Foldable Housing Antenna Conductive Link for Radiation Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating type electronic devices with overlapping housings experience degradation in antenna radiation performance due to metal members from adjacent housings, which affects communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a conductive member that electrically connects the first conductive part of one housing structure with the second conductive part of an adjacent housing structure in a folded state, reducing electromagnetic coupling and maintaining antenna radiation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable housing structure with overlapping housings is used to achieve slim design and rotational functionality, then device versatility and compactness are improved, but antenna radiation performance deteriorates due to electromagnetic coupling between metal members of adjacent housings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational functionalityVSAvoidantenna radiation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary element to electrically connect the first conductive part of the first housing structure with the second conductive part of the second housing structure. This intermediary connection provides a controlled electrical path that reduces electromagnetic coupling between the housings, thereby maintaining antenna radiation performance while preserving the foldable rotational functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection between the two housing structures is changed from an isolated state (no connection) to a connected state through the conductive member. This parameter change in electrical connectivity modifies the electromagnetic interaction between the housings, reducing harmful coupling effects while maintaining the mechanical foldability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If conductive parts from adjacent housings are positioned close together in folded state to maintain compact form factor, then device portability is improved, but electromagnetic coupling increases causing antenna performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact form factorVSAvoidelectromagnetic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member serves as a mediator that establishes a controlled electrical connection between the first conductive part and second conductive part. This intermediary structure allows the housing to maintain a compact folded form factor while managing electromagnetic coupling through a defined electrical path, preventing performance degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If metal members are added to housing structures to provide structural strength and aesthetic design, then device strength and design quality are improved, but electromagnetic interference with antenna increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structural strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member acts as an intermediary that connects metal members from adjacent housings in a controlled manner. This connection manages electromagnetic interference by providing a defined electrical path between the metal members, reducing unwanted electromagnetic coupling while maintaining the structural strength and aesthetic design provided by the metal components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively mitigates the degradation in antenna radiation performance by ensuring continuous current flow and reducing electromagnetic coupling between conductive parts, thereby maintaining configured antenna radiation performance even in the folded state.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member configured to electrically connect the first conductive part of the first housing structure with the second conductive part of the second housing structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

reducing electromagnetic coupling and maintaining antenna radiation performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling reduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3855711B1Antenna and electronic device including same
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3855711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855711B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3855711B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device comprises: a foldable housing which comprises a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and a first side member that encompasses at least a portion of a 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 in a third direction, a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction that is opposite to the third direction, and a second side member that encompasses at least a portion of a space between the third and fourth surfaces and includes at least one second conductive part, and which is folded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure, 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; and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the at least one second conductive part and configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having a specified frequency, wherein the at least one first conductive part and the at least one second conductive part may be electrically connected in the folded state. Other various embodiments may be possible.