Mobile Terminal Coil Antenna Front Surface Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to accommodate multiple antennas in mobile terminals with limited mounting space, particularly when the display unit extends to the rear surface, which restricts the arrangement of coil antennas used for short-range wireless communication, payment functions, and wireless charging, due to interference from metal materials and electronic components.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a mobile terminal design with a support frame that includes openings and a reinforcement member to allow coil antennas to be positioned on the front surface, using a flexible display panel and adhesive tape for fixation, and optimizing antenna placement to radiate signals forward while maintaining the rigidity of the support frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the display unit extends to the rear surface of the mobile terminal, then the display area is increased, but the mounting space for coil antennas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmounting space for antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions coil antennas on the front surface of the mobile terminal rather than the conventional rear surface, utilizing the front surface space that becomes available when the display extends to the rear. This dimensional repositioning allows both the extended display and antenna mounting to coexist without interference.

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

2Reliability

If coil antennas are positioned on the rear surface, then wireless communication functions are achieved, but signal radiation is blocked by metal materials and electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidsignal interference from metal and electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coil antennas from the rear surface environment where they would be blocked by metal back covers and electronic components, and repositions them on the front surface where they can radiate signals forward without obstruction from interfering materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If coil antennas are arranged on the front surface, then signal radiation in forward direction is achieved, but the support frame rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal radiation performanceVSAvoidsupport frame rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is designed with localized openings at specific positions to accommodate the coil antennas, rather than compromising the overall frame structure. This segmentation approach maintains frame rigidity while providing necessary antenna mounting spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame exhibits different structural properties at different locations: it has openings where antennas need to be mounted and maintains solid rigid structure in other areas. This local quality variation allows the frame to simultaneously support antenna placement and maintain overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design secures optimal antenna performance by allowing coil antennas to be arranged on the front surface, overcoming space constraints and ensuring efficient wireless communication, payment, and charging functions without compromising the structural integrity of the support frame.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil antenna positioned on a rear surface of the support frame that is opposite the display panel and wherein a portion of the first coil antenna is arranged across the open slit... electromagnetic signal of the first coil antenna is radiated through the open slit of the support frame in a forward direction of the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3826277B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3826277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3826277B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3826277B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a mobile terminal including a body, a display panel coupled to the body with one surface thereof facing outward, the one surface allowing an image to be output therethrough, a fingerprint sensor positioned on an opposite surface of the display panel, a first coil antenna disposed around the fingerprint sensor, a support frame including an opening and configured to support the opposite surface of the display panel, the fingerprint sensor and the first coil antenna being positioned in the opening, and a controller configured to apply electric current to the first coil antenna. The mobile terminal may increase utilization of the rear surface thereof by arranging coil antennas on the front surface thereof.