Integrated Antenna Module with Proximity Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication devices, the miniaturization trend limits the space for both antenna modules and sensor pads, affecting the bandwidth range of the antenna modules due to their separate dispositions.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module integrating a proximity sensing function with a communication function is designed, featuring a first radiating element on a base plate and a second radiating element grounded through a proximity sensor, allowing capacitive coupling and induction signal sensing, thus reducing spatial requirements and optimizing bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the sensor pad is disposed separately from the antenna module, then the proximity sensing function is achieved, but the antenna module's bandwidth range is affected due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing functionVSAvoidbandwidth range of antenna module

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor pad and antenna module into a single integrated structure where the sensor pad serves dual purposes: as a proximity sensing element and as part of the antenna system. The sensor pad is electrically connected to both the proximity sensor and the antenna feed point, allowing it to function as both a sensing element and a radiating element, thereby eliminating the need for separate disposition and expanding the antenna's bandwidth range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the sensor pad and antenna module are disposed separately, then the proximity sensing function is achieved, but the available space for component disposition is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing functionVSAvoiddisposition area of antenna module

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor pad is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a proximity sensing element for detecting human body approach, serves as a radiating element for wireless communication, and provides grounding through its connection to the antenna module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for sensing and antenna operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second radiating element is electrically connected to the proximity sensor, then the proximity sensing function is integrated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of proximity sensing functionVSAvoidelectrical connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor pad's electrical connections to serve dual purposes: one connection path leads to the proximity sensor for sensing operations, while another connection path leads to the antenna feed point for communication operations. This merged connection structure eliminates the need for separate wiring for sensing and antenna functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the integrated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration enables efficient use of space by allowing the antenna module to cover a broader bandwidth range (700-2700 MHz) while sensing proximity, reducing radiation impact on human bodies by adjusting radiation power based on sensed signals.

Implementation Method 1

A part of the second radiating element and the first radiating element are separated by a distance which is less than a specific distance, such that the first radiating element excites the second radiating element, via capacitive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the proximity sensor senses an induction signal when a conductive object approaches the second radiating element. The induction signal is generated by the sensing of capacitance between the second radiating element and the conductive object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9929467B2Antenna module and mobile communication device having the same

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 PEGATRON

AI summary

An antenna module is disclosed. The antenna module is applied to a mobile communication device and includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element. The first radiating element is disposed on a base board inside the mobile communication device, and one point of the first radiating element is a feed point of the antenna module. The second radiating element is disposed on the base board and is grounded by connecting to a P-sensor inside the mobile communication device. There is a gap between one part of the second radiating element and the first radiating element.