Capacitive Wearable Antenna for Position Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of wearable IoT devices limits the efficient installation of multiple antennas spaced apart for detecting external electronic devices due to limited mounting space, making it difficult to accurately detect positions and control these devices.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device with a housing featuring a front and rear surface plate, side surface member, attachment members, and conductive patterns on a substrate, where conductive members in the attachment members are capacitively coupled with conductive patterns on the side surface member to enhance antenna efficiency and position detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are installed spaced apart to detect external electronic devices, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device size increases and mounting space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna structure that can detect positions of external electronic devices in multiple directions simultaneously. This merging approach maintains position detection accuracy without requiring multiple separate antennas spaced apart, thus avoiding increased device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the wearable device housing to arrange antenna elements vertically rather than horizontally spacing them apart. This dimensional transition allows multiple antenna elements to be positioned at different depths within the housing, achieving spatial separation for direction detection without increasing the device's footprint area.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are installed spaced apart to detect external electronic devices, then position detection accuracy is improved, but mounting space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional horizontal spacing of antenna elements to three-dimensional vertical arrangement within the housing thickness. This allows antenna elements to be positioned at different depths (first antenna element closer to front surface, second antenna element closer to rear surface), achieving spatial separation for accurate position detection without exceeding the device's mounting area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple antenna elements within the confined space of the housing thickness, similar to nested dolls. The first and second antenna elements are positioned at different depths within the housing, utilizing the vertical space efficiently to accommodate multiple functional elements without increasing the external footprint.
3Reliability
If antenna elements are positioned at different depths in housing, then radiation performance is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side surface member of the housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a mounting structure for antenna elements at different depths, and contributes to the overall electromagnetic radiation performance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting structural complexity despite the sophisticated antenna arrangement.
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 allows for efficient detection and control of external electronic devices by improving antenna radiation performance and position detection accuracy, even in constrained spaces, while maintaining a slim form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive member arranged in the first attachment member in proximity to the first conductive pattern to be capacitively coupled with the first conductive pattern; and a second conductive member arranged in the second attachment member in proximity to the second conductive pattern to be capacitively coupled with the second conductive pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing including a front surface plate, a rear surface plate facing a direction opposite the front surface plate, and a side surface member surrounding a space between the front surface plate and the rear surface plate; at least one attachment member coupled to the side surface member, and removably fastened to a human body, the at least one attachment member including a first attachment member coupled to at least part of the side surface member, and a second attachment member coupled to a position of the side surface member facing the first attachment member; a substrate arranged in the space in parallel with the front surface plate; at least one wireless communication circuit arranged on the substrate; a first conductive pattern electrically connected with the wireless communication circuit, and arranged on the side surface member in proximity to the first attachment member; a second conductive pattern arranged on the side surface member in proximity to the second attachment member; a first conductive member arranged in the first attachment member in proximity to the first conductive pattern to be capacitively coupled with the first conductive pattern; and a second conductive member arranged in the second attachment member in proximity to the second conductive pattern to be capacitively coupled with the second conductive pattern.