Antenna Unit With Spatial Matching Element For 5G Metal Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna technologies for mobile communication devices with metal casings face challenges in implementing efficient 5G signal propagation due to electromagnetic radiation distortion and inability to scan space effectively, as previous solutions either require non-metallic housings or are not optimized for millimeter wave frequencies.

Innovation Solution

An antenna unit is designed with a dielectric substrate and cover that forms traveling waves, coupled with spatial matching elements to reduce reflections and direct radiation in the end-fire direction, compatible with metal-framed devices for 5G and millimeter wave communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a low profile antenna with interleaved TX/RX antenna elements is used, then the antenna can cover end-fire and broadside directions, but electromagnetic radiation is distorted by the metal case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna radiation coverageVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric cover is introduced as an intermediary layer between the antenna elements and the metal case. This dielectric cover guides the electromagnetic radiation from the antenna elements, preventing direct interaction with the metal case that causes distortion. The dielectric material allows the radiation to propagate through it and emerge from the edges of the metal case in the desired end-fire and broadside directions without being distorted by the conductive housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a vertically polarized microstrip antenna array is used, then traveling waves can be formed, but the antenna cannot scan space effectively and has large dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal propagation efficiencyVSAvoidspace scanning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system employs multiple antenna elements that can be independently controlled to dynamically adjust the radiation pattern. By selectively activating and phase-shifting signals across different elements, the system can electronically scan the radiation beam in various directions (end-fire and broadside) without physically moving the antenna structure. This provides effective space scanning capability while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If embedded surface wave antenna elements with different dielectric materials are used, then frequency bandwidth and radiation parameters are improved, but the antenna has large dimensions and cannot be embedded into metal housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency bandwidthVSAvoidantenna dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna elements are nested within the metal housing structure, with dielectric substrates and covers integrated into the compact space between the metal case and the display or other device components. The dielectric cover acts as a waveguide that confines and directs the surface waves along a compact path, enabling the antenna to achieve improved frequency bandwidth and radiation characteristics while maintaining a small form factor that fits within the metal housing without requiring large external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enables efficient 5G signal propagation and scanning within a metal-framed device, enhancing antenna gain and reducing signal loss, particularly in the end-fire direction, while maintaining the integrity of the metal housing.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna array including antenna elements arranged in the dielectric substrate, and configured to form traveling waves propagating in the dielectric substrate and the dielectric cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTraveling wave:

Implementation Method 2

at least one spatial matching element arranged in space formed inside the dielectric substrate, spatially matched with the dielectric cover, and coupled with the at least one antenna element, wherein the spatial matching element may be spatially matched with the antenna array with the dielectric cover and may reduce reflections of traveling waves propagating from the antenna array to the dielectric cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection reduction: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10651570B2Electronic device having antenna unit

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna unit includes a dielectric substrate; a dielectric cover on the dielectric substrate; and an antenna array. The antenna array includes antenna elements arranged in the dielectric substrate and configured to form traveling waves propagating in the dielectric substrate and the dielectric cover. The antenna unit also includes at least one spatial matching element arranged in space formed inside the dielectric substrate, spatially matched with the dielectric cover, and coupled with the at least one antenna element. The spatial matching element is configured to be spatially matched with the antenna array with the dielectric cover and to reduce reflections of traveling waves propagating from the antenna array to the dielectric cover. The antenna device may be diversified.