Antenna Switching Mechanism for Mobile Terminal Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile terminals with LTE MIMO systems, antenna performance is degraded when held in landscape orientation due to mutual coupling with the user's hand, especially affecting sub-antennas with narrower frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal design incorporating a switching mechanism that switches between different connection modes for its antenna elements, allowing the third antenna element, initially parasitic, to function as a sub-antenna when the terminal is held in landscape orientation, thereby maintaining optimal radio wave reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stub is provided on a side area of the terminal to decrease the correlation coefficient, then the antenna correlation is improved, but the antenna performance is degraded when the terminal is held in landscape orientation with hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna configuration changeable based on usage conditions. The switching mechanism dynamically reconfigures which antenna elements serve as feed elements versus parasitic elements depending on whether the terminal is held in portrait or landscape orientation, thereby adapting to different hand-holding scenarios and maintaining optimal antenna performance in both orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the third antenna element to serve dual functions: it acts as a parasitic element for improving antenna correlation in portrait orientation, and can be switched to function as a feed element when needed in landscape orientation. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to address different antenna performance requirements based on usage context
2Measurement precision
If the sub-antenna frequency band is made narrower to improve selectivity, then the frequency selectivity is improved, but the antenna performance is significantly degraded when covered by a hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically switching which antenna elements are active based on orientation. When landscape orientation is detected, the system changes the operational parameters by switching the third antenna element from parasitic to feed mode, thereby adjusting the effective antenna configuration to compensate for hand coverage effects and maintain reliable communication performance
3Reliability
If a switching mechanism is added to switch between different connection modes, then the antenna performance in landscape orientation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing the switching function specifically for the third antenna element rather than redesigning the entire antenna system. The switching mechanism selectively changes the configuration of individual antenna elements based on orientation, providing targeted improvement for landscape orientation performance while minimizing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal that includes a first antenna element disposed in proximity to a first side of the mobile terminal, a second antenna element disposed in proximity to a second side of the mobile terminal, and a third antenna element disposed in proximity to a third side of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal further including a switching mechanism that switches between a first connection mode in which the first and second antenna elements are feed elements and the third antenna element is a parasitic element, and a second connection mode in which the first and third antenna elements are feed elements, and a control unit that controls the switching mechanism to switch between the first connection mode and the second connection mode in accordance with a predetermined condition.