Antenna Device with Segmented Conductive Members for Grip Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple antennas for various communication bands within limited space, leading to potential communication quality degradation due to unintended grip sensing operations affecting transmit power.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a non-segmented first conductive member as an antenna radiator and using a separate second conductive member for grip sensing, allowing correct recognition of sensing operations and maintaining transmit power control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-segmented first conductive member is used as an antenna radiator, then communication quality is maintained across multiple frequency bands, but grip sensing accuracy deteriorates due to the inability to distinguish antenna regions from non-antenna regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidgrip sensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member is divided into two distinct parts: a first conductive member serving as an antenna radiator and a second conductive member dedicated to grip sensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the conflict between maintaining communication quality and achieving accurate grip sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grip sensing function is extracted from the antenna structure by introducing a separate second conductive member. This extraction enables the grip sensing operation to be performed independently from the antenna radiation function, eliminating the interference between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are disposed to support various communication bands, then communication coverage is improved, but device space is insufficient leading to potential performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first conductive member is designed to function as a multi-band antenna radiator, capable of supporting various communication bands (low band, mid band, high band) simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve broad communication coverage without requiring multiple separate antennas, thus saving device space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents transmit power backoff and maintains communication quality by accurately identifying grip sensing regions, ensuring proper antenna function across multiple frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a first conductive member 700 which is non-segmented and used as an antenna radiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the sensor module 460 may detect a capacitance variation based on the second conductive member 440

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3379644B1Antenna device and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3379644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device including a housing having a plurality of sides, a first conductive member constructing at least part of the plurality of sides, a second conductive member disposed inside the housing, a first sensor circuit which provides a first output indicating a first capacitance value related to the first conductive member and/or a change to the first capacitance value, a second sensor circuit which provides a second output indicating a second capacitance value related to the second conductive member and/or a change to the second capacitance value, and a control circuit which receives the first and second outputs from the first and second sensor circuits. In addition, other embodiments are also possible.