Antenna Module Placement in Electronic Device Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving 5G signals due to the fixed structure and arrangement of antenna modules, which affects signal directionality and performance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing design with multiple antenna modules placed on lateral surfaces, utilizing a conductive structure and non-conductive plates to enhance signal transmission and reception capabilities across various directions, including the use of patch and dipole antennas, and a light-emission element to indicate operation states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed structure and arrangement of antenna modules is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the signal transmission and reception performance in various directions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission and reception performanceVSAvoidantenna module arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna modules (first antenna module with first antenna, second antenna module with second antenna) positioned at different locations on the housing. Each antenna module can be independently arranged and optimized for specific directional coverage, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive multi-directional signal coverage without requiring a single complex antenna structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane or single-direction antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial distribution of multiple antenna modules on different surfaces of the housing (front surface, lateral surfaces, rear surface). This spatial dimensionality enhancement enables the device to transmit and receive signals effectively in various directions simultaneously

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If antenna modules are positioned at specific fixed locations, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different signal directions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal direction coverageVSAvoidantenna module placement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, defines the overall device shape, and simultaneously acts as a mounting platform for multiple antenna modules at optimized positions. The conductive structure integrated into the housing further serves both structural and electromagnetic shielding/grounding functions, reducing the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the housing are assigned different functions based on local requirements: certain lateral surfaces and edges are equipped with antenna modules for specific directional coverage, while other regions maintain simple structural forms. The conductive structure is selectively positioned to provide grounding and shielding where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3718290B1Electronic device including antenna
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3718290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718290B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3718290B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first non-conductive cover defining a first surface of the electronic device, a second non-conductive cover including a first portion defining a second surface of the electronic device, and a second portion defining one portion of a lateral surface of the electronic device, a conductive frame defining an other portion of the lateral surface of the electronic device, and an antenna module, wherein the antenna module is positioned so that the one surface is substantially perpendicular to the second surface at a position within a specified proximity to the lateral surface of the electronic device and is configured to transmit and/or receive a signal through the lateral surface.