IoT Antenna Interference Reduction via 3D Spatial Arrangement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices with multiple antennas face performance deterioration due to interference among the antennas, which affects their ability to transmit and receive location and time information effectively.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with substrates and brackets that position antennas for WiFi, GNSS/GPS, and cellular communication in a way that reduces interference by using feed points and conductive pads for capacitive coupling, minimizing overlapping areas and optimizing antenna placement to enhance signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are placed in a small-sized IoT device, then the device can support multiple communication functions (WiFi, cellular, GPS), but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference among antennas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication function supportVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions antennas in three-dimensional space with different orientations. The first antenna is disposed along a first direction, the second antenna along a second direction, and the third antenna along a third direction, where these directions are different from each other. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact device size, allowing multiple communication functions to coexist with reliable performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the antenna system into separate, independently positioned antenna elements mounted on different brackets. Each antenna (first, second, and third) is separately positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing them to function independently while minimizing mutual interference. This segmentation enables multiple communication functions without performance degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If antennas are positioned closer together to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but interference among antennas increases and radiation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with antennas oriented along different directions (first, second, and third directions) to maximize separation in available space. This dimensional approach allows compact device volume while maintaining adequate electromagnetic isolation between antennas, preserving radiation efficiency despite close proximity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of antennas rather than uniform distribution. Each antenna is specifically positioned and oriented to minimize interference with others while fitting within the compact device volume. The different directional arrangements create optimal electromagnetic isolation without requiring uniform spacing, enabling compact size with maintained radiation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 antenna performance by reducing interference, leading to enhanced radiation efficiency and VSWR in the frequency bands for GNSS/GPS and cellular communication, resulting in better location and time information transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the first surface including a first feed point connected to the communication circuit and a first connecting member connecting the first feed point and the first antenna to each other, the second surface including a second feed point connected to the communication circuit and a second connecting member connecting the second feed point and the third antenna to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10944167B2Electronic device that reduces antenna interference and enhances antenna performance
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10944167B2 patent drawing
  • US10944167B2 patent drawing
  • US10944167B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device made in a small size for IoT. An electronic device according to various embodiments includes: a housing; and a substrate disposed in the housing, in which the substrate may include: an upper feed point disposed on a top of the substrate and connecting a communication circuit and an antenna for WiFi to each other; a lower feed point disposed on a bottom of the substrate and connecting the communication circuit and an antenna for cellular communication to each other; and a conductive pad disposed on the top of the substrate to overlap the lower feed point and connected with an antenna for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and/or a Global Positioning System (GPS).