Foldable NFC Antenna Structure for Folded-State Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face usability issues with NFC antennas due to their location and folding characteristics, making it inconvenient to use payment services without having to hold the device or exposing it to electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design with overlapping conductive portions in the first and second housings, allowing for improved magnetic field distribution and reduced electromagnetic interference in the NFC band, enhancing usability and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the NFC antenna is located at the center of the rear surface, then the device structure is simple, but the usability for payment services deteriorates due to the need to hold the device edges
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna is segmented into two separate conductive portions located in different housings (first conductive portion in first housing, second conductive portion in second housing). This segmentation allows each antenna portion to be positioned in optimal locations for NFC communication while maintaining structural simplicity of individual housing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna configuration transitions from a single-plane center location to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement across two housings. The conductive portions are positioned at sidewalls and extend in different spatial orientations, creating multi-dimensional magnetic field distribution that improves NFC usability without complicating individual housing structures.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is folded, then portability is improved, but electromagnetic interference between NFC and non-NFC antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna functions are extracted from the main device body and distributed to separate conductive portions in different housings. This extraction isolates the NFC magnetic field generation to specific regions, reducing electromagnetic interference with other components when the device is folded.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conductive portion is locally optimized for its specific housing configuration and position. The first conductive portion is positioned in the first housing sidewall while the second conductive portion is positioned in the second housing sidewall, creating localized magnetic field zones that minimize cross-interference during folded state operation.
3Ease of operation
If conductive portions overlap in the folded state, then magnetic field distribution is improved for NFC service, but electromagnetic interference with non-NFC antennas may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed to be dynamic, with conductive portions that change their spatial relationship based on device state. In the folded state, the conductive portions overlap to create enhanced magnetic field distribution for NFC services. In the unfolded state, they are separated to minimize interference, allowing the system to adapt its electromagnetic characteristics to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna configuration alternates between overlapping and separated states corresponding to folded and unfolded device states. This periodic reconfiguration allows optimal magnetic field distribution during NFC operations (folded state) while minimizing interference during normal carrying (unfolded state).
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
Ensures seamless NFC service usability and minimizes interference between NFC and non-NFC antennas in the folded state, improving user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and/or receive a first wireless signal of a first frequency band via a first conductive portion included in the first side member. The second wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and/or receive a second wireless signal of a second frequency band via a second conductive portion included in the second side member.
Implementation Method 2
A foldable electronic device including an NFC antenna according to various embodiments of the disclosure may reduce electromagnetic interference between an NFC antenna and a non-NFC antenna in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes: a first housing including a first rear cover and a first side member comprising a side wall, a second housing including a second rear cover and a second side member comprising a side wall, a hinge portion including a hinge rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing, a first wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive a first wireless signal of a first frequency band through a first conductive portion included in the first side member, and a second wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive a second wireless signal of a second frequency band through a second conductive portion included in the second side member. The first conductive portion includes a first contact portion electrically connected to the first wireless communication circuit. The second conductive portion includes a second contact portion electrically connected to the second wireless communication circuit. In a folded state of the foldable electronic device, the first conductive portion overlaps the second conductive portion in a direction orthogonal to the first rear cover. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are not aligned with each other.