Foldable Antenna Housing Layout for Same-Direction Current Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable electronic devices, the radiation efficiency of antennas is deteriorated due to currents flowing in opposite directions in adjacent antenna radiators, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a first and second housing connected by a connection member, with insulation members and conductive areas, and switches to control the electrical connection between the housings, ensuring current flows in the same direction when folded, and utilizing a J1 mode in both folded and unfolded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna radiators are positioned adjacent to each other in a foldable device, then the device can transmit and receive signals in various frequency bands, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates due to currents flowing in opposite directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a switchable configuration where the electrical connection between housings can be dynamically changed between connected and disconnected states. This allows the current flow direction to be adjusted based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptive rather than fixed. The switchable mechanism enables optimal current flow patterns for different frequency bands while maintaining good radiation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameter between housings from a fixed state to a variable state. By controlling the switch to connect or disconnect the housings, the system can alter the current flow characteristics to match different frequency band requirements, thereby improving radiation efficiency while maintaining versatility in signal transmission.
2Ease of operation
If the housings are connected via a connection member to allow folding, then the device achieves portability, but the current flows in opposite directions in adjacent antenna radiators, deteriorating radiation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control mechanism through the switch that can adjust the electrical connection state based on whether the device is in folded or unfolded state. This dynamic adjustment ensures that portability is maintained through the foldable structure while radiation efficiency is preserved by optimizing current flow directions through the switchable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary element between the connection member and the antenna radiators. It mediates the current flow by selectively connecting or disconnecting the housings, thereby preventing the harmful opposite-direction current flow that would otherwise occur due to the foldable structure, while still allowing the device to be folded for portability.
3Loss of energy
If a switch is added to control the electrical connection between housings, then radiation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is integrated into the existing connection member structure, allowing it to serve multiple functions: maintaining mechanical connection for folding while simultaneously controlling electrical connection for radiation optimization. This multi-functionality approach improves radiation efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical control function into a single integrated structure. The connection member that enables folding is combined with the switch mechanism, so that one component performs both structural and electrical control roles, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving improved radiation performance.
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
Improves antenna radiation performance by aligning current flows in the same direction, enhancing efficiency in both folded and unfolded configurations, including vertical and horizontal forms.
Implementation Method 1
a first point of the first portion is connected to a feeding point via a capacitor having a designated value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing through a connection member and a wireless communication circuit. A first portion of a first edge of the first housing is formed of a conductive material, an insulating member is disposed on one end of the first portion, and a conductive region of the connection member is connected to another end of the first portion, and a first point of the first portion is connected to a feed point through a capacitor. The second housing includes a second edge having a second length corresponding to the first length, a second portion of the second edge is formed of a conductive material, an opening formed adjacently along the second portion, an insulating member is disposed on one end of the second portion, and the conductive region of the connection member is connected to another end of the second portion, and a switch is disposed between a first point of the second portion and a ground region. The wireless communication circuit may control the switch to electrically open the first point of the second portion and the ground region.