Antenna Device Using PCB Grounding to Reduce Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple communication bands within a limited space while maintaining performance, particularly with metal antennas that require separate electrical connections for ground contact, which complicates design and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A metal member is used as an antenna radiator in electronic devices, with a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to a preset position for feeding and at least one electronic component grounded to the PCB, allowing for flexible adjustment of electrical length to support multiple frequency bands without additional electrical connection members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal member is used as an antenna radiator with separate electrical connection members for ground contact, then the antenna can operate in desired frequency bands, but the device thickness increases and design flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground contact function with existing structural components (PCB or housing) rather than using separate electrical connection members. The metal member is directly grounded through the PCB ground pattern or housing structure, eliminating the need for additional C-clips, conductive gaskets, or other separate connection components, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining antenna functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing structural components serve multiple functions: the PCB serves both as a circuit board and as a ground connection path, and the housing serves both as structural support and as a ground reference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated ground connection members, reducing overall device thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication bands are supported with separate antennas, then all frequency bands are covered, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single metal member antenna structure that can operate across multiple communication bands by utilizing different ground contact positions and electrical connection configurations. The same physical antenna structure serves multiple frequency bands (2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) by changing the effective electrical length through different ground reference points, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna system by utilizing different ground contact positions and connection points on the metal member. By varying the ground reference position and electrical connection point, the same physical antenna structure can be tuned to operate at different frequency bands, enabling multi-band operation without increasing device volume.
3Reliability
If dielectric cut-off portions are used to adjust antenna physical length, then the antenna operates in desired frequency bands, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency tuning function from the physical antenna structure (by removing dielectric cut-off portions) and relocates it to the electrical connection configuration. Instead of modifying the antenna's physical shape through cut-offs, the patent achieves frequency band adjustment by changing electrical connection points and ground reference positions, simplifying the manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If separate electrical connection members are added for ground contact, then the antenna performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground connection function with existing structural components (PCB ground patterns or housing structure) rather than adding separate electrical connection members. This merging approach maintains antenna performance by providing adequate ground reference while reducing device complexity by eliminating additional components and assembly steps.
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 operation across various frequency bands, enhances design flexibility, and reduces the device's thickness by eliminating the need for separate electrical connections, thus making the electronic device slimmer and more compact.
Implementation Method 1
a metal member configured to have a length that contributes to at least a part of an electronic device... apply the metal member as an antenna radiator
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide an antenna device that includes: a metal member configured to have a length that contributes to at least a part of an electronic device; a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be feed-connected to a preset position of the metal member in order to apply the metal member as an antenna radiator; and at least one electronic component electrically connected to a position different from the feeding position of the metal member and grounded to the PCB, and provide an electronic device that includes the same. Accordingly, the antenna device is grounded to the PCB in a desired position of the metal member by using the basically provided electronic component so that it is possible to exclude a separate electrical connection member, thereby reducing the cost, increasing the use of space, enhancing the degree of freedom of the design of the antenna radiator.