dimensions providing a larger effective ground area for the antenna than would be available on compact housing surfaces, allowing sufficient ground plane area while maintaining small overall device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The ground area is segmented across multiple components of the hinge assembly structure rather than requiring a single large continuous ground plane, allowing the antenna to achieve sufficient total ground area through distributed grounding points and surfaces
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 configuration enables the antenna device to be manufactured in a smaller size with similar or improved performance compared to common antenna devices, enhancing radiation efficiency and maintaining a stable operation environment even in devices with metallic housings.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna device coupled to the hinge assemblies, wherein the ground patches are electrically connected to the electric conductor portions of the hinge assemblies
Data Source
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Figure 6A~7
AI summary
An electronic device including an antenna is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing for rotatably combining with the first housing, at least one hinge assembly configured to at least partially include an electric conductor portion, the at least one hinge assembly for rotatably coupling the second housing to the first housing, and at least one antenna device coupled to the at least one hinge assembly, in which the at least one antenna device includes a radiating conductor pattern and a ground patch, and the ground patch is electrically connected to the electric conductor portion of the at least one hinge assembly.