Hinge Antenna Layout Around Thermal Spread Sheets in Foldables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing thin and light foldable electronic devices with maximized System-on-a-Chip (SoC) performance is challenging, especially when thermal solutions extend from one section to another, as the arrangement of antennas near thermal cross spread sheets can interfere with their performance.

Innovation Solution

Integrating antennas into openings or surfaces of thermal cross spread sheets, such as graphite, and using flexible printed circuit antennas with strategic positioning to minimize interference, along with dual antennas on opposing sides of supporting structures to enhance radiation coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If antennas are placed near thermal cross spread sheets for compact design, then space consumption is reduced, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the antenna from the conventional placement near thermal cross spread sheets and repositions it on the surface of the thermal cross spread sheet itself. This separation eliminates the interference between the antenna and surrounding structures while maintaining compact overall device design. The antenna is integrated into the thermal management structure rather than being placed adjacent to it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the antenna structure with the thermal cross spread sheet by placing the antenna directly on its surface. This merging allows the thermal cross spread sheet to serve dual purposes: thermal management and antenna support, thereby reducing overall space consumption while maintaining antenna performance through strategic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual antennas are placed on opposing sides of supporting structures to enhance radiation coverage, then radiation coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation coverageVSAvoidantenna arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the supporting structure universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: structural support, antenna mounting platform, and radiation enhancement element. By placing antennas on opposing sides of the same supporting structure, the system achieves enhanced radiation coverage without adding separate complex antenna support structures for each antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If thermal solutions are extended from one section to another for improved cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference with thermal cross spread sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the thermal cross spread sheet surface as an intermediary platform that mediates between the thermal management requirement and antenna performance. The antenna is placed on this intermediary surface, allowing thermal solutions to be extended across the device while the antenna maintains optimal performance through its specific positioning on the thermal cross spread sheet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Improves antenna performance by reducing space consumption and interference, while ensuring effective thermal distribution and radiation in various device configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling system... by usage of a colling system... thermal cross spread sheets can interfere with their performance... effective thermal distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4020702B1An antenna for an electronic device, an electronic device, a mobile device, a hinge structure and a method for selecting an antenna
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 INTEL CORP
  • EP4020702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020702B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4020702B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

Examples relate to concepts for antenna arrangement and particular to an antenna for an electronic device. An electronic device comprises, a case, a lid and a heat spreading structure. Further, an electronic device comprises a hinge arrangement between the case and the lid. The hinge arrangement comprises at least one hinge structure connecting the lid to the case. Further, the electronic device comprises an antenna. The antenna is arranged in an area of the hinge arrangement. The heat spreading structure extends from the case through the area of the hinge arrangement to the lid.