Handle Lug Parasitic Coupling for Multi-Band Antenna and EMI Grounding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ruggedized information handling systems face challenges in accommodating additional antennas for advanced wireless connectivity protocols like 5G and Wi-Fi 6E within limited chassis space, leading to potential electromagnetic interference and aesthetic issues with existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a handle lug parasitic coupling device that operates as both an electromagnetic interference protection structure and a multi-band antenna, allowing for the placement of additional antennas without increasing chassis size, by parasitically coupling WLAN or WWAN antennas to the handle lug, and using conductive tape for grounding to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional antennas are added for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, then wireless communication capability is improved, but chassis space is exceeded and electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidchassis space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle lug is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the handle, acts as an EMI shielding element, and functions as a parasitic coupling device for WLAN/WWAN antennas. This multi-functionality allows the antenna system to operate without requiring additional dedicated space within the chassis, as the handle lug structure itself becomes part of the antenna system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle lug acts as an intermediary parasitic coupling element between the feed antenna and the surrounding environment. By coupling the WLAN/WWAN antenna feed to the handle lug, the system enables extended radiation patterns and improved wireless connectivity without requiring the feed antenna to physically extend beyond the chassis boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If antennas are extended beyond chassis boundaries, then wireless signal coverage is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to plastic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless signal coverageVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is merged with the existing handle lug structure rather than being separate components. The handle lug, which is already part of the chassis assembly and typically made of metal, is integrated into the antenna system as a parasitic coupling element. This integration eliminates the need for separate plastic antenna components that would extend beyond the chassis and compromise aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If EMI protection structures are added, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle lug is designed to simultaneously provide EMI shielding and serve as a parasitic coupling element for the antenna system. This multi-functionality means that no separate EMI protection structure is required, as the handle lug itself performs both the mechanical support function and the electromagnetic shielding function, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances wireless connectivity by enabling 5G and Wi-Fi 6e communications within the same space, reduces electromagnetic interference, and maintains a streamlined aesthetic by eliminating the need for additional plastic components, while providing EMI protection for other hardware components.

Implementation Method 1

The handle lug parasitic coupling device may be operatively coupled to a handle lug used to couple a handle of the information handling system to a body or chassis of the information handling system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParasitic coupling: Parasitic Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

using conductive tape for grounding to prevent interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11513569B1System and method for using a handle lug structural element as an electromagnetic interference grounding element and an antenna radiator

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system to wirelessly transmit and receive data at an antenna may include a processor; a memory; a power management unit; a display housing containing components of the information handling system, the display housing including a handle and a handle lug to secure the handle to the display housing; a wireless adapter and an antenna to transmit data wirelessly via a WLAN antenna; and handle lug parasitic coupling device operatively coupled to the handle lug to parasitically couple the WLAN antenna to a handle lug parasitic coupling device and handle lug to create a multi-band WLAN antenna.