Foldable Antenna Switching Using Capacitance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of external dielectrics, such as hands, can degrade radio wave transmission and reception performance in electronic devices due to their interaction with antennas.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a foldable housing and integrated sensors to measure capacitance, allowing the exterior metal members to be used as an antenna radiator based on spatial relationships with external dielectrics, ensuring optimal radio wave performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If exterior metal members are used as antenna radiators, then aesthetic appearance and durability are improved, but radio wave transmission/reception performance degrades when external dielectrics are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna configuration changeable based on usage conditions. The communication circuit dynamically selects between different antenna configurations: using the exterior metal member as antenna radiator when not held, and switching to alternative antenna configurations (such as conductive parts on the housing) when held by a user. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain both aesthetic appearance and reliable radio wave performance under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying which antenna elements are active based on detected usage conditions. Sensors detect whether the device is being held, and the system changes the operational parameters by switching between different antenna radiators - the exterior metal member for aesthetic configurations and alternative conductive structures for performance optimization when held. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between aesthetic durability and reliable transmission.
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are used to support various communication technologies, then network capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the exterior metal member serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural/aesthetic component and an antenna radiator. Additionally, other conductive parts on the housing serve dual purposes as both structural elements and alternative antenna configurations. This multi-functionality allows the device to support various communication technologies without proportionally increasing the number of separate antenna components, thus resolving the contradiction between network capacity and device complexity.
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
The device adapts the use of exterior metal members as antenna radiators to maintain specified radio wave performance by identifying spatial relationships with external dielectrics, enhancing transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor IC, electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of conductive parts, and configured to measure capacitance
Implementation Method 2
configured to transmit and/or receive a signal in a selected frequency band
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment disclosed herein, an electronic apparatus may comprise a foldable housing, a communication circuit, a first sensor IC, a second sensor IC, a first switching circuit, a processor, and memory. The foldable housing may include a first housing that is hinge-connected to a second housing, a first side member that is disposed on a side surface of the first housing and includes a plurality of first conductive parts, and a second side member that is disposed on a side surface of the second housing and includes a plurality of second conductive parts. The communication circuit is electrically connected to a first conductive part among the plurality of first conductive parts, and may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals in a selected or designated frequency band. The first sensor IC is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of first conductive parts and can measure capacitance. The second sensor IC is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of second conductive parts and can measure capacitance. The first switching circuit may be electrically connected to the first conductive part and a second conductive part among the plurality of first conductive parts. The memory can store instructions that cause the processor to perform a plurality of operations when executed. The plurality of operations may include an operation for controlling the first switching circuit. Here, when the foldable housing is in a folded state, the first conductive part and the second conductive part may be electrically connected on the basis of at least one of the capacitance measured by the first sensor IC or the capacitance measured by the second sensor IC. Various other embodiments may be possible.