Foldable Phone Antenna Switching for Adaptive Data Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable-screen mobile terminals have fixed data transmission rates, making them less adaptable to varying communication requirements for different data transmission rates.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a first and second antenna radiation branch, where the switch is in the off state when folded and on state when unfolded, allowing flexible adjustment of data transmission rates by changing the relative status of the modules, and capacitive coupling between the branches to enhance radiation capability and bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna uses a fixed data transmission rate design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different communication requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to communication requirementsVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna radiation branches switchable between different configurations. The first and second antenna radiation branches can be dynamically connected or disconnected from the feed source through switching mechanisms, allowing the antenna to adapt its radiation pattern and data transmission rate based on communication requirements. This transforms a static antenna structure into a dynamic one that can change its characteristics in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antenna into multiple independent radiation branches (first antenna radiation branch and second antenna radiation branch), each capable of being controlled independently. This segmentation allows different parts of the antenna to be activated or deactivated based on the required data transmission rate, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the antenna radiation branches are always connected to improve data transmission rate, then the radiation capability is enhanced, but the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation capabilityVSAvoidSpecific Absorption Rate (SAR)
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic switching to control the connection state of different antenna radiation branches. Based on the required data transmission rate and SAR constraints, the system can dynamically activate only the necessary radiation branches. This ensures sufficient radiation capability for the required data rate while minimizing unnecessary radiation that would increase SAR, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the antenna structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the bandwidth and radiation capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna manufacturing easeVSAvoidbandwidth and radiation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna into multiple standardized radiation branches that can be manufactured using similar processes. Each branch follows a comparable design pattern, making them relatively easy to manufacture while collectively providing enhanced bandwidth and radiation capability when multiple branches are activated. The segmented design allows for scalable complexity without proportionally increasing manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the foldable-screen mobile terminal to better adapt to communication requirements for different data transmission rates, with improved radiation capability and bandwidth, and reduced Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

Implementation Method 1

capacitive coupling between the branches to enhance radiation capability and bandwidth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3905001B1Mobile terminal and antenna control method
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3905001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905001B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905001B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal and an antenna control method, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a first module (1) and a second module (2), which can be in a folded state or unfolded state; a first antenna radiation branch (4) is arranged on the first module (1), a first feed point (41) and a first ground point (42) are arranged on the first antenna radiation branch (4), and the first radiation branch (41) is electrically connected with a first feed source (7) through an on-off switch (5); a second antenna radiation branch (3) is arranged on the second module (2), a second feed point (31) and a second ground point (32) are arranged on the second antenna radiation branch (3); when the first module (1) and the second module (2) are in the folded state, the on-off switch (5) is in the off state; and when the first module (1) and the second module (2) are in the unfolded state, the on-off switch (5) is in the on state.