Conductive Frame Antenna Switching for Multi-Band Terminal Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional antenna technologies conflict with the demands for small form factor and high screen-to-body ratio in terminal devices, leading to space occupation issues, as different antenna structures are required for various frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device design that utilizes a conductive frame with multiple connecting points and switch modules to form antennas for different frequency bands, allowing for the same frame to function as multiple antennas by switching connections, thereby reducing the number of components and space occupied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional antenna technology is used to support multiple frequency bands, then communication coverage is improved, but the space occupied in the terminal device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidspace occupied by antenna
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing frame and as an antenna radiator for multiple frequency bands. By configuring different portions of the same conductive frame as radiators for different frequency bands (first frequency band, second frequency band, third frequency band), the antenna system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate antenna structures for each band, thereby reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining broad frequency coverage

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the housing frame structure with the antenna radiator structure by making the conductive frame serve dual purposes. The frame that provides structural support is simultaneously configured as the radiating element for multiple frequency bands through strategic selection of conductor portions and grounding arrangements, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing total device footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna structures are used for different frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidnumber of antenna components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing frame and as an antenna radiator for multiple frequency bands. By configuring different portions of the same conductive frame as radiators for different frequency bands (first frequency band, second frequency band, third frequency band), the antenna system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate antenna structures for each band, thereby reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining broad frequency coverage

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the housing frame structure with the antenna radiator structure by making the conductive frame serve dual purposes. The frame that provides structural support is simultaneously configured as the radiating element for multiple frequency bands through strategic selection of conductor portions and grounding arrangements, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing total device footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances space utilization in terminal devices by allowing a single conductive frame to form antennas for various frequency bands, reducing the overall space required for antennas and improving radiation performance across different frequency ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a first antenna is formed by connecting the feeding point and the first frame connecting point... a second antenna is formed by connecting the feeding point and the second frame connecting point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3799201B1Terminal device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3799201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3799201B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3799201B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A terminal device includes: a housing (11) including a conductive frame (104) provided with a first frame connecting point (12), a second frame connecting point (13) and a grounding point (14); and a feeding point (16) disposed on a circuit board and configured to input or output an electric signal; a first antenna formed by the feeding point (16), a first signal wire (17), the first frame connecting point (12), the third signal wire and the conductive frame (104); and a second antenna formed by the feeding point (16), a second signal wire (18), the third signal wire, the second frame connecting point (13) and the conductive frame (104).