Antenna Front-End Module With Proximity Sensing for Adaptive Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating multiple antennas into thinner, more streamlined information handling systems without increasing thickness or requiring additional components and manufacturing steps, while addressing interference and aesthetic concerns posed by metal chassis excitation.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a speaker grill as an antenna aperture in the C-cover, integrated with a tuning module and a cavity-backed dynamically tunable aperture, to co-locate antennas with speakers and enhance RF electromagnetic radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple antennas are integrated into thinner information handling systems, then device thickness is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna front end module, merging what would traditionally require separate antenna components and plastic housing elements into one unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional plastic components and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the thin device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna front end module serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the antenna structure and the housing element, replacing what would traditionally require separate plastic components. This multi-functionality approach allows the module to provide both structural support and RF functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If metal chassis is used for streamlined design, then aesthetic appearance and structural strength are improved, but RF electromagnetic radiation efficiency decreases due to chassis excitation and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna front end module acts as an intermediary between the metal chassis and the RF signals. By providing a dedicated RF interface structure within the module, it prevents direct excitation of the metal chassis, thereby maintaining structural strength while avoiding RF interference and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RF functionality from the structural chassis by creating a separate antenna front end module. This segmentation isolates the RF signals from the metal chassis, preventing chassis excitation while maintaining the aesthetic and structural benefits of the metal enclosure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional antenna components are added to achieve multiple antenna functions, then antenna functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for separate plastic components and reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation maintains full antenna functionality while significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna front end module is designed as a universal component that provides multiple antenna functions within a single structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for different antenna functions, thereby reducing both component count and manufacturing cost.
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 approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for plastic components, maintains device thickness, and enhances data transmission efficiency by directing RF signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
enhance RF electromagnetic radiation efficiency
Implementation Method 2
cavity-backed dynamically tunable aperture
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna front-end module, a method, and an information handling system are provided. An antenna front-end module comprises a circuit board. The circuit board comprises an antenna tuning circuit adapted to tune a feed impedance of an antenna, the antenna electrically connected to the circuit board, and an antenna proximity sensing circuit adapted to obtain proximity sensing information indicative of proximity of a part of a human body to the antenna. A method comprises obtaining, at an antenna proximity sensing circuit on a circuit board, proximity sensing information indicative of proximity of a part of a human body to an antenna, the antenna electrically connected to the circuit board, and, in response to the obtaining, providing, to an antenna tuning circuit on the circuit board, a tuning parameter value to adapt antenna tuning for the proximity of the part of the human body to the antenna.