Flexible RF Transmission Device for Thin Electronic Products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of electronic products, such as laptops, is limited by the diameter of coaxial cables used to transmit RF signals between antennas and communication modules, which also increases manufacturing costs and restricts layout flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible transmission device utilizing a flexible substrate with metal sheets coupled between ground and signal terminals of communication modules to transmit RF signals, offering a thinner and more flexible alternative to traditional coaxial cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial cable is used to transmit RF signals, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the thickness of the electronic product increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate with metal patterns to create a thin film transmission line that replaces the bulky coaxial cable. The flexible substrate serves as the dielectric layer between signal and ground planes, enabling thin-profile RF signal transmission while maintaining electrical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coaxial cable structure with an integrated flexible printed circuit board design. The rigid mechanical connection of coaxial cables is substituted with flexible circuit traces that are laminated directly to the communication module, eliminating the need for separate cable assemblies and connectors
2Reliability
If a coaxial cable with connector is used, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission line with the flexible circuit board that carries the communication module. The signal trace, ground plane, and dielectric substrate are combined into a single flexible circuit assembly that is laminated directly to the module, eliminating separate coaxial cables and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the communication module, serves as the RF transmission medium, provides grounding, and acts as the dielectric substrate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coaxial cable and connector components
3Reliability
If a coaxial cable is used to connect antenna and communication module, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but layout flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate that can be bent and shaped to accommodate different device layouts. The flexible circuit board can be routed around obstacles and adapted to various form factors, providing dynamic layout flexibility that rigid coaxial cables cannot achieve
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible transmission device, for transmitting radio-frequency (RF) signals between a first communication module and a second communication module in a communication device, comprising a flexible substrate; a first metal sheet, formed on a plane of the flexible substrate and coupled between ground terminals of the first communication module and the second communication module; and a second metal sheet, formed on a plane of the flexible substrate different from the first metal sheet, and coupled between signal terminals of the first communication module and the second communication module, for transmitting the RF signals.