Integrated Antenna and Sensor Element for Portable Wireless Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable wireless terminals face challenges in mounting necessary components in limited space without interference, affecting performance, and require larger antennas and sensor elements for optimal function, which increases size and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A metal member is used that functions both as an antenna and a sensor element, integrated with a main board to process signals and detect proximity, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing space while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antenna and sensor elements are mounted in limited space, then component functionality is achieved, but interference between elements occurs and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna element and sensor element into a single integrated structure. The antenna element includes a sensor element disposed at its center, allowing both components to share the same spatial footprint. This merging eliminates interference between separate elements while maintaining both antenna and sensor functionality within the limited space of portable terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element serves multiple functions simultaneously. The antenna element provides wireless signal transmission and reception, while the embedded sensor element detects proximity or touch input. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mounted elements, resolving the contradiction between functionality and space constraints.
2Reliability
If larger antenna and sensor elements are used for optimal function, then performance is improved, but device size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the antenna and sensor elements into a single integrated structure, the patent enables both components to share the same physical space. This eliminates the need for separate mounting areas that would increase device size, while still providing sufficient area for each element to function optimally within the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is nested at the center of the antenna element, creating a concentric arrangement. This nesting allows the sensor element to be positioned within the spatial footprint of the antenna element, maximizing space utilization and enabling both elements to achieve optimal dimensions without increasing the overall device area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elements are mounted, then component functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of antenna and sensor elements into a single component reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs associated with handling multiple separate elements, while still providing the full functionality of both antenna and sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element provides multiple functions (antenna operation and sensor detection) within a single component, reducing the need for separate manufacturing processes for multiple elements. This multi-functionality streamlines production and reduces manufacturing complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining full component functionality.
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 solution allows for reduced size and manufacturing costs while ensuring antenna and sensor performance, and decreases Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) by adjusting power supply based on proximity detection.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving a signal in at least one or more communication service bands
Implementation Method 2
has electrostatic capacitance which varies depending on a distance to an approaching conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus interworking with a metal member used both as an antenna and a sensor element in a portable terminal is disclosed. The apparatus includes the metal member, responsive to a sensed body, and for transmitting and receiving a signal in at least one or more communication service bands, and a main board having a communication module for processing a signal transmitted and received by the metal member and a sensor module for obtaining information in response to the approach of a sensed body.