Housing Antenna Radiation Pattern Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The performance of NFC antennas in electronic devices is suboptimal when the upper portion of the side frame is used as the antenna, leading to spotty NFC communication due to poor radiation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing at least a part of the side frame or rear cover of the electronic device's housing made of conductive material as an antenna, allowing for improved radiation patterns on both the rear and upper surfaces, enhancing wireless communication accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the upper portion of the side frame is used as the antenna, then the antenna structure is simplified and integrated into the housing, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates leading to spotty NFC communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structure complexityVSAvoidNFC communication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple conductive portions (side frame and rear cover) that function as separate antenna elements. The side frame includes first and second conductive portions, while the rear cover includes third and fourth conductive portions, creating multiple radiation sources distributed across the device surface to improve overall antenna performance and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna function is merged with the housing structure itself. The conductive portions of the side frame and rear cover are integrated into the housing design, eliminating the need for separate antenna components while maintaining aesthetic appearance and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the upper portion of the side frame is used as the antenna, then the antenna is integrated into the housing, but the radiation pattern becomes concentrated on the uppermost portion reducing communication coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna integrationVSAvoidwireless communication coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna radiation is extended from a single upper portion location to multiple dimensions across the device surface. By distributing conductive portions across the side frame and rear cover, the radiation pattern spreads across multiple spatial zones, improving coverage area and adaptability for wireless communication in various orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration improves the radiation efficiency and accuracy of wireless communication, including NFC, by distributing the antenna function across multiple surfaces of the device housing.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the side frame or rear cover of the housing is made of a conductive material and utilized as an antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3504867B1Electronic device including antenna
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3504867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a housing antenna formed from a conductive material. At least parts of a side member and a rear cover that constitute the housing of the electronic device are used as an antenna. Accordingly, radiation patterns generated by this antenna are formed on the rear surface of the electronic device as well as at the upper portion of the electronic device. It is therefore possible to perform wireless communication with higher accuracy. Other embodiments are also possible.