F-Shaped Antenna Integration in Set-Top Box Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna designs integrated into electronic device front panel assemblies suffer from reduced efficiency due to proximity to the device chassis, and existing miniature antennas like L-shaped and F-shaped antennas are not suitable for such environments, as they are affected by signal traces and ground polygons.
Innovation Solution
An F-shaped antenna configuration is integrated into the electronic device's printed circuit board, where the first portion extends along the dielectric portion, the second portion is electrically coupled to the ground portion, and the third portion is coupled to the signal processor via reactive elements, allowing for improved signal reception by distancing the antenna from the ground plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a printed trace antenna is integrated into the front panel assembly, then the antenna is aesthetically integrated into the device, but the antenna efficiency is significantly reduced due to proximity to the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar printed trace antenna to a three-dimensional wire antenna structure that extends vertically from the printed circuit board. This dimensional change allows the antenna to be positioned away from the chassis ground plane, maintaining aesthetic integration while improving efficiency by reducing harmful electromagnetic coupling with the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric support structure as an intermediary between the wire antenna and the chassis. This dielectric material electrically isolates the antenna from the conductive chassis, preventing the chassis from acting as a reflecting surface that would reduce antenna efficiency, while still allowing mechanical support and aesthetic integration.
2Volume of moving object
If an L-shaped or F-shaped antenna is used, then the antenna has low profile and compact size, but the antenna performance is adversely affected by signal traces and ground polygons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into distinct functional segments: a compact planar F-shaped radiating element for signal reception, and a separate vertical feed structure with reactive elements for impedance matching. This segmentation allows the low-profile F-shaped element to maintain compact size while the vertical feed structure isolates it from interfering signal traces and ground polygons on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reactive elements (inductors or capacitors) as intermediaries between the F-shaped antenna element and the signal processor. These reactive elements electrically isolate the antenna from the signal traces and ground polygons on the printed circuit board, preventing adverse interactions while maintaining the compact low-profile design.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is positioned close to the chassis, then the device structure is simplified and compact, but the operational range of the antenna is dramatically shrunk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the antenna structure vertically from the printed circuit board plane, creating a three-dimensional configuration. This vertical extension increases the effective distance between the antenna and the chassis without complicating the overall device structure, thereby maintaining operational range while preserving structural simplicity.
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 configuration enhances antenna efficiency and operational range, providing omni-directional signal reception superior to conventional designs, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing integration within the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
enables the reception of signals from a remote signal source such as a hand-held remote control device
Implementation Method 2
electrically coupled to a signal processor via a reactive element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An antenna configuration is particularly suitable for use within a front panel assembly of an electronic device (100), such as a set-top box. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device (100) includes a chassis (34), a printed circuit board and an F-shaped antenna. The printed circuit board includes a ground portion (28) and a dielectric portion (30). The ground portion (28) is electrically coupled to the chassis (34). The F-shaped antenna includes a first portion (22), a second portion (24) and a third portion (26). The first portion (22) of the F-shaped antenna extends along the dielectric portion (30) of the printed circuit board. The second portion (24) of the F-shaped antenna is electrically coupled to the ground portion (28) of the printed circuit board. The third portion (26) of the F- shaped antenna extends between the ground portion (28) and the dielectric portion (30) of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to a signal processor via a reactive element (jX1, Jx2).