Conformal Antenna Module With 3D-Printed Radome for 5G Hand Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave signals in 5G devices are susceptible to interference from the user's body and hands, and existing phased array designs add space, weight, and cost while deteriorating radiation patterns, making them unsuitable for devices operated in multiple orientations.
Innovation Solution
A conformal antenna module with a planar substrate featuring a fold and multiple antennas, including a phased array and a wideband antenna, designed to operate in both portrait and landscape orientations, integrated with a dielectric radome to minimize interference and maintain radiation direction away from the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a phased array with beam scanning capabilities is provided to avoid signal interference and direct signals away from the user, then signal interference is reduced, but space, weight, and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple antenna elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element can be independently controlled to create beamforming capabilities, eliminating the need for complex phased array components while achieving similar interference mitigation effects through constructive and destructive interference of radio waves from multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides omnidirectional coverage for base station communication, directs signals away from the user to reduce interference, and maintains compact form factor for handheld device integration. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate beam scanning mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the antenna is designed to radiate in directions away from the user's body and hands to minimize interference, then signal quality improves, but the antenna design becomes more complex to accommodate multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are positioned asymmetrically within the device housing, with specific elements located closer to edges and corners. This asymmetric arrangement creates natural radiation patterns that direct energy away from the user's hand and body when held in typical orientations, eliminating the need for complex orientation-specific designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system transitions from a planar two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed configuration within the device volume. Elements are placed at different heights, depths, and lateral positions, creating omnidirectional radiation patterns in three dimensions that maintain performance across multiple device orientations without requiring separate antenna designs.
3Area of moving object
If the antenna footprint is reduced to improve portability and usability, then device integration improves, but radiation pattern integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are nested within the compact device housing, with elements positioned in three-dimensional space rather than spread out in a single plane. This nested arrangement maintains adequate spacing between elements for proper radiation patterns while fitting within the small form factor of modern handheld devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system operates at millimeter-wave frequencies with wavelengths on the order of millimeters, allowing adequate element spacing and radiation pattern development within a compact footprint. The high frequency operation enables full-wave and half-wave dipole elements to be sufficiently small while maintaining proper radiation characteristics.
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 conformal antenna module reduces physical footprint, minimizes radiation towards the user, and maintains high gain and beam integrity across orientations, supporting efficient 5G communication with reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
integrated with a dielectric radome to minimize interference and maintain radiation direction away from the user
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides several embodiments of integrated conformal antennas that are designed to be integrated into handheld devices and support operation at millimeter-wave operating frequency band that includes 28 GHz. The antennas have low mutual coupling despite close proximity, and maintain a front-to-back radiation ratio of 10 dB or better within the operating frequency band. The integrated conformal antennas are further capable of supporting operation of the device in different orientations, different forward gains, or a combination thereof.