Foldable Electronic Device Antenna Switching for Lower Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices supporting multiple communication networks experience varying path losses and antenna losses due to differing transmission path lengths and antenna positions, leading to suboptimal signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device dynamically adjusts antenna transmission paths based on folding states, grip conditions, and camera states to optimize signal transmission by controlling RF circuitry to switch between different antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are provided for different communication networks, then communication coverage and network support are improved, but path loss and antenna loss vary leading to suboptimal signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna switching based on device folding state detection. The system transitions from a static antenna configuration to a dynamic one where the appropriate antenna is selected in real-time based on whether the device is in open or closed state, and whether gripping is detected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring optimal signal transmission path is always active, preventing energy loss from using suboptimal antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of antenna selection based on detected folding state and gripping conditions. By monitoring these parameters and adjusting the active antenna accordingly, the system optimizes signal transmission quality while maintaining support for multiple communication networks, thereby reducing unnecessary energy loss.
2Device complexity
If antenna transmission paths are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but path loss cannot be optimized based on device configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting folding state and gripping conditions, then autonomously selecting the appropriate antenna without user intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains relatively simple fixed hardware architecture while achieving dynamic optimization of path loss through intelligent software control based on sensed conditions.
3Device complexity
If the same antenna is used for all folding states, then device complexity is minimized, but signal transmission quality deteriorates due to increased path loss in closed state
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic antenna selection that adapts to folding state changes. When the device transitions to closed state, the system detects this change and switches to a different antenna that is optimized for closed-state transmission, thereby maintaining signal transmission quality without requiring overly complex multi-antenna hardware for every possible state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from folding state detection and gripping detection to adjust antenna selection. This feedback mechanism ensures that the appropriate antenna is activated based on actual device state, maintaining reliable signal transmission while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through condition-based switching rather than permanent multi-antenna configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an electronic device includes a communication processor including processing circuitry, RF circuitry connected to the at least one communication processor, and a plurality of antennas connected to the RF circuitry. The communication processor is configured to control the RF circuitry to provide a first RF signal corresponding to a specified frequency band to the first antenna based at least in part on the portable communication device being fully unfolded. The communication processor is configured to control the RF circuitry to provide a second RF signal corresponding to the specified frequency band to the second antenna instead of the first antenna based at least in part on the portable communication device being fully folded.