Foldable Housing Antenna Layout for Stable Radiation Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable or rollable electronic devices face challenges in securing stable communication environments due to limited space for antennas, which can be further compromised when structures are folded or rolled, affecting antenna operation performance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates radiation conductors on its first and second side surface members as antennas, and uses connection members like coaxial cables or flexible printed circuit boards to maintain stable electrical connections between radiation conductors and a switching unit, ensuring stable antenna performance in both folded and unfolded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent antenna operation environments are provided for each antenna, then antenna operation performance is improved, but device space requirements increase making it impossible for compact electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna operation performanceVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna radiation conductors into a shared operation environment within the compact device housing. Multiple radiation conductors are arranged to coexist in limited space, sharing common structural support and operational space, thereby achieving stable antenna performance without requiring proportionally large device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of radiation conductors within the compact housing. By arranging radiation conductors in multiple dimensions and orientations within the limited device volume, the design achieves independent antenna operation environments through sophisticated spatial management rather than simply increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the housing is thinned down for flexibility, then device portability is improved, but space for arranging antennas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidantenna arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent radiation conductors that can be distributed throughout the thinned housing structure. Each radiation conductor is positioned in specific regions, allowing the housing to maintain thin profile while providing sufficient space for multiple antennas through strategic spatial segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If radiation conductors are arranged in folded structures, then compact form factor is improved, but operation environment changes affecting performance stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidantenna operation environment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the antenna system to be dynamically adaptive to the folded structure configuration. The radiation conductors are arranged and connected to accommodate the folded state, with electrical connections and structural support designed to maintain stable operation environment despite the non-planar geometry, ensuring consistent antenna performance in the compact folded form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration allows for stable radiation efficiency and reduced radiation performance deterioration when held in a hand, enabling easier placement in slim, compact structures while maintaining reliable transmission and reception of radio waves.

Implementation Method 1

At least part of a first and second side surface member of the electronic device may be formed of a radiation conductor provided as an antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of first and second connection members for electrical connection between a switching unit and each radiation conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4138369B1Electronic device including antenna device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4138369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4138369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4138369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure including a first side surface member, a second housing structure including a second side surface member, a hinge structure configured to rotatably connect the first housing structure and the second housing structure and configured to provide a folding axis on which the first housing structure and the second housing structure rotate, and at least one printed circuit board, wherein the first side surface member or the second side surface member includes a first side surface portion a second side surface portion, a third side surface portion, a fourth side surface portion, a fifth side surface portion, a first slit a second slit a third slit, and a fourth slit, and a fifth slit, and wherein at least part of at least one of the second side surface portion, the third side surface portion, and the fourth side surface portion is formed of a radiation conductor and is electrically connected to the at least one printed circuit board.