Multi-Plane Eyewear Antenna Layout for Compact Multiband Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in achieving efficient wireless communication due to size constraints, heat management issues, and the need for reliable data transfer, especially for applications like uploading high-definition video.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multi-plane antenna system within the wearable device, which includes a driven antenna element and PCB extenders that project from the PCB to define additional ground planes, enhancing radiating aperture and improving wireless communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the antenna system uses a conventional single-plane ground plane configuration, then the device maintains simple structure, but the radiating aperture is limited and wireless communication efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane ground plane configuration to a multi-plane antenna system with ground planes extending in multiple dimensions. The first and second ground planes are positioned at different heights and orientations, creating a three-dimensional radiating structure that significantly increases the effective radiating aperture while maintaining compact form factor suitable for wearable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent ground planes (first ground plane and second ground plane) that can be independently designed and positioned. Each ground plane can be optimized for specific frequency bands or polarization directions, allowing the system to achieve multiband operation and improved radiation efficiency without requiring a single large complex structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna system is miniaturized to fit wearable devices, then the device form factor is reduced, but the radiating aperture and wireless data transfer capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the miniaturization contradiction by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. Multiple ground planes are stacked and positioned at different vertical and horizontal levels, creating a compact multi-plane structure that achieves large effective radiating aperture within a small volume. This dimensional arrangement allows wearable devices to maintain small form factor while preserving high wireless data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system employs a nested configuration where ground planes are arranged in concentric or layered patterns, with inner ground planes positioned within the bounding box of outer ground planes. This nesting approach maximizes the radiating aperture density within the available device volume, enabling high-performance wireless communication in compact wearable form factors.
3Device complexity
If conventional antenna systems are used in wearable devices, then the device structure remains simple, but heat management becomes problematic due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The ground planes in the multi-plane antenna system serve dual functions: they provide radiating surfaces for wireless communication and simultaneously act as heat sink structures. The extended ground plane surfaces increase the thermal mass and surface area available for heat dissipation, allowing the antenna system to function both as a communication element and a thermal management component, thereby addressing heat management issues without adding separate cooling structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna system supports multiband operation and pattern diversity, then the wireless communication versatility is improved, but the antenna system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multiband operation and pattern diversity by arranging ground planes in three-dimensional space with different orientations, sizes, and positions. The first and second ground planes can be designed with different dimensional characteristics to resonate at different frequency bands, while their spatial arrangement provides automatic pattern diversity. This dimensional approach enables multiband versatility without requiring complex switching networks or multiple separate antenna elements.
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 enables efficient wireless data transfer, supports multiband operation, and provides pattern and polarization diversity, addressing the limitations of existing antenna systems in wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a driven antenna element for radiating electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat sink element that is thermally connected to the PCB
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system comprises a driven antenna element connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and a plurality of PCB extenders provided by electrical conductors connected to a PCB ground plane for cooperation with the driven antenna element in signal communication. In an eyewear device that incorporates the antenna system, the plurality of PCB extenders are provided by conductive structural elements incorporated in an eyewear frame.