Foldable Wireless Circuit Layout Around the Hinge for Radiation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with multiple antennas for wireless communication in various frequency bands face challenges in arranging antennas and communication circuits without power loss or signal distortion, especially when gripped by a user, leading to deteriorated radiation performance.
Innovation Solution
Distributing wireless communication circuits around the folding axis of a foldable electronic device allows for more flexible internal space design and reduces radiation performance deterioration by separating antennas and communication components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple antennas are arranged adjacent to the communication module to minimize power loss, then power loss is reduced, but it becomes difficult to secure space for arranging both antennas and communication circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is divided into separate functional components: antennas are positioned at different locations around the device, while communication circuits are distributed in separate regions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without requiring dense clustering, thus reducing power loss while maintaining adequate space distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement around the folding axis. Antennas and communication circuits are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations in 3D space, allowing optimal electromagnetic performance without requiring excessive planar area.
2Area of stationary object
If antennas are densely located in one area, then space is saved, but radiation performance deteriorates when the device is gripped by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple distributed antenna elements positioned at different locations around the device housing. This segmentation ensures that not all antennas are concentrated in one area, reducing the impact of body proximity on overall radiation performance while still utilizing space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device are assigned different functional qualities: some areas contain antennas optimized for specific frequency bands, while other areas contain communication circuits. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with others, maintaining radiation performance even when gripped.
3Reliability
If wireless communication circuits are distributively arranged around the folding axis, then radiation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed arrangement of communication circuits around the folding axis serves multiple functions: it optimizes radiation performance for different frequency bands, accommodates the folding mechanism, and provides spatial separation between antenna elements and circuit components. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering multiple benefits simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication circuit arrangement is designed to be adaptable to the dynamic folding state of the device. The distributed configuration allows the system to maintain optimal performance whether the device is folded or unfolded, as the spatial relationships between components are preserved through the folding axis symmetry.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention can comprise: a foldable housing, which comprises a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and a first side member that encompasses at least a portion of the space between the first and second surfaces and includes at least one first conductive part, and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure, including a third surface facing a third direction, a fourth surface facing a fourth direction that is opposite to the third direction, and a second side member that encompasses at least a portion of the space between the third and fourth surfaces and includes at least one second conductive part, and which comes into contact with the first housing structure with the hinge structure as the center thereof, wherein the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state and the third direction is the same as the first direction in an unfolded state; a flexible display extending from the first surface to the third surface; a first communication processor arranged inside the first housing structure; a first wireless communication circuit arranged inside the first housing structure, electrically connected to the first conductive part and the first communication processor, and configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal having a first frequency; and a second wireless communication circuit arranged inside the second housing structure, electrically connected to the second conductive part and the first communication processor, and configured to transmit and/or receive a second signal having a second frequency. Other various embodiments are possible.