Dielectric Sheet Antenna Module for Millimeter Wave Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation wireless communication technology using millimeter waves faces challenges with antenna performance due to metal frame structures, which cause radiation beam tilting and heat dissipation inefficiencies in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of a dielectric sheet with a combination of low and high permittivity materials is applied to the antenna module, attached between the antenna array and the metal frame, to minimize the metal frame's influence and enhance heat radiation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the array antenna is disposed on the inner wall of the side surface to secure mounting space, then the mounting space is secured, but the metal frame covers the radiation surface region causing antenna beam tilting and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal frame and the antenna module. This dielectric sheet has a permittivity different from both the metal frame and the antenna radiation surface, which reduces the electric field reflection caused by the metal frame. As a result, the antenna beam tilting is minimized while maintaining the compact mounting space configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If a dielectric sheet with low permittivity is attached to the metal frame surface to radiate heat, then heat radiation is improved, but an air gap is required between the dielectric sheet and antenna array causing heat transfer degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiation efficiencyVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric sheet is designed with spatially varying properties: it has a first region with lower permittivity positioned near the metal frame for effective heat radiation, and a second region with higher permittivity positioned near the antenna array for better heat conduction. This local quality variation allows the single dielectric sheet to simultaneously achieve both heat radiation and heat transfer functions without requiring an air gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiple active elements are used to achieve high data transmission rate, then data transmission capability is improved, but heat generation increases requiring effective thermal management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric sheet functions as a composite thermal management structure that combines the heat radiation capability (typically provided by metal frames) with the heat conduction capability (typically provided by dielectric or ceramic materials). This composite approach allows efficient heat dissipation from multiple active elements, enabling high data transmission rates without excessive heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 configuration improves antenna coverage in the boresight direction and effectively dissipates heat generated by the antenna module, maintaining performance while reducing the impact of the metal frame structure.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one dielectric layer may include a first dielectric sheet attached to at least a partial region of the radiation surface of the antenna module and a second dielectric sheet disposed on the first dielectric sheet in the second direction. The first dielectric sheet may be made of a thermal conductive material having a first permittivity, and the second dielectric sheet may be made of a material having a second permittivity larger than the first permittivity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric Permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

The first dielectric sheet may be made of a thermal conductive material having a first permittivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4062490B1Electronic device including antenna module to which dielectric sheet is attached
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4062490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4062490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4062490B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display having a first surface, a metal frame structure configured to form a side surface of the electronic device, a rear plate having a second surface facing a third direction, at least one antenna module disposed inside the side surface and having a radiation surface, at least one dielectric layer having at least a partial region attached to the radiation surface, and a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit or receive an radio frequency (RF) signal to or from the at least one antenna module, in which the at least one dielectric layer includes a first dielectric sheet and a second dielectric sheet, in which the first dielectric sheet is made of a thermal conductive material having a first permittivity and the second dielectric sheet is made of a material having a second permittivity larger than the first permittivity.