Antenna Array Power Backoff for User-Orientation Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phone antennas face performance issues due to varying orientations, which affect radiation performance and communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with an antenna array, power module, and sensor pads that detect object proximity, allowing for selective power backoff operations to adjust radiation patterns based on user orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna array radiates at full power in all directions, then the communication coverage is maximized, but the radiation performance deteriorates when the user holds the device in certain orientations (e.g., gaming or browsing modes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming that adjusts radiation patterns in real-time based on detected object positions. The system transitions from static full-directional radiation to dynamic directional beamforming, where beam directions and power levels are continuously adapted according to user orientation and device holding patterns, thereby maintaining reliable communication while avoiding performance degradation in specific orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized power adjustment by directing radiation beams specifically toward needed communication directions while reducing or eliminating radiation in directions where the user's body blocks the antenna. This creates non-uniform radiation distribution with higher power in useful directions and lower power in blocked directions, improving overall communication quality without wasting energy on ineffective radiation
2Measurement precision
If sensor pads are placed close to the antenna array to detect object proximity, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing sensor pads serve dual functions: their primary function for touch input and a secondary function for detecting object proximity to the antenna array. By reusing existing hardware components for multiple purposes, the system achieves improved object detection precision without adding new sensors or increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensor infrastructure to solve the detection problem rather than requiring external or additional detection components. The sensor pads inherently detect electrical properties that change when objects approach, and this self-generated detection capability is leveraged for beamforming control without external intervention or additional complexity
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
Improves communication quality by dynamically adjusting radiation patterns in response to user orientation, enhancing performance and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
A first capacitance is formed between the first sensor pad and the object. A second capacitance is formed between the second sensor pad and the object.
Implementation Method 2
The antenna array is excited by the power module, and is configured to provide a first beam group and a second beam group.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for detecting an object includes a power module, an antenna array, a first sensor pad, a second sensor pad, and a control unit. The antenna array is excited by the power module, and is configured to provide a first beam group and a second beam group. The first sensor pad is disposed adjacent to the first side of the antenna array. A first capacitance is formed between the first sensor pad and the object. The second sensor pad is disposed adjacent to the second side of the antenna array. A second capacitance is formed between the second sensor pad and the object. The control unit controls the power module according to the first capacitance and the second capacitance, so as to selectively apply at least one power backoff operation to the first beam group and/or the second beam group.