Antenna Isolation in Electronic Devices with Full Front Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic devices with expanded display panels reduce available space, the proximity of conductive display panels to antennas degrades antenna performance, causing interference with signal transmission and reception.

Innovation Solution

The antenna radiator is spaced apart from the display panel layer-wise, with a non-conductive member surrounding the display panel to prevent performance degradation, and the antenna is designed with a metallic sheet and support member to suppress electromagnetic noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the display panel is expanded to occupy most of the front surface, then the display area is increased, but the antenna performance is degraded due to proximity interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar antenna placement to three-dimensional layer-wise stacking, positioning the antenna in a different spatial layer (z-direction) above or below the display panel. This dimensional separation allows the display to occupy maximum front surface area while the antenna operates in an adjacent layer, eliminating proximity interference and maintaining antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the antenna is integrated within the multi-layer housing structure, with the display panel and antenna occupying different layers of the same device envelope. The antenna is positioned in an inner layer while the display occupies the outer front surface, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the display panel is placed adjacent to the antenna to maximize space utilization, then the device compactness is improved, but signal transmission and reception are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between compactness and signal interference by moving the antenna to a different spatial dimension (layer), rather than increasing lateral separation. The antenna is positioned in the z-direction above or below the display panel, maintaining device compactness in the x-y plane while eliminating harmful electromagnetic interference through vertical layering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dielectric members and housing layers as intermediary structures between the display panel and antenna. These intermediate layers act as electromagnetic shields and isolators, preventing direct interference between the conductive display panel and the antenna while maintaining compact integration within the device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If the antenna is positioned close to the display panel, then the device thickness is reduced, but the conductor in the display panel interferes with antenna operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains minimal device thickness by positioning the antenna in a different layer rather than increasing lateral distance. The antenna and display panel are stacked in the z-direction with small separation, achieving thin profile while the layer-wise arrangement prevents electromagnetic interference that would occur with planar proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite housing structures with dielectric and conductive materials strategically positioned between the display panel and antenna. These composite layers provide electromagnetic shielding and isolation, preventing interference while maintaining the thin overall device thickness through optimized material stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 maintains antenna performance by isolating it from the display panel, ensuring effective wireless communication even with a full front display occupation.

Implementation Method 1

the proximity of conductive display panels to antennas degrades antenna performance, causing interference with signal transmission and reception

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference:

Implementation Method 2

antennas for transceiving wireless signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

the antenna is designed with a metallic sheet and support member to suppress electromagnetic noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3391630B1Electronic device including antenna
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3391630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391630B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391630B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a housing having a first surface, a second surface and a side surface; a touch screen display including a conductive plane substantially parallel with the first surface; a printed circuit board positioned between the touch screen display and the second surface substantially parallel with the conductive plane; a wireless communication circuit; and a side member forming at least a portion of the side surface, which includes a first elongated part surrounding at least a portion of the conductive plane and formed of a non-conductive material, and a second elongated part surrounding at least a portion of the printed circuit board, but no portion of the conductive plane, and extending in parallel with the first elongated part. The second elongated part is formed of a conductive material, and is electrically coupled to the wireless communication circuit.