Foldable mmWave Antenna Hinge Structure for Radiation Performance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in disposing antenna modules without interfering with other components, leading to degraded antenna radiation performance.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module is positioned on a structure covering the hinge structure of the foldable electronic device, utilizing an accommodation groove to house the module and maintain it apart from other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the antenna module is disposed overlapping another electronic component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the antenna radiation performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical space) by creating an accommodation groove in the first structure covering the hinge structure. The antenna module is disposed within this groove, effectively moving the antenna from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the antenna to be positioned without overlapping other electronic components while maintaining compact device design.
2Reliability
If the antenna module is spaced apart from other electronic components, then the antenna radiation performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first structure covering the hinge structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the hinge structure, maintains the structural integrity of the foldable device, and simultaneously creates the accommodation groove for housing the antenna module. By making this structure multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for antenna housing, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving proper antenna spacing.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna module is disposed in limited space, then the device compactness is improved, but the antenna radiation performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is nested within the accommodation groove formed in the first structure. This nesting arrangement allows the antenna to be housed within the existing structural envelope of the device without requiring additional external space. The antenna module fits into the groove that is part of the normal device structure, achieving compact integration while maintaining the necessary spacing for optimal radiation performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing through a hinge structure to be rotatable about a first axis that faces a first direction, a first cover covering a rear surface of the first housing, a second cover covering a rear surface of the second housing, a flexible display defining a front surface of the electronic device and disposed over the first housing and the second housing, an antenna module, and at least one processor electrically connected to the flexible display and the antenna module, wherein the hinge structure is disposed in an area having a first width in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the first axis, wherein the first housing has a first structure covering the hinge structure within the first width, wherein the first structure has an accommodation groove, in which the antenna module is accommodated, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit and receive a high-frequency (millimeter wave) signal corresponding to a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction by using the antenna module.