Bent Slot Antenna Phase Difference Angle of Arrival Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with wireless communications circuitry face challenges in forming antenna structures that are both compact and insensitive to external object positions, leading to potential detuning and inaccurate angle of arrival detection for location-based operations.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates multiple antennas, including bent slot antennas and control circuitry to measure phase differences in radio-frequency signals, allowing for precise determination of the angle of arrival and orientation relative to external wireless equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antennas are made compact, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance becomes sensitive to external object positions causing detuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric antenna element designs where each antenna element has a unique geometric configuration rather than identical symmetric structures. This asymmetry in element shape and orientation makes the antenna array less susceptible to external object interference and detuning effects, while maintaining compact form factor suitable for modern electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter optimization techniques to adjust antenna electrical characteristics such as element length, width, spacing, and feed point locations. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters, the antenna achieves compact dimensions while maintaining stable performance characteristics that are insensitive to external object positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional antennas are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but angle of arrival detection accuracy deteriorates due to systematic phase errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical antenna structures with planar printed circuit board-integrated antenna elements. This substitution enables precise control of electrical parameters through PCB fabrication processes while eliminating mechanical assembly variations that cause systematic phase errors, thereby improving angle of arrival detection accuracy without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary calibration and compensation mechanisms that are built into the antenna design and manufacturing process. Phase error compensation networks and calibration procedures are pre-configured during manufacturing to eliminate systematic errors before the antenna is deployed for angle of arrival measurements, ensuring high detection accuracy from the outset.
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are added for angle of arrival detection, then location detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated planar array structure. Multiple antenna elements are combined on one PCB substrate with shared feeding networks and common ground planes, enabling angle of arrival detection capabilities while maintaining a compact, unified design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna array to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both wireless communication signals and angle of arrival detection capabilities. The same physical antenna structure serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection antennas and thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced location detection 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 enhances the accuracy of angle of arrival detection, improving the device's ability to determine its position and orientation relative to external wireless equipment, thereby addressing the issues of antenna sensitivity and detuning.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the angle of arrival of radio-frequency signals from the external wireless equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry that includes antenna structures used to determine the position and orientation of the electronic device relative to external wireless equipment. The electronic device may include a housing having a planar conductive layer, a first slot antenna that includes a first bent slot element in the planar conductive layer, and a second slot antenna that includes a second bent slot element in the planar conductive layer. The first and second bent slot elements may be configured to receive radio-frequency signals at the same frequency. The first and second bent slot elements may have the same shape. The electronic device may include control circuitry configured to measure a phase difference between the radio-frequency signals received by the first and second slot antennas. The control circuitry may identify an angle of arrival of the received radio-frequency signals based on the measured phase difference.