Antenna Proximity Sensor Capacitance Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face limitations in detecting user proximity due to the limited capacitance range of variable capacitors, which restricts the design and functionality of sensor modules.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a metal antenna radiator on the device's exterior to detect user proximity by changes in capacitance, and using an amplifier to synchronize the voltage output of a variable capacitor with a reference capacitor, allowing for capacitance beyond the variable capacitor's range to be detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate variable capacitor is used to detect capacitance changes beyond the antenna's capacitance range, then the sensing capability is improved, but the mounting space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitance detection rangeVSAvoidmounting space for variable capacitor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna and variable capacitor into a single integrated structure where the antenna serves dual purposes: as the radiating element for wireless communication and as the sensing member for proximity detection. The variable capacitor is formed using the antenna's own structure, eliminating the need for a separate variable capacitor component and its associated mounting space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the radiating element for electromagnetic wave transmission/reception and as the sensing member for detecting capacitance changes caused by user proximity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the capacitance range of the variable capacitor is increased to cover the antenna's capacitance, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna and variable capacitor into a single integrated structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy. The antenna's own structure is utilized to form the variable capacitor, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall sensor module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an amplifier is added to synchronize voltage outputs, then the sensing capability beyond variable capacitor range is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitance sensing rangeVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or additional electronic sensing mechanisms with an electrical signal processing approach using an amplifier. The amplifier electronically adjusts and synchronizes voltage outputs, enabling extended sensing capability without requiring additional mechanical components or complex circuit structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables effective detection of user proximity without increasing the mounting space for the variable capacitor, enhancing the device's sensing capabilities and design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic device may determine whether the user body is close based on the change of capacitance incurred by the proximity of the user body to the metal antenna radiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an amplifier connected to the variable element and configured to amplify a voltage of the variable element by a designated ratio and output an amplified voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS10649599B2Electronic device for detecting proximity of user and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for using an amplifier to detect whether a user body is close to the electronic device and an operation method thereof. An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an antenna configured to be at least a part of an exterior of the electronic device; a variable element that has a capacitance in a designated range; and an amplifier connected to the variable element and configured to amplify a voltage of the variable element by a designated ratio and output an amplified voltage, wherein the capacitance of the variable element and the designated ratio may be configured so that a difference between a voltage of the antenna and the amplified voltage of the amplifier is smaller than a designated threshold value.