Dynamic Feed Path Switching for Antenna Radiation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with fixed antenna feed paths experience decreased performance when the operating environment changes, such as when a user grips the device, leading to reduced signal transmission and reception rates, especially in weak electric field conditions.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device dynamically changes its feed structure based on the operating environment by using a switch and tuner system to adjust the current flow to the antenna elements, optimizing the feed path to maintain radiation performance across different frequency bands and user grip conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed feed path is used for antenna elements, then the device structure is simple, but the radiation performance decreases when the operating environment changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeed path structureVSAvoidradiation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic feed path switching mechanism that allows the antenna system to adapt its current distribution based on operating conditions. Switches are configured to change the feed path dynamically, enabling the antenna to maintain optimal radiation performance across different frequency bands and environmental conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and performance reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes electrical parameters (current flow paths, feed points) based on detected environmental conditions such as user grip state and frequency band. By dynamically adjusting which antenna elements receive current and how they are fed, the system maintains reliable radiation performance without requiring a permanently complex structure, as the complexity is activated only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the feed path is changed to adapt to different frequency bands, then the radiation performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation performanceVSAvoidfeed path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal feed path structure where the same antenna elements and feed lines can serve multiple frequency bands through different switching configurations. The switches enable a single physical structure to perform multiple functions (supporting both first and second frequency bands), reducing the need for separate dedicated feed paths for each band and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to reconfigure existing feed paths for different frequency bands without adding permanent structural complexity. The same physical components are reused with different electrical connections based on the operating band, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptive performance improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If antenna elements are positioned to cover multiple frequency bands, then the frequency band coverage is improved, but the performance decreases when user grip changes the operating environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidsignal transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates detection of the operating environment (such as user grip state) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the feed path configuration. When a user grip is detected that may interfere with signal transmission, the system responds by switching to alternative feed paths or antenna element configurations that maintain reliable signal transmission while preserving multi-band coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution stabilizes radiation performance and maximizes signal transmission and reception rates by adapting the feed structure to user interactions and environmental changes, ensuring consistent performance across various frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a tuner (220) electrically connected with the at least one feed line, the first antenna element (110a), and the second antenna element (110b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3827579B1Electronic device including circuit changing feed path
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3827579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3827579B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3827579B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device is provided that includes a first antenna element that includes a first portion of a housing, and a second antenna element that include a second portion of the housing that is different from the first portion of the housing. The electronic device also includes a memory that stores feed conditions, each for applying a current to one of the first antenna element and the second antenna element. A tuner of the electronic device is controlled such that a first current flows to one of the first antenna element and the second antenna element, based on a first feed condition of the stored feed conditions, and a processor of the electronic device transmits or receives a signal in a specified frequency band based on an electrical path formed through the tuner.