Ejectable Antenna Module for Closed-Lid Wireless Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication devices, such as laptops, suffer from limited wireless communication range due to chassis design limitations, particularly in modes like closed lid or tablet mode where the antenna performance is severely degraded by metallic structures, leading to reduced signal strength and potential disconnection in areas with low signal strength.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a partially ejectable antenna module that can be moved between a default and boost position, allowing it to protrude from the chassis when needed, thereby enhancing antenna performance by reducing obstruction from metallic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the antenna is fixed inside the chassis in a conventional communication device, then the device maintains a compact structure, but the antenna performance deteriorates in closed lid or tablet mode due to metallic chassis covering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna mounting structureVSAvoidwireless communication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna module is designed to be movable between a first position (retracted into the chassis) and a second position (protruding from the chassis). The mounting structure includes a ejectable mechanism that allows the antenna module to transition between these positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of antenna location based on usage mode to maintain optimal wireless performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the antenna module is made ejectable to improve wireless performance, then the antenna performance improves in tablet and closed lid modes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication performanceVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna module is nested within the chassis when in the retracted position, fitting into a designated slot or cavity. The mounting structure is integrated into the existing device architecture, with the ejectable mechanism utilizing space efficiently within the compact device form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna module can be extracted from the chassis by ejecting it to the protruding position. The mounting structure is designed to allow easy ejection while maintaining secure retention when retracted, separating the antenna module from the fixed chassis structure when needed for optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4198678B1Communication device, antenna module and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 INTEL CORP
  • EP4198678B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4198678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4198678B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A communication device including a chassis; and a wireless communication interface having an antenna and a mounting structure, the mounting structure mounting the antenna to the chassis, wherein the mounting structure is configured to arrange the antenna in a first position and in at least a second position, wherein in the first position the antenna is arranged in a first distance to a surface of the chassis, and in the second position the antenna is arranged in a second distance to the surface of the chassis, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance, wherein the antenna is operational in the same frequency range in each of the first position and the second position.