Coupled Slot Antenna Layout for Space-Constrained 5G Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of antennas in electronic devices, particularly due to the popularity of 5G, is constrained by limited space and interference from user handling, especially with full-screen and curved designs, which affects antenna performance.

Innovation Solution

An antenna structure comprising a first radiation stub and a second radiation stub, with coupled feeding and matching circuits, allowing arrangement at user-held parts of the device, enhancing bandwidth and performance by utilizing space effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of antennas is increased to support 5G communication, then communication performance is improved, but the available space for antenna arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidantenna arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the side edge of the display unit as a new spatial dimension for antenna arrangement. By forming slot antennas along the side edge of the metallic cover, the design transitions from traditional planar antenna layouts to three-dimensional spatial utilization, enabling multiple antennas to be arranged along the vertical and horizontal extents of the side edge without occupying additional planar area on the main body of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If antennas are arranged at the upper half part of the electronic device, then antenna performance is maintained, but the area for antenna arrangement is greatly reduced due to user hand holding the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidantenna arrangement area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing antennas in the traditional upper half region that is prone to user hand blocking, the patent inverts the arrangement strategy by positioning slot antennas along the side edges of the device. This inversion moves the antenna location from the blocked upper region to the side regions that are less likely to be obscured by user hand holding, thereby maintaining antenna performance while utilizing available space effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If the size of antennas is reduced to fit more antennas in limited space, then antenna quantity is increased, but antenna performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna quantityVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of antenna geometry by employing slot antennas formed in the metallic cover's side edges rather than traditional planar antenna elements. This parameter change allows the antenna effective area to extend along the length of the side edge, enabling larger effective aperture and better performance even when the physical footprint appears compact. The slot antenna configuration transforms the limitation of small planar area into an advantage by utilizing the extended linear dimension of the side edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 antenna structure supports efficient electromagnetic wave transceiving across a wide frequency band, minimizing interference from user handling and optimizing antenna size and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant frequency at which the first radiation stub operates under excitation of the first feed signal is a first resonant frequency, a resonant frequency at which the second radiation stub operates under excitation of the first feed signal is a second resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the first radiation stub and the second radiation stub support transceiving of electromagnetic wave signals on a first frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4462595B1Antenna structure and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4462595B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4462595B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4462595B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide an antenna structure and an electronic device. The antenna structure includes a first radiation stub, a second radiation stub, and a first feed. The first radiation stub includes two grounding points and a first feed point. The first feed point is located between the two grounding points, and the two grounding points are configured for grounding. The first radiation stub is spaced apart from a ground connected to the two grounding points to form a slot, and the first radiation stub forms a slot antenna. The second radiation stub has a gap with the first radiation stub, and the second radiation stub is coupled to the first radiation stub through the gap. The first feed is electrically connected to the first feed point of the first radiation stub and is configured to provide a first feed signal for the first radiation stub by using the first feed point, and couple and load the first feed signal to the second radiation stub through the gap, so that the first radiation stub and the second radiation stub support transceiving of electromagnetic wave signals on a first frequency band. According to this application, performance of an antenna can be effectively improved.