Antenna Pairing in Flip Housing via Dynamic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices with a flip form factor face challenges in maintaining antenna performance when folded or closed, particularly for lower RF bands, leading to loss of functionality for simultaneous communication by multiple transceivers.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a configurable housing assembly that includes a housing position sensor and a controller to dynamically switch between antennas, ensuring effective communication by connecting RF transceivers to appropriate antennas based on the device's open or closed position, utilizing a two-way antenna switch diversity RF architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device is folded or closed to reduce size, then portability is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to insufficient spacing between antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration that automatically adjusts which antennas are active based on the device's physical state (open or closed). The system transitions from a static antenna arrangement to a dynamic one where antenna selection changes with housing position, resolving the contradiction by adapting antenna performance to the current compactness state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by switching between different antenna configurations based on device state. When closed, the system changes parameters by activating alternative antennas or adjusting radiation patterns to compensate for reduced spacing, thereby maintaining reliability despite volume reduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to support simultaneous communication channels, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic antenna switching controlled by a state machine that monitors housing position and automatically reconfigures active antennas. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain multiple simultaneous communication channels without requiring permanently active complex antenna structures, reducing overall system complexity while preserving communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by using the same physical antennas for different communication purposes depending on device state. The antenna array can support simultaneous communication channels when open and alternative configurations when closed, providing universal communication capability across different operational modes without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If antennas are spaced around the periphery of a unitary housing to maintain isolation, then antenna isolation is improved, but device flexibility deteriorates due to fixed form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed peripheral antenna arrangement to a dynamic configuration where antenna isolation is maintained through active selection and switching rather than static spacing. The system adapts its effective antenna layout based on housing position, preserving isolation reliability while enabling form factor flexibility through configurable housing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by switching between different antenna pairs and configurations based on device state. This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective isolation through software-controlled selection rather than relying solely on fixed physical spacing, thereby enabling configurable housing designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device, method and computer program product enable multiple transceiver communication by antennas within a configurable housing assembly. First, second, and third antennas are separate in an open position and are proximate and aligned in a closed position. A first radio frequency (RF) transceiver communicates via the first antenna and a second RF transceiver that communicates via one of the second and third antennas via the first antenna switch. A controller is communicatively coupled to a first antenna switch and a housing sensor. In response to determining that the housing assembly is in at least partially open position, the controller configures the first antenna switch to connect a second RF transceiver to a second antenna. In response to determining that the housing assembly is in the closed position, the controller configures the first antenna switch to connect the second RF transceiver to the third antenna.