Directional Antenna Structure for Front-Facing Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with displays that occupy most of the front plate, forming beam coverage in the front plate direction is challenging due to the presence of conductive members like Cu plates, which hinder efficient antenna performance for next-generation wireless communication technologies operating in the 3 GHz to 100 GHz frequency range.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with a side member that includes an external metal part and an internal polymer portion, allowing for an antenna structure with a substrate and conductive patterns that extend towards the peripheral portion of the front plate, thereby improving beam coverage in the desired direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a display occupies most of the front plate area, then the display area is increased, but beam coverage in the front plate direction deteriorates due to conductive members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conductive side member from the front plate region to eliminate its harmful blocking effect on beam coverage. By extracting this obstructive element, the antenna signal can propagate freely in the front plate direction without interference from conductive structures, thus resolving the contradiction between large display area and beam coverage performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of the side member by repositioning it to the rear plate region only. This strategic relocation transforms the side member from a harmful blocking element in the beam propagation path to a beneficial structure that provides mechanical support and shielding in non-critical regions, while maintaining the large display area on the front plate.
2Strength
If conductive members are present in the front plate region, then structural support is provided, but antenna performance deteriorates due to signal blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the side member structure into two distinct parts: a front plate region without conductive members to ensure optimal antenna performance and beam coverage, and a rear plate region with conductive members to provide structural support and shielding. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the conductive side member from the front plate dimension (where it would block signals) to the rear plate dimension (where it provides support without interfering with antenna radiation). This dimensional relocation resolves the contradiction by placing the structural support element in a spatial position where it no longer obstructs the electromagnetic field.
3Reliability
If the side member is removed from the front plate region, then beam coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to rear plate configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rear plate region serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the device, acts as a mounting surface for the antenna module, offers electromagnetic shielding, and supports the repositioned conductive side member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the structural modifications.
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 enhances beam coverage performance in the front plate direction by optimizing the antenna structure and reducing the impact of conductive members, ensuring efficient operation with next-generation wireless communication technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna structure comprising at least one antenna configured to include a substrate having a fifth face substantially parallel to the second face and a sixth face facing a direction opposite the fifth face and at least one conductive pattern positioned between the fifth face and the sixth face
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing including a first plate facing a first direction, a second plate facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a side housing surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the side housing includes a first portion, including an external metal portion having a first face facing an outside and a second face facing the space and an internal polymer portion having a third face contacting the second face and a fourth face facing the space, a touch screen display positioned within the space to be viewable through the first plate, wherein an edge of the touch screen display is spaced apart from the first portion of the side housing and when the first plate is viewed from above, the gap is covered by a peripheral portion of the first glass plate, an antenna structure comprising at least one antenna and configured to include a substrate having a fifth face substantially parallel to the second face and a sixth face facing a direction opposite the fifth face and at least one conductive pattern positioned between the fifth face and the sixth face and extending toward the peripheral portion of the first plate, and wireless communication circuitry operatively connected to the at least one conductive pattern and configured to form a directivity beam using at least a part of the at least one conductive pattern.