Flexible Ring Antenna Module with Segmented Ferrite for Wearable NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ring type wearable devices with embedded NFC antenna modules are limited in communication orientation and prone to damage due to exposure, leading to performance issues and corrosion, and the transformation of planar antenna modules into ring shapes often results in breakage and wrinkles of ferrite sheets.
Innovation Solution
A ring type antenna module with a flexible base substrate and adjustable terminal parts, along with a jig for manufacture, allows for varying the radius and size of the module, enabling communication regardless of orientation and preventing damage by bonding divided magnetic sheets to the substrate, which are inclined to reduce spacing and prevent breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NFC antenna module is embedded in a mounting groove of the ring main body and covered with a cover, then the antenna module is protected from damage and corrosion, but the device can only communicate when a specific location is close to the target terminal, limiting communication orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged around the ring structure, allowing different segments to be activated based on orientation, thus maintaining protection while enabling multi-directional communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional ring structure that surrounds the finger, enabling communication signals to be transmitted and received from multiple orientations and directions simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If the planar antenna module is transformed into a ring shape by bonding ends together, then the antenna can be mounted on the ring type wearable device, but the ferrite sheet breaks and generates powder or wrinkles, causing communication failure and appearance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrite sheet is divided into multiple smaller ferrite elements or segments that are distributed around the ring structure, preventing stress concentration and reducing the likelihood of breakage during the transformation from planar to ring shape
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module incorporates flexible or elastic components that allow the structure to adapt to the curvature of the ring without generating excessive stress on the ferrite sheet, preventing wrinkles and breakage during manufacturing and wear
Data Source
AI summary
A ring type antenna module and a jig for manufacture for manufacturing the same, which can communicate regardless of the orientation when mounted on a ring type wearable device and can easily process the size are provided. The ring type antenna module includes a base substrate having flexibility on which a radiation pattern is formed, a terminal part formed on one end of the base substrate and connected to one end of the radiation pattern, and the other terminal part formed on the other end of the base substrate and connected to the other end of the radiation pattern; and the size of the ring type antenna module is adjusted by varying the coupled location between the terminal part and the other terminal part.