Foldable Antenna Device Using Metal Bezel Radiator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in designing slim electronic devices is to maintain adequate space for antenna devices while preserving radiation efficiency, as conventional materials like dielectric injection-molded materials are not suitable for use as antenna radiators and metal elements can degrade antenna performance when electronic devices are rotated.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive metal bezel as an antenna radiator and using non-conductive members to adjust the electrical length, with specific cut-off portions filled with dielectric material to optimize frequency band operation, and employing conductive elements in a way that their performance is maintained across different device configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a metal bezel is used as an antenna radiator to meet slim device demands, then the device can be made thinner, but the radiation efficiency may be degraded by metal elements in other bodies when the device is rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into multiple segments (first housing and second housing) that can rotate relative to each other. The antenna device is specifically positioned in the first housing away from the rotation axis, while the second housing contains corresponding metal elements. This segmentation allows the antenna to be isolated from interfering metal elements during rotation, maintaining radiation efficiency while enabling slim device design.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional dielectric injection-molded materials are used for the exterior, then manufacturing is easier, but the material cannot be used as an antenna radiator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exterior housing structure with antenna radiator functionality by using a metal bezel that serves dual purposes: as the structural exterior component and as the antenna radiator. This combination eliminates the need for separate antenna components and allows the exterior material to contribute to both mechanical strength and electromagnetic radiation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal bezel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework of the device, serves as the antenna radiator for wireless communication, and contributes to the overall aesthetic design. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Strength
If metal elements are provided in both bodies of a rotation-type device, then structural integrity is improved, but the radiation efficiency of the antenna device is degraded when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing metal elements in both housings for structural integrity, but specifically positioning the antenna device in the first housing at a location away from the rotation axis. The second housing contains metal elements in positions that do not interfere with the antenna radiation when folded. This localized positioning ensures that only necessary areas have metal elements, maintaining both strength and 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 approach ensures constant or improved radiation efficiency regardless of device rotation and prevents performance degradation, allowing for efficient antenna operation in slim electronic devices with conductive elements.
Implementation Method 1
an exterior of an electronic device can be formed of a conductive member (e.g., a metal bezel, etc.) and may be used as an antenna radiator
Implementation Method 2
specific positions of the metal bezel may be cut off by filling cut-off portions with non-conductive members made of a dielectric material to adjust the electrical length from a feeding part to the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing a second housing, a first display disposed on the first housing and a second display disposed on the second housing, a connecting member configured to couple the first housing to the second housing such that the first housing and the second housing are foldable relative to each other, and the second surface and the fourth surface face each other when the first housing and the second housing are folded toward each other, a first conductive element disposed within the first housing and between the second surface and the first display, and an intermediate conductive plate disposed within the second housing and between the fourth surface and the second display, the intermediate conductive plate having an opening that faces the first conductive element when the first housing and the second housing are in a folded configuration.