Display Antenna Turret With Canted Coil Spring for Repairable RF Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with compact wireless circuitry face challenges in achieving efficient bandwidth and robust electrical connections, particularly due to interference and the need for antennas to operate effectively across a wide range of frequencies while maintaining a small form factor.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a conductive turret, conductive sidewalls, and a canted coil spring in the electronic device's housing forms a stable and robust patch antenna resonating element, providing a short path for antenna currents and ensuring consistent electrical connections without the need for welding, allowing for easy removal and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact structures are used for wireless circuitry, then device size is reduced, but antenna efficiency and bandwidth are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the display structure as a three-dimensional antenna element, transforming the traditional planar antenna layout into a vertical configuration. The display layers (front cover, display medium, back cover) are stacked vertically to form a resonating structure that provides adequate antenna volume within a compact device footprint, thereby maintaining antenna efficiency while reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure serves dual functions: as the user interface display and as the antenna resonating element. By making the display structure itself conductive and resonant, the patent eliminates the need for separate antenna components, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall device volume while maintaining reliable wireless communication capability.
2Volume of moving object
If antennas are integrated into compact device structures, then device form factor is reduced, but antenna performance across frequency bands is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the physical dimensions and geometric parameters of the display-based antenna structure to optimize performance across multiple frequency bands. By carefully controlling the size, shape, and spacing of the display layers, the antenna can resonate at multiple frequencies, enabling versatile wireless communication capability within a compact form factor.
3Reliability
If conductive components are permanently connected, then electrical connection stability is improved, but component repairability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection mechanism using spring-loaded conductive contacts that provide stable electrical connection during normal operation but allow for easy disconnection when needed. The spring mechanism maintains constant pressure for reliable signaling while enabling simple removal and replacement of the display assembly, combining connection stability with repairability.
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 the antenna's efficiency and stability, optimizing its performance across multiple frequency bands while allowing for easy maintenance and repair of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The canted coil spring may exert a spring force radially outward against the conductive turret and radially inwards against the display
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device such as a wristwatch may be provided with a housing and an antenna. The housing may include conductive sidewalls, a conductive turret, and a conductive bridge. The turret may be separated from the sidewalls by a slot. The bridge may couple the turret to the sidewalls across the slot. A display may be mounted to the turret. A canted coil spring may be disposed in a recess of the conductive turret and may couple conductive structures from the display to the turret. The conductive structures, the turret, and the canted coil spring may collectively form a patch antenna resonating element for the antenna. Since the canted coil spring and conductive turret are not permanently affixed or welded to the display, the display may be easily removed from the device for repair or replacement.