Foldable Grip Detection Using Antenna IQ Against Metal Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with metal components interfere with grip sensors, causing malfunctions due to changes in capacitance values, which affect the accuracy of grip state detection.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device with a first and second housing, including metal members, uses a first sensor to detect folding state changes and resets a second grip sensor to eliminate metal interference, then identifies grip state through IQ values of the antenna within a preset threshold range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a grip sensor is used to detect grip state, then grip detection capability is improved, but metal members cause capacitance interference that degrades measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip state detection accuracyVSAvoidmetal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting folding state changes before they affect grip sensor measurements, and proactively resets the grip sensor to eliminate metal interference. The processor detects when the folding state changes and immediately resets the grip sensor data, preventing corrupted measurements from being used for grip state determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The folding state information acts as an intermediary indicator that mediates between the metal housing and the grip sensor. By using folding state changes as a trigger signal, the system indirectly detects when metal interference is likely occurring, allowing the grip sensor to be reset at appropriate moments without direct interference from the metal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the grip sensor is continuously monitored, then grip state detection reliability is improved, but false readings occur due to metal-induced capacitance changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip detection reliabilityVSAvoidfalse grip state readings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting folding state changes before they corrupt grip sensor data, and proactively resets the grip sensor to eliminate metal interference. The processor detects when the folding state changes and immediately resets the grip sensor data, preventing corrupted measurements from being used for grip state determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the folding state and using this information to control the reset timing of the grip sensor. The folding state information feeds back to the processor, which then adjusts the grip sensor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates false readings caused by metal interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If the electronic device uses metal members in housing, then device strength and aesthetics are improved, but electromagnetic wave effects and sensor interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of metal members into a useful signal by using folding state changes (caused by metal housing movement) as triggers to reset the grip sensor. The metal interference that would normally corrupt measurements is instead used as an indirect indicator to timing the sensor reset, turning a harmful factor into a beneficial control signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Accurately determines grip states by compensating for metal interference, enabling precise control of antenna configurations and electromagnetic wave output based on grip states.

Implementation Method 1

causing malfunctions due to changes in capacitance values

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

minimize the effects of electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic waves: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4692984A1Electronic device for detecting grip and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device for detecting a grip and a control method therefor are provided. A foldable electronic device including a first housing and a second housing that include metal members comprises: an antenna; a first sensor for detecting a folding state of the foldable electronic device; a second sensor for detecting a grip state of the foldable electronic device; and at least one processor. The at least one processor resets the second sensor when a change in the folding state is detected through the first sensor to remove an influence caused by the metal members. The at least one processor identifies an IQ value of the antenna to determine a grip state changed to an unknown state according to the resetting of the second sensor. The at least one processor identifies the grip state on the basis of the identified IQ value and a preset threshold range.