Camera-Adjacent Antenna Grounding for 5G Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices supporting 5G communication, the increased frequency band for radio frequency signals leads to antennas being disposed adjacent to camera modules, causing transmission power from antennas to be induced into the camera module, which can affect communication between the camera and the processor, inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A metal structure is coupled to the camera module, and a switching module with lumped elements is electrically connected to adjust impedance in response to the frequency band of RF signals, allowing the processor to control the switching module to ground the induced transmission power, preventing interference with camera communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antennas are disposed adjacent to camera module to support 5G communication, then communication function is improved, but transmission power induces interference to camera module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidtransmission power interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements that can be selectively activated. By dividing the antenna function across multiple elements, the system can transmit signals while reducing the power induced to the camera module compared to a single high-power antenna configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic impedance adjustment through switching modules that can change the electrical characteristics of the antenna system in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the antenna to maintain communication performance while minimizing power induction to the camera module by optimizing impedance matching conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If switching module adjusts impedance to ground transmission power, then interference to camera module is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission power interferenceVSAvoidswitching module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching module is designed to perform multiple functions: impedance adjustment, power diversion to ground, and communication signal transmission. By making the switching module multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving power interference reduction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The switching module acts as an intermediary between the antenna and the camera module, controlling the flow of transmission power. This intermediary component manages the interaction between the high-power antenna system and the sensitive camera module, diverting harmful power to ground while allowing necessary communication signals to pass through.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna radiators are used to support increased frequency band, then communication capability is improved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidantenna space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested antenna configuration where multiple antenna elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The antenna elements are positioned to utilize three-dimensional space effectively, with some elements potentially integrated into or alongside other device components, thereby supporting multiple frequency bands without proportionally increasing the antenna area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional antenna layouts to three-dimensional configurations, utilizing vertical spacing and angular orientations to accommodate multiple antenna radiators. By exploiting the third dimension and spatial relationships in multiple directions, the system supports increased frequency bands while minimizing the projected area occupied by the antenna system.

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

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 reduces or prevents the transmission power from antennas adjacent to the camera module from interfering with camera module communication, ensuring optimal communication between the camera and processor.

Implementation Method 1

a switching module electrically connected to the metal structure and including at least one lumped element so as to adjust impedance by using the at least one lumped element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance adjustment: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a metal structure disposed on and coupled to the camera module so as to cover a portion of the camera module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

a ground electrically connected to the metal structure through the switching module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrounding: Earthing

Data Source

PatentUS20230327323A1Electronic device comprising an antenna
Publication Date: 2023.10.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20230327323A1 patent drawing
  • US20230327323A1 patent drawing
  • US20230327323A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a camera module, a metal structure, a first antenna adjacent to the camera module, a second antenna spaced from the camera module, a switching module electrically connected to the metal structure, including at least one lumped element, and adjusting an impedance by using the at least one lumped element, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to transmit a signal in a first frequency band by feeding the first antenna and control the switching module such that the switching module has a first impedance corresponding to the first frequency band and electrically connects the metal structure and the ground when the transmission power of the first antenna is equal to or more than the designated value.