Antenna Unit Design for Bandwidth and Radiation Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in guaranteeing bandwidth and antenna radiation efficiency due to limited size, particularly when using segmented metal frames as antennas, which often result in unintended coupling and degradation of performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic device design that includes multiple types of antennas, such as a board-type antenna and segmented metal frames, electrically connected through specific feeding members and contacts to enhance bandwidth and radiation efficiency, while minimizing coupling by operating at different frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a segmented metal frame is used as an antenna in a limited-size electronic device, then the device can support various RF bands, but the bandwidth of the communication band cannot be guaranteed and antenna radiation efficiency deteriorates due to unintended coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF band support capabilityVSAvoidantenna radiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna units, each responsible for specific RF bands. The metal frame is segmented into multiple conductive members that are electrically isolated from each other, allowing each segment to function as an independent antenna element without unwanted coupling effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating members are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent conductive members of the segmented metal frame. These insulating members prevent electrical coupling between adjacent segments while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the metal frame housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the resonance frequency between antennas is shifted through a switch to guarantee bandwidth, then communication band coverage is improved, but antenna radiation efficiency seriously deteriorates due to unintended coupling of antennas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication band coverageVSAvoidantenna radiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna units are segmented and distributed at different locations within the electronic device. Each antenna unit is designed to operate at specific frequency bands, and their spatial separation combined with insulating members prevents unintended coupling when switching between frequency bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Antenna units are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations within the device. By utilizing three-dimensional space effectively and varying the orientation of antenna elements, the system achieves broader frequency coverage while maintaining radiation efficiency through spatial isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple types of antennas are connected and used together, then bandwidth and radiation efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna radiation efficiencyVSAvoidantenna system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metal frame segments serve dual purposes: they form the structural housing of the electronic device and simultaneously function as antenna elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate antenna components and simplifies the overall device structure

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system merges multiple antenna units into a unified structure where conductive members of the metal frame serve as both structural and radiating elements. The insulating members are integrated into the housing structure, combining mechanical support and electrical isolation functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures a sufficient bandwidth and improved radiation efficiency for communication, as demonstrated by increased signal transmission and reception capabilities across various frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a first antenna unit disposed on one side of the electronic device, electrically connected with a radio frequency (RF) device, the first antenna unit including a first metal frame. Also, the board-type antenna may include a second antenna unit electrically connected with a WiFi device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an antenna connector configured to electrically connect the first and second antenna units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10741904B2Electronic device including antenna unit
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10741904B2 patent drawing
  • US10741904B2 patent drawing
  • US10741904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided, including a housing, a side member, a display, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a communication device. The housing includes a first plate facing a first direction and a second plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, forming a space between the first and second plates. The side member surrounds at least part of the space. The communication device is disposed in the housing and connected with the PCB. The side member includes a first antenna unit disposed on one side of the electronic device, electrically connected with a radio frequency (RF) module, and having a first metal frame. The housing further includes a board-type antenna which includes a second antenna unit electrically connected with a WiFi module, an antenna connector configured to electrically connect the first and second antenna units, and a third antenna unit electrically connected with the antenna connector.