Foldable Antenna Module Layout With FPCB Shielding Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with deformable displays and rotatable housings face challenges in effectively integrating antenna modules for wireless communication, particularly in high-frequency bands and short-range wireless communication, due to structural constraints and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects a printed circuit board and an antenna module, with a conductive sheet partially overlapping the second antenna module, allowing for efficient communication by minimizing interference and accommodating structural flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to electrically connect the printed circuit board and the antenna module, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to connect the antenna module to the main circuit board. The FPCB can be bent and deformed to accommodate the rotatable housing structure, enabling electrical connection while maintaining flexibility for movement. This resolves the contradiction by using a flexible thin film structure that provides both ease of operation (adaptability to rotation) and managed complexity through a specialized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board enables dynamic connection that adapts to the rotatable housing. As the housing rotates between different states (unfolded/folded), the FPCB dynamically changes its configuration to maintain electrical connectivity. This dynamic adaptability improves ease of operation while the modular FPCB design helps manage device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the flexible printed circuit board overlaps the second antenna module, then space utilization is improved, but harmful factors increase due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive sheet as an intermediary element positioned between the flexible printed circuit board and the second antenna module at their overlapping region. This conductive sheet acts as a shield or mediator that reduces electromagnetic interference between the two components while allowing them to maintain their overlapping spatial arrangement for efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive sheet converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial shielding effect. By placing the conductive material between the FPCB and antenna module, the interference that would normally occur due to their overlapping positions is transformed into a protected configuration where the conductive sheet absorbs or redirects the electromagnetic fields, preventing degradation of antenna performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna modules are disposed in rotatable housings, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as a flexible connection medium that accommodates the structural constraints of the rotatable housing. Unlike rigid circuit boards that would break or disconnect during rotation, the FPCB can bend and deform to follow the housing's movement, maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the rotation range while enabling adaptability to different device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive sheet positioned between the FPCB and antenna module provides beforehand protection against electromagnetic interference that could degrade reliability. By pre-placing this shielding element in the overlapping region, the design anticipates and prevents potential interference issues before they affect antenna performance, ensuring reliable wireless communication despite the complex rotatable structure.
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
This configuration enhances wireless communication performance by reducing interference and maintaining structural integrity, enabling seamless operation in both unfolded and folded states.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the conductive sheet is disposed between the second antenna module and the flexible printed circuit board at a region where the second antenna module and the flexible printed circuit board overlap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: a housing including a support member; a printed circuit board disposed in the housing; at least one processor disposed on the printed circuit board; a first antenna module spaced apart from the printed circuit board in the housing; a flexible printed circuit board disposed in the housing and coupled to the printed circuit board and the first antenna module so as to electrically connect the printed circuit board and the first antenna module; a second antenna module disposed in the housing and including a base substrate and a conductive pattern disposed on the base substrate; and a conductive sheet, wherein the flexible printed circuit board at least partially overlaps the second antenna module toward the rear surface of the housing between the printed circuit board and the first antenna module, and at least a portion of the conductive sheet is disposed between the second antenna module and the flexible printed circuit board in a region where the second antenna module and the flexible printed circuit board overlap each other.