Conductive Chassis Shielding Antenna Noise in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in effectively shielding antennas from electromagnetic noise generated by internal electronics modules, which can interfere with wireless communications and affect device performance.

Innovation Solution

A conductive chassis is integrated within the device to structurally support the display module and act as a shield lid, providing electromagnetic shielding by electrically connecting to the device case and surrounding the electronics module, thereby reducing the need for dedicated noise shielding components and allowing for thinner and lighter designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If dedicated noise shielding components are added to shield the antenna from electromagnetic noise, then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic noise shieldingVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structural support function and electromagnetic shielding function into a single chassis component. The chassis is configured to both support the display module structurally and provide electromagnetic shielding for the antenna, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and thereby reducing device weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the display module, acts as an electromagnetic shield for the antenna, and serves as a mechanical framework for the device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated shielding components, reducing overall device weight.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dedicated noise shielding components are added to shield the antenna from electromagnetic noise, then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic noise shieldingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural support function and electromagnetic shielding function into a single chassis component. This integration reduces the total number of components in the device, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the chassis is configured to surround the electronics module for shielding, then the electromagnetic noise blocking is improved, but the air flow for cooling is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic noise blockingVSAvoidelectronics module cooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is configured with selective openings at specific locations where electromagnetic shielding is not critical, allowing air flow for cooling the electronics module. This local modification maintains shielding effectiveness in critical areas while enabling thermal management where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis acts as a flexible shielding structure that can be selectively opened or configured with apertures to balance electromagnetic shielding requirements with thermal management needs, allowing adaptability in different regions of the chassis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution effectively blocks electromagnetic noise, ensuring reliable wireless communications across various devices and frequencies without adding bulk or weight, while also facilitating cooling and minimizing visual artifacts.

Implementation Method 1

A PCB comprising an antenna is supported within the housing in the one of the edge portions, such that electromagnetic waves can pass from the antenna to an outer surface of the device through the non-conductive section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The shielding is provided by a chassis disposed within the case to structurally support a display module of the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The shield lid includes an interconnect that electrically connects the chassis to the case, such as a conductive component thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3342069B1Shielding via display chassis
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3342069B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3342069B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3342069B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

An electronic device includes a case, an antenna supported by the case, a display module disposed within the case, a conductive chassis disposed within the case, the conductive chassis structurally supporting the display module, an electronics module disposed within the case such that the conductive chassis is positioned between the antenna and the electronics module, and an interconnect that electrically connects the conductive chassis and the case, the interconnect extending around the electronics module.