Foldable NFC Antenna Structure for Wider Magnetic Field Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with NFC antennas face usability issues due to the location of the NFC antenna and the folding mechanism, making it difficult for users to perform payments smoothly.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design that includes a specific configuration of metals and ground areas within the housing, with electrical paths connecting them, to enhance NFC signal distribution and usability by aligning the metal components when folded, allowing for improved magnetic field distribution and reduced grip position limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NFC antenna is disposed on the front cover glass or rear cover glass, then the NFC function can be implemented, but the NFC antenna may be damaged due to impact or interference from metal objects
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna is nested within the display module structure, specifically disposed on the front plate of the display module. This nested configuration protects the NFC antenna from external impacts and metal interference by embedding it within the layered structure of the display module, rather than placing it on the outer surface of cover glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module serves as an intermediary protective layer between the NFC antenna and external harmful factors. The front plate and internal structure of the display module act as a mediator that shields the NFC antenna from direct exposure to impacts and metal objects while still allowing the NFC function to operate effectively.
2Reliability
If the NFC antenna is disposed on the front cover glass or rear cover glass, then the NFC function can be implemented, but the assembly process becomes complicated and additional adhesive agents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna is merged with the display module as an integrated component. By disposing the NFC antenna on the front plate of the display module, the patent combines two separate assembly steps (NFC antenna attachment and display module assembly) into one unified structure, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process and eliminating the need for additional adhesive agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The front plate of the display module serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting substrate for the display components and the integration platform for the NFC antenna. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and adhesive processes, simplifying the assembly workflow.
3Reliability
If the NFC antenna is disposed on the front cover glass or rear cover glass, then the NFC function can be implemented, but the antenna performance is affected by adjacent metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna is nested within the display module's internal structure, positioned on the front plate away from external metal components. This nested configuration creates electromagnetic isolation, protecting the NFC antenna from interference by adjacent metal parts while maintaining its operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module structure, particularly the front plate and internal spacing, acts as an intermediary barrier that isolates the NFC antenna from harmful electromagnetic interference generated by adjacent metal components. This mediator structure preserves the NFC antenna's performance by preventing direct electromagnetic coupling with interfering metal parts.
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
The configuration secures and expands the magnetic field distribution in the NFC band, enhancing the usability and user experience for NFC services by reducing the limitations of the user's hand grip position, thereby improving payment functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an NFC antenna, which may include a feed line and a ground line
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, provided is a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion interconnecting the first housing and the second housing, a first metal included in a first side that provides at least a portion of a side surface of the first housing, a second metal included in a second side that provides at least a portion of a side surface of the second housing, wherein the first metal and the second metal are aligned with and overlap each other in a folded state of the foldable electronic device, a first ground area located in the first housing and physically spaced apart from the first metal, a second ground area located in the second housing and physically spaced apart from the second metal, a wireless communication circuit accommodated in the first housing, a first electrical path electrically interconnecting the first metal and the wireless communication circuit, a second electrical path electrically interconnecting the second metal and the wireless communication circuit and disposed across the hinge portion, a third electrical path electrically interconnecting the first metal and the first ground area, a fourth electrical path electrically interconnecting the second metal and the second ground area, and a fifth electrical path electrically interconnecting the first ground area and the second ground area and disposed across the hinge portion.