Antenna Device Magnetic Coupling Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of communication terminals has made it challenging to secure sufficient space for antenna coils, wireless IC chips, and feed coils, often requiring flexible cables to connect these components due to limited space within the terminal chassis.
Innovation Solution
A planar conductor is used to indirectly couple a coiled antenna element and a feed circuit through an electromagnetic field, allowing for increased positional freedom and eliminating the need for physical wiring between the RFIC and the planar conductor, thereby optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antenna coil, wireless IC chip, and feed coil are disposed on a printed wiring substrate, then functional integration is achieved, but sufficient space cannot be secured due to miniaturization of communication terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement of antenna components to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by suspending the antenna coil in air above the printed wiring substrate. This dimensional change allows the antenna coil to be positioned in the vertical direction (Z-axis) rather than constrained to the substrate surface, effectively increasing available mounting space while maintaining functional integration with the feed circuit and wireless IC chip on the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the feed circuit and antenna coil, eliminating the need for direct physical wiring. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that transfers energy and signals through air, allowing the antenna coil to be suspended without mechanical connection to the feed circuit, thus saving mounting space while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If flexible cable is used to connect wireless IC chip to antenna coil, then connection is achieved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (flexible cable and connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based magnetic coupling system. The feed circuit generates a magnetic field that couples with the antenna coil through air, eliminating the need for physical wiring while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission. This substitution reduces device complexity by removing cables, connectors, and associated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transfers energy and information between the feed circuit and antenna coil without requiring direct physical contact. This field-based mediation eliminates the need for mechanical connectors and flexible cables, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable wireless communication functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna coil is disposed on one main surface side of printed wiring substrate, then space on other side is available, but no space remains on the same side for wireless IC chip and feed coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (Z-axis) by suspending the antenna coil above the printed wiring substrate rather than placing it on the substrate surface. This allows all necessary components (feed circuit, wireless IC chip, and antenna coil) to be integrated on the same substrate without spatial conflicts, as the antenna coil occupies a different vertical level while maintaining electromagnetic coupling with the feed circuit.
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 efficient high-frequency signal transmission and reception in limited spaces, providing high coupling efficiency and directivity while reducing the need for additional mounting space and wiring.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna element is disposed at a position at which the antenna element is coupled to the planar conductor through an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes a planar conductor, a coiled antenna element, and a feed coil. The feed coil includes a coil conductor wound around a magnetic core. The planar conductor includes a ground conductor provided with a printed wiring substrate. In a portion of a circumferential portion of the planar conductor, a coupling portion is provided and defined by an aperture and a slit. In a planar view of the antenna element, at least a portion of the coil aperture of the feed coil and a portion of the aperture overlap with each other. In addition, at least a portion of the coil aperture of the feed coil and a portion of the coil aperture of the antenna element overlap with each other.