Flexible PCB Antenna Connection Structure for Compact Metal Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electronic devices with metallic exteriors limits the arrangement of antennas due to space constraints, especially with the addition of new service bands like 5G, requiring more antennas and a larger printed circuit board, which is challenging to accommodate within the limited inner space of portable devices.
Innovation Solution
An antenna connecting structure utilizing a flexible printed circuit board, a first connector to connect with the main board, a bendable second connector to connect with the metallic frame, and an integrated circuit on the flexible printed circuit board, allowing for efficient arrangement and stable fixation of antennas within the electronic device, even in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printed circuit board is expanded to connect increased number of antennas, then the antenna connection capability is improved, but the device inner space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is divided into a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, allowing the antenna connecting structure to be distributed across multiple separate boards rather than requiring one large expanded board. This segmentation enables efficient space utilization while maintaining the capability to connect multiple antennas for advanced communication services.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna connecting structure extends in the thickness direction of the first frame, utilizing the Z-axis dimension rather than only expanding in the planar X-Y directions. This vertical arrangement allows multiple antenna connections without increasing the device's footprint area, effectively solving the space constraint problem.
2Reliability
If a conventional printed circuit board is used to connect integrated circuit and frame, then the electrical connection is established, but the arrangement space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional single printed circuit board is segmented into multiple separate printed circuit boards (first and second PCBs), each handling specific antenna connections. This segmentation maintains reliable electrical connections while distributing the connection functions across different spatial locations, thereby reducing the arrangement space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna connecting structure is arranged to extend in the thickness direction of the first frame, utilizing the vertical dimension for routing and connection. This dimensional transition allows electrical connections to be established without requiring large planar arrangement space on a single conventional PCB.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printed circuit board area is increased to accommodate more antennas, then the multi-band antenna support is improved, but the device compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna connecting structure is segmented across multiple printed circuit boards rather than consolidated on one large board. This segmentation enables support for multiple frequency bands and antenna types while maintaining a compact overall device shape, as each segment can be optimally positioned in available spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure utilizes the thickness direction of the first frame to arrange antenna connecting elements vertically. This vertical stacking approach allows multiple antennas for different frequency bands to be accommodated without increasing the device's footprint, thereby preserving compactness while enhancing multi-band support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments may include: a first frame at least partially exposed to an outside of the electronic device and comprising a metal material, a flexible printed circuit board at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the first frame, a first connector electrically connecting the flexible printed circuit board and a main board of the electronic device, a bendable second connector electrically connecting the flexible printed circuit board and the first frame, a bolt including a bolt body extending through a groove formed in the second connector to be bolt-coupled to a bolt groove formed in the first frame and a bolt head formed integrally with the bolt body and disposed in a first direction with respect to the first frame, a plate disposed adjacent to the bolt head of the bolt and coupled to the first frame in the first direction to allow the bolt body of the bolt to be maintained in a state of being coupled to the bolt groove formed in the first frame, and an integrated circuit disposed on the flexible printed circuit board.