Antenna Radiator Structure for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal antennas in portable electronic devices face challenges such as difficulty in forming antenna radiators on three-dimensional curved surfaces, damage susceptibility when the cover is removed, and limitations in coating materials due to the characteristics of laser direct structuring (LDS) resin, as well as issues with press fit pins causing stepped portions on the carrier surface.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming the first antenna radiator on the outer surface using a direct printed antenna (DPA) process and the second antenna radiator on the inner surface using a laser direct structuring (LDS) process, with a coupling member that electrically connects both radiators through a via hole, allowing for different manufacturing processes for each radiator type and overcoming material limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna radiator is formed with FPC on a three-dimensional curved area, then the antenna can be implemented on curved surfaces, but it is difficult to implement the antenna radiator on a three-dimensional curved area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from FPC to injection-molded resin, enabling the antenna radiator to be formed directly on three-dimensional curved surfaces through molding processes, thereby resolving the difficulty of implementing FPC on curved areas
2Ease of operation
If the cover covering the antenna radiator is removed, then access to the antenna is enabled, but the antenna radiator may be damaged easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective coating layer on the antenna radiator before the cover is removed, providing beforehand protection that prevents damage to the radiator pattern during cover removal and assembly operations
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna radiator is formed by LDS, then the antenna can be manufactured using laser direct structuring, but there is a limit to coat LDS resin thereon due to a characteristic of the LDS resin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing process from LDS to injection molding, which eliminates the limitations of coating materials on LDS resin and allows for greater versatility in material selection and coating applications
4Ease of manufacture
If the antenna radiator is formed with DPA using a press fit pin, then the antenna radiator can be connected on inner and outer surfaces of the carrier, but the press fit pin causes a stepped portion on a carrier surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the press fit pin from the structure, replacing it with an integrated injection-molded connection that maintains surface flatness while still enabling connection of the antenna radiator on inner and outer surfaces of the carrier
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 enhances the endurance and adaptability of the antenna, preventing disconnection of the radiator pattern and reducing the stepped portion issue, while enabling effective wireless signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
the second antenna radiator on the inner surface using a laser direct structuring (LDS) process
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna is provided. The antenna includes a carrier having a via hole penetrating an outer surface and an inner surface thereof, a first antenna radiator formed on the outer surface of the carrier and at least a part of a surface of the carrier that defines the via hole, a second antenna radiator formed on an inner surface of the carrier and electrically contacting the first antenna radiator through the via hole, and a coupling member configured to electrically connect the second antenna radiator with a circuit board provided in the electronic device.