Hinge Antenna Extending Into Front Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices, particularly wearable ones, face challenges in accommodating antennas due to form factor constraints, limited installation volume, and the need for optimal signal transmission while ensuring safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more antennas into the hinge of a computing device, allowing them to extend from the hinge into the front frame portion, thus utilizing space that would otherwise be unused for other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are integrated into the hinge of a computing device, then communication capabilities are improved and installation volume utilization is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna structure directly into the hinge assembly, merging two previously separate components (antenna and hinge) into a single integrated unit. This allows the antenna to be positioned in the hinge area without requiring additional installation space, thereby improving communication capabilities while utilizing existing structural volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves dual functions: it provides the mechanical articulation for the computing device and simultaneously houses the antenna elements. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to fulfill both mechanical and communication functions, optimizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If antennas are placed in the front frame portion of a wearable device, then signal transmission is improved, but weight distribution and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna in the hinge area, which is spatially distributed away from the front frame portion that contacts the user's head. By relocating the antenna to this different spatial dimension (the hinge joint area), the design achieves good signal transmission while separating the antenna weight from the user contact area, thereby improving weight distribution and comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for a computing device includes at least one antenna extending from a body portion of the hinge into a body portion of the computing device. When incorporated into a head mounted wearable device, the hinge couples an arm portion to a front frame portion of the device, with the at least one antenna extending into an installation area defined by the front frame portion. The at least one antenna does not occupy installation space in the arm portions, providing additional space for other electrical components of the device, and provides for modularity in coupling a variety of arm portions housing different arrangements and/or combinations of electrical components to a variety of different front frames.