Foldable Antenna Side Members for Hand Grip Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The degradation of radio wave transmission and reception performance in electronic devices due to external dielectrics, such as a user's hand, is exacerbated by the use of exterior metal members that can affect antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a housing comprising conductive parts and sensors to detect hand grip, allowing for the selective connection or disconnection of conductive parts to optimize antenna performance based on usage conditions, thereby reducing the impact of external dielectrics on radio wave transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If exterior metal members are used to improve aesthetic appearance and durability, then the aesthetic appearance and durability are improved, but antenna performance is degraded due to interference with radio wave transmission and reception
Solution Approach 1:
The side member is divided into multiple conductive parts that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the conductive structure, the patent enables selective connection/disconnection of specific parts to optimize antenna performance while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the exterior metal member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of conductive parts through switching circuits that can connect or disconnect specific conductive parts based on usage conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt antenna configuration in real-time, resolving the conflict between maintaining exterior metal member benefits and optimizing radio wave transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to support various communication technologies, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive parts of the side member serve multiple functions: they provide structural support and aesthetic appearance as exterior metal members, while simultaneously functioning as antenna elements for various communication technologies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuits enable dynamic reconfiguration of conductive parts to support different communication technologies and frequency bands. By dynamically adjusting which conductive parts are connected, the system can adapt to various communication requirements without requiring fixed dedicated antennas for each technology.
3Reliability
If conductive parts are continuously connected to maintain antenna functionality, then radio wave transmission is maintained, but performance degrades when external dielectrics such as hand are present
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitance sensors detect the presence of external dielectrics such as hand near the conductive parts. This feedback information is used by the control circuit to determine when to disconnect or reconfigure specific conductive parts, thereby preventing performance degradation while maintaining reliable radio wave transmission under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection state of conductive parts based on real-time detection of external dielectric presence. By switching between connected and disconnected states of specific conductive parts, the system maintains optimal antenna performance across varying usage conditions.
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 solution effectively maintains consistent antenna performance by dynamically adjusting the antenna configuration based on the device's usage conditions, minimizing the degrading effects of external dielectrics and ensuring reliable communication across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to at least one of the first plurality of conductive parts and configured to measure capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises: a foldable housing comprising a first housing hingably connected to a second housing, a first side member disposed about a side surface of the first housing and comprising a first plurality of conductive parts, and a second side member disposed about a side surface of the second housing and comprising a second plurality of conductive parts; a communication circuit electrically connected to a first conductive part among the first plurality of conductive parts and configured to transmit and receive a signal in a selected or specified frequency band; a first sensor integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to at least one of the first plurality of conductive parts and configured to measure capacitance; a second sensor IC electrically connected to at least one of the second plurality of conductive parts and configured to measure capacitance; a first switching circuit electrically connected to the first conductive part and a second conductive part among the first plurality of conductive parts; and a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations comprising: controlling the first switching circuit wherein the first conductive part and the second conductive part are electrically connected, based on at least one of the capacitance measured by the first sensor IC and the capacitance measured by the second sensor IC when the foldable housing is in a folded state.