EM Shield for Internal Antenna in Handheld Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact handheld devices face performance degradation due to electromagnetic interference from closely packed electronic components, and are prone to damage from impacts, leading to intermittent electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A portable terminal design with internal housing of electronic components and an antenna, featuring an electromagnetic shield made of conductive material to absorb and convert EM radiation into electrical current, directing it to ground, thereby reducing interference and enhancing ruggedness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electronic components are placed closer together to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate enclosures: a first enclosure housing electronic components and a second enclosure housing the antenna. This segmentation physically separates components that generate electromagnetic interference from the antenna, allowing compact device design while preventing interference between components.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic shield is positioned at the interface between the first and second enclosures. This intermediary component absorbs and redirects electromagnetic radiation generated by electronic components, preventing it from reaching the antenna while allowing the device to maintain a compact form factor.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic radiation from electronic components reaches the antenna, then device functionality is maintained, but antenna performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic shield acts as an intermediary barrier between electronic components and the antenna. It selectively blocks harmful electromagnetic radiation while allowing the device to maintain full functionality through proper signal transmission paths and grounded shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shield captures harmful electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise degrade antenna performance and converts it into electrical current through electromagnetic induction. This converted energy is then directed to ground, transforming a harmful interference source into a controlled electrical signal.
3Strength
If the device housing is made more rugged to prevent impact damage, then device durability is improved, but electrical connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into separate enclosures for electronic components and antenna, each optimized for different functions. The first enclosure can be designed for ruggedness and impact resistance, while the second enclosure protects the antenna and maintains signal integrity, preventing impact damage from compromising electrical connectivity.
4Reliability
If an electromagnetic shield is added to block interference, then antenna performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic shield is integrated into the enclosure structure itself rather than being a separate added component. The first and second enclosures are designed as distinct structural elements with the shield positioned at their interface, combining shielding functionality with the device's structural framework to minimize additional complexity.
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 solution effectively mitigates electromagnetic interference, ensuring consistent antenna performance and increased ruggedness by isolating the antenna from electronic components and providing a stable ground reference, reducing the likelihood of damage from impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the EM shield including electrically conductive material to absorb EM radiation generated by the plurality of electronic components being directed towards the antenna and to convert at least a portion of the absorbed EM radiation into electrical current
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive coupling to couple the EM shield to the ground of the first enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A portable terminal has a first enclosure of a housing having a first interior to contain a plurality of electronic components and a ground. The terminal has a second enclosure of the housing for coupling to the first enclosure, the second enclosure having a second interior to contain an antenna and for facilitating at least one of receiving or transmitting of electromagnetic (EM) signals between the antenna and an environment external to the second enclosure. The terminal has an EM shield positioned at an interface between the first interior and the second interior, the EM shield including electrically conductive material to absorb EM radiation generated by the plurality of electronic components. Also included is an electrically conductive coupling to couple the EM shield to the ground of the first enclosure.