Grip Sensor Antenna Grounding via Varistor Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with metal rear housings used as antenna radiators face decreased signal transmission and reception rates, as well as reduced antenna isolation, when a grip sensor is integrated, due to the lack of ground connection.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that electrically connects a portion of the metal housing used as an antenna radiator to a ground region using an electronic circuit, incorporating a printed circuit board, wireless communication circuit, grip sensor circuit, and a connection member with a varistor to improve signal transmission and antenna isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grip sensor is integrated into the electronic device, then user interaction capability is improved, but ground connection for antenna radiator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating material as an intermediary between the first conductive region (antenna radiator) and the second conductive region (ground). This intermediary maintains electrical isolation necessary for grip sensor functionality while still allowing the second conductive region to establish a stable ground connection through the connection member, thus preserving both user interaction capability and antenna ground connection.
2Device complexity
If metal housing portions are used for both antenna radiation and ground connection, then device structure is simplified, but signal transmission rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different functional properties to different portions of the metal housing. The first conductive region is optimized for antenna radiation with appropriate electrical characteristics, while the second conductive region is optimized for ground connection. The insulating material locally separates these regions, ensuring that each area performs its specific function optimally, thereby maintaining high signal transmission rates while using the metal housing for both purposes.
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
Enhances the rate of signal transmission and reception, and improves antenna isolation by ensuring a stable ground connection for the antenna radiator, thereby maintaining performance even with integrated grip sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the connection member includes a varistor interposed between the first metal pad and the second metal pad
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance of the electronic device may change. The grip sensor may sense whether the user approaches the electronic device or touches the electronic device, based on the variation in capacitance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a housing that includes a cover glass that exposes a portion of a display, and a rear housing. The rear housing includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region physically spaced from the first conductive region, and an insulating material interposed between the first conductive and the second conductive regions. The housing also includes a printed circuit board, a wireless communication circuit, a grip sensor circuit, and a connection member. The wireless communication circuit and the grip sensor circuit are electrically connected with the first conductive region. The connection member is interposed between the printed circuit board and the rear housing and electrically connects the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The wireless communication circuit is configured to feed the first conductive region; and transmit or receive a signal in a frequency band based on an electrical path.