Display Module Antenna Layout for Surface Wave Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Antennas in display modules of electronic devices face issues with surface waves interfering with performance, particularly when thick glass windows are used, leading to distorted radiation patterns and reduced gain.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating dummy patterns perpendicular to the polarization of the antenna patterns and utilizing the display module's structure as a ground pattern portion to suppress surface waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a thick glass window is used in the display module, then the structural strength and protection are improved, but surface wave interference increases causing radiation pattern distortion and reduced antenna gain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsurface wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dummy pattern is introduced as an intermediary element between the antenna and the thick glass window. This dummy pattern acts as a mediator that interacts with surface waves, preventing them from directly affecting the antenna's radiation pattern while maintaining the structural benefits of the thick glass window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dummy pattern converts the harmful surface wave energy into a beneficial effect by providing a controlled interaction path. The surface waves that would otherwise distort the radiation pattern are instead channeled through the dummy pattern, which is positioned and designed to minimize their adverse impact on the antenna.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If dummy patterns are added to suppress surface waves, then radiation pattern distortion is reduced and antenna gain is enhanced, but the antenna structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidantenna structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the entire antenna structure, the dummy pattern is applied locally in specific regions where surface wave interference is most problematic. This localized approach provides the necessary performance improvement while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system is segmented into functional components: the main antenna element and the separate dummy pattern elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while maintaining overall system performance, making the complexity management more systematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional antenna designs are used without dummy patterns, then the antenna structure is simpler, but surface waves cause significant radiation pattern distortion and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structureVSAvoidradiation pattern distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than implementing a complete redesign of the antenna structure, a partial action is taken by adding only the necessary dummy pattern elements in strategic locations. This provides sufficient protection against surface wave interference without the excessive complexity of a complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 dummy patterns reduce surface wave interference, minimizing distortion and enhancing antenna radiation gain.

Implementation Method 1

arrange at least one dummy pattern in a direction perpendicular to the polarization of an antenna pattern, and efficiently arrange the dummy pattern, thereby reducing a pattern distortion of an antenna radiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface wave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one antenna pattern formed on the antenna member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an antenna disposed on the dielectric layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric support: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20250273843A1Antenna included in display module and electronic device including same

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device comprises: a housing comprising a first plate arranged in a first direction, a second plate arranged in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side-surface bezel surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first and second plates; a display module comprising at least one dielectric layer arranged in the second direction in at least a partial area of the first plate; and an antenna arranged on the dielectric layer. The antenna may comprise: an antenna member including an array of a plurality of mesh-shaped conductive patterns; at least one antenna pattern formed on the antenna member; and at least one first dummy pattern arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction of the polarization generated from the antenna pattern and arranged to be spaced apart from the antenna pattern.