Foldable Device Antenna Design Using Metal Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience degradation in antenna radiation performance due to the external metal frame and the coupling part (hinge) that connects the housing portions, leading to restricted internal space and the need for multiple or complex antennas to support various frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing design where the exterior metal frame is used as an antenna, with conductive members extending along the sides and including gaps for electrical isolation, and strategically locating points for communication and ground coupling to minimize the impact of the hinge on antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an antenna is arranged within the electronic device housing, then communication function is provided, but the metal frame distorts or blocks the signal and degrades antenna radiation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the metal frame structure itself. The metal frame is designed to serve dual purposes: as the structural housing and as the antenna radiator. Conductive members are integrated into the frame, and specific regions of the frame are configured to function as antenna elements, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing signal degradation from metal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive members with gaps as intermediary elements between the communication circuit and the metal frame. These conductive members extend along the side surfaces and include gap portions that electrically isolate sections, allowing controlled interaction with the metal frame while managing electromagnetic interference and signal degradation.
2Volume of moving object
If the electronic device is miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but the housing internal space for antenna mounting becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna structure with the housing structure. The metal frame that forms the external housing also serves as the antenna radiator, eliminating the need for separate antenna space within the housing. This integration allows miniaturization without sacrificing antenna functionality, as the antenna is distributed throughout the frame structure rather than concentrated in a specific internal volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas or complicated antenna forms are arranged to support various frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but the housing internal space becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the metal frame and conductive members to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The continuous conductive structure with strategically placed gaps can support various resonance modes and frequency ranges, allowing a single integrated structure to replace multiple specialized antennas. The frame's geometry and conductive member configuration enable broad frequency coverage without requiring separate antenna elements for each band.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling part (hinge) is used to connect housing portions, then foldable functionality is achieved, but antenna radiation performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the coupling part (hinge) to connect housing portions at locations that minimize interference with the antenna radiation pattern. The conductive members are configured to extend along side surfaces away from the hinge region, and gap portions are strategically placed to maintain electrical isolation while preserving signal quality. This intermediary positioning allows foldable functionality while reducing the harmful impact of the hinge on antenna 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
This design enhances antenna radiation performance by reducing degradation caused by the hinge and internal space constraints, allowing for effective communication across various frequency bands without the need for complex antenna arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive member extending along at least a part of the first side surface, the first conductive member including at least one first gap that electrically isolates portions of the first conductive member, and a second conductive member extending along at least a part of the second side surface, the second conductive member including at least one second gap that electrically isolates portions of the second conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first housing including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a first side surface at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second housing including a first surface that is capable of being oriented to face the first surface of the first housing portion, a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface, and a second side surface at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, a connection (hinge, joint, or the like) coupling the first housing and the second housing, a communication circuit arranged within the first housing, a ground arranged within the first housing, a first conductive member extending along at least a part of the first side surface, and a second conductive member extending along at least a part of the second side surface.