Partially Exposed NFC Antenna Structure to Limit Device Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in optimizing the placement and protection of antennas, particularly near field communication (NFC) antennas, which can be affected by other components within the device, leading to signal interference and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates an antenna design with an antenna pattern layer partially exposed by overlapping sheets, allowing portions of the antenna pattern to remain uncovered, thereby minimizing interference from other device components while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the antenna is completely covered by sheets for protection, then structural integrity and protection are improved, but signal interference increases and antenna performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: antenna pattern layer, first sheet, second sheet, and insulating layer. Each layer serves a specific purpose, allowing the antenna to be both protected and functional. The segmentation enables selective coverage where some portions are protected while others remain exposed for signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the antenna structure have different coverage characteristics. The first and second sheets partially overlap the antenna pattern layer, creating regions with varying degrees of protection and exposure. This local differentiation allows the antenna to maintain signal transmission quality while receiving protection where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sheets are placed to protect the antenna, then protection against external factors is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second sheets serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical protection to the antenna pattern layer, act as insulating barriers, and maintain the structural integrity of the antenna assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure employs a nested arrangement where the antenna pattern layer is positioned between the first and second sheets, which are in turn positioned between the display and battery. This nested configuration provides protection through layered arrangement without requiring separate external protective structures, thus managing device complexity efficiently.
3Reliability
If the antenna pattern is fully exposed, then signal transmission is improved, but vulnerability to interference from other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second sheets act as intermediary elements between the antenna pattern layer and other device components (display and battery). These sheets provide an insulating barrier that reduces electromagnetic interference from adjacent components while allowing the antenna to maintain sufficient exposure for effective signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly uses composite material construction with the antenna pattern layer made of conductive material and the sheets made of insulating material. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of signal transmission (through the conductive pattern) and interference reduction (through the insulating sheets).
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include: a housing; a display in the housing; a battery in the housing; and an antenna between the display and the battery, wherein the antenna includes: an antenna pattern layer comprising an antenna pattern; a first sheet overlapping a portion of a first surface of the antenna pattern layer; and a second sheet overlapping a portion of a second surface of the antenna pattern layer, the second surface being opposite to the first surface of the antenna pattern layer and at least partially overlapping the first sheet. A portion of the antenna pattern may not be covered by the first sheet and the second sheet and may be exposed to outside of the first sheet and the second sheet.