Antenna Pattern Segmentation for NFC Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with loop antennas face recognition issues during short-range communication due to directional limitations, requiring users to adjust their position to establish a successful connection.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a first antenna pattern on a circuit board facing its rear surface, along with a conductive plate to shield electric and magnetic fields, and a communication circuit that operates in different modes for improved communication efficiency, including NFC and MST.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a loop antenna is used on one surface of the electronic device, then the antenna structure is simple, but the communication recognition is limited to one direction requiring precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structureVSAvoidcommunication alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent loop antennas positioned at different locations and orientations on the electronic device. Each loop antenna can independently communicate with the reader, providing multiple communication paths and eliminating the need for precise directional alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different loop antennas are positioned at specific locations on the device body with different orientations. Each antenna has optimized local characteristics for its specific position, allowing the system to maintain communication capability regardless of the device's orientation relative to the reader.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If electrical components are placed close to the antenna, then the device structure is compact, but electric and magnetic fields interfere with antenna communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidfield interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive plate is introduced as a separate shielding component positioned between the electrical components and the antenna. This extracted shielding element specifically addresses the interference problem without requiring redesign of the compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive plate acts as an intermediary element between the electrical components and the antenna. It blocks the harmful electric and magnetic fields generated by the electrical components from reaching the antenna, while allowing the device to maintain its compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 communication reliability and user convenience by allowing successful short-range communication without the need for precise directional alignment, reducing recognition errors and improving performance.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive plate, at least a portion of which is disposed between the at least one electrical component and the second surface and that is configured to shield at least a portion of an electric field and/or a magnetic field generated by the at least one electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

an electronic device may recognize a short range communication reader only in one direction by employing a loop antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3342057B1Device and method for performing communication
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3342057B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342057B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342057B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first antenna pattern for a first communication network and a first communication circuit configured to perform communication through the first antenna pattern. The electronic device also includes an electrical component situated at an upper part of the electronic device and a circuit board that is attached to a rear surface of the electrical component. The first antenna pattern is arranged on the circuit board facing toward a rear surface of the electronic device.