Conductive Body Radiator for Wireless Device Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless portable electronic devices with conductive bodies face challenges in maintaining effective communication performance due to interference from the conductive material, especially in smaller form factors and when in close proximity to the human body, leading to electromagnetic absorption losses.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a conductive body that serves as a radiator through electromagnetic coupling with a ground plane and a three-dimensional ground plane extension, allowing the antenna to operate with improved performance while maintaining a conductive body for aesthetics and small form factor designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the body is formed of conductive material for aesthetics and small form factor, then aesthetic appearance and compact size are improved, but antenna communication performance deteriorates due to interference from conductive material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the conductive body (which normally interferes with antenna performance) into a beneficial effect by using electromagnetic coupling to make the conductive body function as a radiator. The body that was previously detrimental to communication now enhances it by serving as an additional radiation element, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining conductive material for aesthetics/compactness and ensuring antenna performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced for small form factor design, then compactness is improved, but the volume available for antennas and spacing from conductive body is reduced, worsening communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna system with the conductive body by establishing electromagnetic coupling between them, such that the conductive body becomes part of the radiation system. This integration allows the antenna to effectively utilize the limited space within the compact device while the conductive body itself contributes to signal radiation, resolving the space constraint issue in small form factor devices.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna is placed close to the conductive body for compact design, then device compactness is improved, but communication performance deteriorates due to electromagnetic absorption losses when in close proximity to human body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of close proximity between antenna and conductive body (which normally causes energy loss) into a benefit by using electromagnetic coupling to make the conductive body an active radiator. This approach transforms what would be parasitic losses into useful radiation, allowing compact design while maintaining or improving communication efficiency.
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 communication performance by preventing destructive interference and allowing the conductive body to function as a radiator, supporting efficient signal transmission and reception, even in compact designs like smartwatches.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes an antenna disposed within the internal cavity and electromagnetically coupled to the body such that the body functions as a radiator
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, such as a wireless portable electronic device,is provided that includes a body formed of a conductive material. The body defines an internal cavity and an opening. The wireless portable electronic device also includes a ground plane disposed within the internal cavity and electromagnetically coupled to the body. The wireless portable electronic device additionally includes an antenna, such as a loop antenna or a monopole, disposed within the internal cavity and electromagnetically coupled to the body such that the body functions as a radiator. The wireless portable electronic device further includes a three-dimensional ground plane extension disposed within the internal cavity so that at least a part of the three-dimensional ground plane extension overlies the antenna. The three-dimensional ground plane extension is galvanically coupled to the ground plane and electromagnetically coupled to the body.