Insert-Molded Antenna Case Structure for Waterproof Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of antennas with electronic devices leads to gaps during assembly, which can allow fluid ingress, necessitating additional waterproofing members, reducing antenna area and increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
An antenna with stepped portions and engagement structures is integrated with the case through insert injection molding, preventing fluid ingress and allowing miniaturization by eliminating the need for additional waterproofing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an antenna and case are fabricated separately and then coupled, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but gaps are generated during coupling that allow fluid ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and case are merged into a single integrated component through insert injection molding. The antenna is inserted into the mold cavity, and the case material is injected to form a unified structure, eliminating the interface gap that would otherwise allow fluid ingress while maintaining separate fabrication processes for the antenna pattern and case structure
2Reliability
If additional waterproofing members are added to prevent fluid ingress, then waterproof performance is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is merged into the case structure itself through the integrated antenna-case design. The case material forms a continuous barrier that seals around the antenna, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing members like gaskets or membranes that would increase device volume
3Reliability
If additional waterproofing members are added to prevent fluid ingress, then waterproof performance is improved, but antenna area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna pattern is directly integrated into the case structure, allowing the antenna to utilize the full available surface area of the case. The insert injection molding process enables the antenna to be formed within the case material without requiring separate waterproofing members that would encroach on the antenna pattern area
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 waterproof performance and miniaturization by blocking fluid paths between components, while improving Bluetooth and touch functionality by utilizing assembly space for antenna area.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may be integrated with a case through insert injection molding
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an antenna disposed inside the electronic device, and a case which forms at least a part of the outer appearance of the electronic device and which is integrally formed with the antenna through insert injection, wherein the antenna includes at least one stepped portion protruding in a direction toward the inside of the electronic device to form a step, and at least one surface of the stepped portion includes at least one engagement structure formed to face a direction different from the direction in which the case is open.