Keyboard Circuit Board Antenna Integration for Compact Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile wireless communications devices face challenges in reducing the size and complexity of internal antennas while maintaining low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values and minimizing radiation exposure to the user, as well as integrating antenna subassemblies efficiently with keyboard circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A mobile wireless communications device design that incorporates an antenna section as part of the keyboard circuit board, positioned at the lower portion of the housing, with a pattern of conductive traces forming an antenna circuit connected to the main circuit board, allowing for self-aligning and self-connecting subassemblies, and utilizing a flex circuit for the keyboard section to reduce complexity and increase distance between the antenna and the user's head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna is positioned closer to the user's head to reduce device size, then the device footprint is reduced, but the radiation exposure (SAR) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna at the lower portion of the device rather than near the top, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize distance from the user's head. This spatial reconfiguration in three-dimensional space allows the antenna to be integrated into a compact device while maintaining low SAR values by exploiting the Z-axis separation between the antenna and the user's head during typical holding positions
2Reliability
If separate antenna and keyboard circuit boards are used, then antenna performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna circuit directly onto the keyboard circuit board by incorporating conductive traces into the PCB layout. This merging of functions allows the antenna to share the same substrate and assembly process as the keyboard circuitry, reducing the number of separate subassemblies while maintaining antenna performance through proper trace design and positioning
3Volume of moving object
If internal antennas are used instead of external antennas, then device footprint is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is integrated directly into the keyboard circuit board PCB through incorporated conductive traces, eliminating the need for separate antenna components or complex assembly processes. This approach simplifies manufacturing by using standard PCB fabrication techniques rather than requiring separate antenna assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the PCB substrate itself as the antenna medium, changing the form factor from discrete antenna components to integrated circuit board traces. This parameter change allows the antenna function to be achieved through standard PCB materials and manufacturing processes, simplifying production while maintaining compact device dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and main circuit board carried by the housing and having circuitry thereon. A keyboard circuit board is carried by the lower portion of the housing and has a keyboard section and keyboard circuitry thereon connected to circuitry on the main circuit board. An antenna section on the keyboard circuit board is configured as an antenna and positioned at the lower portion of the housing and has a pattern of conductive traces forming an antenna circuit and connected to the circuitry on the main circuit board. The keyboard circuit board preferably comprises a flex circuit.