Ceramic Rear Cover Thickness Layout for mmWave Antenna Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a portable electronic device's side and/or rear surface is implemented with ceramic material, radiation performance of the mmWave antenna is degraded due to higher permittivity and the device is prone to breakage from external impacts, necessitating thicker housings that further degrade signal radiation.
Innovation Solution
A portion of the ceramic rear surface cover not under the mmWave antenna beam is made thicker to prevent breakage, while maintaining antenna radiation performance by ensuring consistent thickness in areas where the antenna forms a beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the housing thickness is increased to compensate for ceramic fragility, then the device becomes more resistant to external impacts, but signal radiation performance is further degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thickness specifications to different regions of the ceramic housing. The region where the mmWave antenna forms a beam maintains a constant, optimized thickness for radiation performance, while other regions have increased thickness to compensate for ceramic fragility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural strength and signal radiation performance.
2Strength
If ceramic material is used for the housing, then aesthetic appeal and scratch resistance are improved, but radiation performance is degraded due to higher permittivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ceramic material throughout the housing for its aesthetic and scratch-resistant properties, but applies a localized thickness optimization in the beam-forming region. This allows the ceramic material to provide its beneficial surface properties while minimizing its negative impact on radiation performance through precise dimensional control in the critical area.
3Reliability
If the housing thickness is increased to prevent breakage, then device durability is improved, but power loss in the signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically increases thickness only in non-critical regions where structural support is needed, while maintaining optimized thickness in the beam-forming region. This localized approach improves overall device durability without increasing power loss, as the signal path remains through the optimally-thickened ceramic portion.
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
Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the device with ceramic material while maintaining or improving mmWave antenna radiation performance and reducing fragility.
Implementation Method 1
radiation performance of a signal radiated when the radiated signal passes through a housing implemented by a ceramic material may be further degraded than when the radiated signal passes through a housing implemented by tempered glass since permittivity of the ceramic is higher than permittivity of the tempered glass
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments disclosed herein, an electronic device comprises: a front plate including a front surface facing in a first direction and a first portion of a side surface extending from the front surface; a frame which forms a second portion of the side surface and on which electronic components of the electronic device sit; a rear cover including a rear surface facing in a second direction opposite the first direction and a third portion of the side surface extending from the rear surface to the second portion of the side surface; a mmWave antenna module disposed in one region of the frame to form a beam in a third direction forming an obtuse angle with the first direction and an acute angle with the second direction; and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the mmWave antenna module. The rear cover is made of a ceramic material. In the third portion of the rear cover, a portion included in a region forming a first angle with the third direction in which the mmWave antenna module forms a beam has a thickness in a first range. A portion outside the region forming a first angle with the third direction in which the mmWave antenna module forms a beam may have a thickness in a second range greater than the first range. Various other embodiments may be possible.