Folded Antenna on Flexible PCB for SMA Connector Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna technologies face integration challenges and cost issues due to the use of SMA connectors, which hinder spatial deployment and are costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A flexible or bendable printed circuit board (PCB) is divided into sections with folding lines, allowing antenna elements to be folded into specific angles while maintaining a plane configuration, enabling cost-effective and accurate fabrication of surface-mounted antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SMA connectors are used for feed signal, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed transmission line and connector function are merged into a single integrated structure on the PCB. The terminal area of the antenna element directly interfaces with the feed network through conductive traces, eliminating the need for separate SMA connectors while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the radiating element and the connector interface. The terminal area is designed to directly receive feed signals from the transmission line, making the antenna structure itself universal for both radiation and connection purposes.
2Reliability
If SMA connectors are used for feed signal, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector function is combined with the antenna element structure, eliminating the need for separate SMA connector components. This integration reduces part count and assembly steps while maintaining stable electrical connections through direct PCB trace interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element structure itself provides the connection interface functionality. The terminal area is designed to directly interface with feed networks through integrated conductive paths, making the antenna self-sufficient for both radiation and connection without requiring external connector components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid PCB structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but spatial deployment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB is divided into multiple sections with folding lines, allowing the structure to be segmented for flexible spatial deployment. Each section maintains structural integrity while the folded configuration enables adaptation to different spatial arrangements and mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB structure transitions from a rigid flat state to a dynamic folded state. The folding lines enable the structure to change its spatial configuration while maintaining structural stability in each configured state, providing adaptability for different deployment scenarios.
4Reliability
If complex antenna shapes are manufactured, then antenna performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex antenna shapes and folded configurations are pre-formed during PCB manufacturing. The folding lines and section divisions are incorporated into the PCB structure before final assembly, allowing complex geometries to be achieved through standard fabrication processes rather than requiring high-precision post-manufacturing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna unit (16) comprising a flexible or bendable printed circuit board, PCB, (17), being divided into a number of sections (11), each section (11) being delimitated from another section (11) by a straight folding line (23). At least one section (11) accommodates an antenna element (10), and at least another adjacent section (11) is either accommodating an antenna element (10) having a terminal area (15) or is a terminal area (15). The antenna element is coupling to the terminal area (15) for feeding the antenna element (10), the adjacent sections (11) of the PCB being folded along the corresponding delimitating folding line (23) and being kept in or keeping a fixed position, such that the adjacent sections (11) are arranged at respective angles while each section (11) is maintaining a substantially plane configuration.