Antenna Structure for Narrow Space Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with foldable or wearable structures face challenges in accommodating antenna components for short-range communication and wireless charging due to spatial constraints, as traditional coil-shaped antennas require a certain area for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a short-range communication antenna pattern and a wireless charging coil, where the antenna is supported by a first and second support member, and a printed circuit board (PCB) connected via a connector passing through the lateral surface of the support member, allowing the antenna to cover the upper surface and overlap with the wireless charging coil, thus securing the necessary space within a narrow area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil-shaped antenna is used for short range communication or wireless charging, then reliable operation is achieved, but a certain area must be secured which is not feasible in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure transitions from a planar coil shape to a three-dimensional configuration by extending in the vertical direction between the first and second support members. The antenna includes a vertical segment connecting the lateral surface to the upper surface, and an extended segment on the upper surface, creating a multi-dimensional layout that fits within narrow horizontal spaces while maintaining adequate antenna area for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is nested within the existing device architecture by positioning it between the first and second support members, utilizing the vertical space already available in the device structure. The antenna fits within the narrow gap between these support members while still providing sufficient effective area through its extended configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the antenna is installed in a narrow space between support members, then space utilization is improved, but the connector must pass through the lateral surface which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into distinct segments: a vertical segment extending from the lateral surface to the upper surface of the second support member, and an extended segment on the upper surface. This segmentation allows the antenna to navigate the narrow space constraints while the connector passes through the lateral surface at a specific location, separating the spatial constraints from the electrical connection requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that includes an antenna structure installable in a narrow space is provided. The electronic device may include a first support member, a second support member, a printed circuit board (PCB), an antenna, and a first connector. The second support member is disposed in parallel with the first support member such that a lower surface thereof faces the first support member, and combined with the first support member through a plurality of fixing members. The PCB is disposed between the first and second support members and fixed by the plurality of fixing members. The antenna includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a short range communication antenna pattern formed on the FPCB, and a wireless charging coil formed on the FPCB. The first connector electrically connects the PCB and the antenna by passing through a lateral surface of the second support member such that the antenna covers an upper surface of the second support member and at least one of the plurality of fixing members is overlapped with the wireless charging coil of the antenna.