Foldable Bracket Slot Antenna Layout for Hinge-Area Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enhance the coverage and radiation performance of antennas in foldable electronic devices while minimizing the constraints imposed by their transformable nature.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a foldable electronic device design that includes a first and second housing interconnected by a hinge module, with a wireless communication circuit that utilizes slots in the conductive areas of the brackets to transmit and receive signals, and a printed circuit board with specific electrical paths and terminals to manage radiation and frequency adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antennas is increased to support various communication technologies, then communication functionality is improved, but device space is reduced and electromagnetic effects with various elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the housing, acts as a ground reference for the antenna, and contains slots that function as radiating elements. This multi-functionality allows the same component to contribute to both mechanical integrity and wireless communication without requiring additional dedicated space for antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the antenna structure with the bracket assembly, merging the radiating element (slot in the bracket) with the ground reference (conductive area of the bracket). This integration eliminates the need for separate antenna components and reduces the overall space required for implementing multiple communication functions.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made slimmer to reduce size, then portability is improved, but antenna implementation space and radiation performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design transitions from a traditional planar configuration to a three-dimensional structure utilizing the bracket's vertical and lateral dimensions. The slot antenna is formed by the interaction between the conductive area and the slot in the bracket, effectively using the bracket's thickness and spatial arrangement to create a functional antenna element that performs well in a slim profile device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transformable nature of foldable devices is maintained for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but antenna design constraints and coverage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket-mounted slot antenna design allows the antenna structure to dynamically adapt to different device configurations. As the foldable device transitions between folded and unfolded states, the bracket and its integrated antenna elements move accordingly, maintaining proper orientation and spacing for effective radiation across various device states without requiring complex antenna switching mechanisms.
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 design effectively improves antenna coverage and radiation performance while accommodating the structural limitations of foldable devices, ensuring reliable communication across desired frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive a signal of a predetermined frequency band through the first slot formed in the conductive area of the first bracket
Implementation Method 2
A first slot is formed in the conductive area of the first bracket... at least a portion of the first slot overlaps the hinge cover in the unfolded state
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a first housing including a first rear cover and a first bracket, a second housing including a second rear cover and a second bracket, a hinge module rotatably interconnecting the first housing and the second housing, a hinge cover coupled to the hinge module, and a wireless communication circuit. A first slot is formed in a conductive area of the first bracket. In a direction orthogonal to the first rear cover, at least a portion of the first slot overlaps the hinge cover in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device. The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive a signal of a predetermined frequency band through the first slot formed in the conductive area of the first bracket.