Foldable Antenna Grounding Pattern for Static Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

In foldable electronic devices, static electricity flowing from the outside can induce degradation in antenna radiation performance due to conductive members hiding the antenna radiation area and grounding through a conductive plate, leading to reduced antenna efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A conductive member is designed with discontinuous patterns periodically repeated to induce static electricity to ground, improving antenna performance by preventing interference with the antenna radiation area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous conductive member is used to ground static electricity, then static electricity discharge capability is improved, but antenna radiation performance deteriorates due to blocking the radiation area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity discharge capabilityVSAvoidantenna radiation performance degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous conductive member is divided into multiple discrete conductive members arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the conductive members to ground static electricity while creating gaps that prevent complete blocking of the antenna radiation area, thus resolving the contradiction between static electricity discharge capability and antenna radiation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive members are strategically positioned in specific locations rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach ensures that static electricity discharge functionality is maintained in critical areas while leaving other areas open for effective antenna radiation, balancing both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a conductive member is placed near the antenna to discharge static electricity, then electrostatic protection is improved, but antenna efficiency deteriorates due to interference with the radiation area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic protectionVSAvoidantenna efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the conductive member into multiple smaller discrete members, the patent reduces the overall conductive area that could interfere with antenna radiation while maintaining sufficient discharge capability. The gaps between segmented members minimize interference with the radiation area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive members act as intermediary elements that provide a controlled path for static electricity discharge while being positioned and sized to minimize their interference with antenna operation. They mediate between the need for electrostatic protection and the need for efficient antenna radiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 conductive member with discontinuous patterns effectively directs static electricity to ground, enhancing antenna radiation performance and maintaining device functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member disposed on an inner surface of the protective frame, and comprising: a first portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the protective frame corresponding to an edge of the flexible display; and at least two second portions extending from the first portion toward a conductive plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4185084B1Method and electronic device for improving antenna performance
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4185084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4185084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4185084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing foldably connected to the first housing through a hinge device; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the second housing through the hinge device from the first housing; and a protective frame disposed on the second housing while the edge of the flexible display is disposed S between the protective frame and the second housing, wherein a conductive member may be disposed between the protective frame and the edge of the flexible display on the basis of at least one pattern. In addition, various embodiments may be possible.