Connector Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hand-held electronic devices with metal chassis, millimeter-wave antennas face challenges such as restricted installation spaces, spatial and functional interferences, heat dissipation issues, and reduced radiation efficiency due to the metal shielding, which affects signal transmission and reception, especially when the device is held or placed on a surface.
Innovation Solution
A connector integrated with a mode-converting unit that includes a substrate, waveguide tube, and mode-converting structure, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of millimeter-wave signals by electromagnetically coupling the circuit and shell, thereby avoiding additional waveguide tubes and maintaining signal quality even when the device is held.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional planar patch array antenna is used in a metal chassis device, then the antenna can be integrated into the circuit board, but the metal chassis shields the millimeter-wave signal and reduces radiation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna function from the traditional planar patch array and implements it through a connector with waveguide structures that protrude from the device edge, removing the antenna from the shielded interior environment to the unobstructed exterior space
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary structure that provides both mechanical connection and electromagnetic signal transmission functions, integrating the antenna element into the connector body rather than as a separate component on the circuit board
2Reliability
If an opening is provided on the metal chassis above the antenna array for signal propagation, then signal transmission is improved, but the appearance of the hand-held electronic device is smeared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the connector body, combining the signal transmission function with the mechanical interface, so the antenna element becomes an integral part of the connector rather than a separate component requiring additional openings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna layout on the circuit board to a three-dimensional waveguide structure that extends outward from the device edge, utilizing the external spatial dimension for signal radiation
3Device complexity
If a patch array antenna is disposed under a back lid of the hand-held electronic device, then the antenna can be integrated, but the antenna is blocked by the user's hand when holding or operating the device
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the antenna under the back lid where it is blocked by the user's hand, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the antenna through the connector at the device edge, orienting it outward away from the user's hand during normal operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules, components and antennas are disposed in a small hand-held electronic device, then various communication standards are supported, but spatial and functional interferences and heat dissipation issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical connection, electrical signal transmission, and millimeter-wave antenna radiation, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by extending the waveguide structure outward from the device edge, allowing the antenna to occupy external space rather than competing for internal volume with other components
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 enhances signal transceiving efficiency by aligning the connector with the edge of the device's outer shell, reducing interference and maintaining signal quality without being blocked by the user's hand, while also saving space and improving beam directionality.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit and the shell are electromagnetically coupled to each other through the mode-converting structure
Implementation Method 2
The shell constitutes at least one waveguide tube of the mode-converting unit and is configured to transceive a signal
Data Source
AI summary
A connector including a first connector body and a mode-converting unit is provided. The first connector body includes a dielectric base, a shell and a pin set. The shell and the dielectric base are fixed to each other. The pin set is disposed on the dielectric base. The mode-converting unit includes a substrate and a mode-converting structure. The substrate is fixed to the first connector body and has a circuit. The shell constitutes a waveguide tube and is electromagnetically coupled to the circuit through the mode-converting structure. A signal is transmitted from the shell to the circuit through the mode-converting structure, or transmitted from the circuit to the shell through the mode-converting structure and emitted outward, such that the connector can be regarded as an antenna. The signal is a millimeter-wave signal.