Overlapping Key Button and Antenna Module Layout for Space Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna modules in electronic devices are sensitive to obstructions, such as key buttons, which interfere with signal transmission and reception, leading to degraded communication performance and limited internal space for other components.
Innovation Solution
An overlapping structure is implemented where key buttons and antenna modules are positioned to overlap, with a flexible printed circuit board and dome mechanism to ensure non-interference, allowing for reduced radiation degradation and increased mounting space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key buttons are disposed separately from the antenna module to avoid interference, then communication performance is maintained, but internal space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional overlapping structure. The key button structure overlaps with the antenna module in the vertical dimension, allowing both components to coexist in the same footprint area without interfering with each other's signal transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The key button structure is positioned within the projection area of the antenna module, creating a nested spatial relationship. The dome component of the key button structure is disposed on the flexible printed circuit board that is part of the antenna module assembly, allowing compact integration.
2Volume of moving object
If key buttons overlap with the antenna module to maximize space utilization, then internal space is optimized, but signal transmission is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board has different regional properties: the first region (with the dome) allows key button interaction, while the second region is designed with conductive patterns optimized for antenna signal transmission. This local differentiation allows overlapping placement without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board is segmented into functionally distinct regions. The first region supports the dome structure for key button operation, while the second region contains conductive patterns for antenna elements. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while coexisting in the same overlapping space.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used for key buttons, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility and space adaptation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key button structure uses a flexible printed circuit board as its base, providing both mechanical support and flexibility. The dome component provides the necessary mechanical response to key presses while the flexible substrate allows the structure to adapt to the compact overlapping arrangement with the antenna module.
Solution Approach 2:
The key button structure combines multiple materials with different properties: the flexible printed circuit board provides flexibility and electrical connectivity, while the dome component provides mechanical response. This composite structure achieves both strength and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a key button structure in the housing, and a plurality of antenna elements spaced apart from the key button structure into an inner space. The key button structure includes a flexible printed circuit board, and a dome which is pressed by at least one key button when the at least one key button moves into the inner space, and electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board. When the key button structure is vertically viewed, an antenna module may overlap a portion of the flexible printed circuit board.