Antenna Solar Panel Integration Through Hole Dielectric
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wristwatch GPS receivers, the integration of a solar panel and antenna device leads to a reduction in antenna gain due to the solar panel's electrode pads interfering with the antenna's radiation field, as they must be larger to accommodate the solar panel and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a plate-shaped dielectric with a through hole, where the solar panel's electrode pads are exposed within the hole and connected to conductive patterns on the circuit board via electric connection members inside the dielectric, preventing interference with the antenna's radiation field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the solar panel is disposed coaxially with the antenna device and electrode pads are provided at the outer periphery of the solar panel, then the solar panel can be electrically connected to the circuit board, but the electrode pads interfere with the antenna's radiation field and reduce antenna gain
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pads are moved from the outer periphery of the solar panel to the central region, utilizing the vertical dimension through the dielectric substrate. The pads extend through the substrate thickness to connect with conductive patterns on the circuit board, transforming a two-dimensional peripheral arrangement into a three-dimensional central configuration that avoids radiation field interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric substrate acts as an intermediary that isolates the electrode pads from the antenna's radiation field. By positioning the pads within the dielectric material rather than at the solar panel's periphery, the substrate mediates between the electrical connection requirement and the antenna performance requirement, preventing direct interference while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the solar panel is made larger to accommodate electrode pads at the outer periphery, then electrical connections can be established, but the outer periphery of the dielectric is covered and antenna performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement transitions from a horizontal peripheral layout to a vertical central layout. The electrode pads are positioned at the center of the solar panel and extend through the dielectric substrate thickness, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve electrical connection without occupying peripheral area that would interfere with the antenna's effective radiating surface.
3Device complexity
If electrode pads are positioned near the outer periphery of the dielectric, then connection to the circuit board is simplified, but the radiation electric field is adversely influenced and antenna gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric substrate serves as an intermediary barrier that shields the antenna's radiation field from the electrode pads. By embedding the pads within the dielectric material at the central region rather than positioning them at the periphery, the substrate mediates the interaction between the electrical connection structure and the electromagnetic field, preventing adverse influences while maintaining connection simplicity.
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 securely and easily maintains the antenna's gain by isolating the solar panel's electrode pads from the antenna's radiation field, reducing the impact on the antenna's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic apparatus with an antenna device and a solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes an antenna device, a solar panel disposed on a front side of the antenna device and a circuit board disposed on a back side of the antenna device. The antenna device includes a plate-shaped dielectric, a plate-shaped radiation conductor disposed on a front side of the dielectric and a plate-shaped grounding conductor disposed on a back side of the dielectric. The dielectric has a through hole formed therein, and the solar panel has electrode pads on a back side thereof, electrode pads being exposed within the through hole in the dielectric. The circuit board has conductive patterns at positions thereon facing the electrode pads, and the conductive patterns are electrically connected to the electrode pads by electric connection members disposed within the through hole in the dielectric.