Keyboard Cutout for RF Signal Reception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with metal or similar housings are not RF transparent, causing communication modules to be blocked from incoming RF signals, which hampers the demand for both size reduction and performance enhancement in compact devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device design featuring a keyboard with a top layer of key caps, a circuit layer, and a base layer with a cutout, where an antenna is mounted on a key cap or structural member to receive external RF signals through the cutout, allowing for RF transparency and improved communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a metal or non-RF transparent housing is used to reduce device size and improve compactness, then device compactness is improved, but RF signal reception capability deteriorates due to signal blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer is segmented by introducing a cutout that divides the continuous metal structure into separate regions. This segmentation creates an opening that allows RF signals to penetrate through the housing to reach the antenna, resolving the signal blocking issue while preserving the compact metal housing design
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is modified locally by creating a cutout in the base layer rather than changing the entire housing design. This localized modification allows RF transparency at the antenna region while maintaining the non-RF transparent metal housing elsewhere, thus preserving device compactness while enabling signal reception
2Volume of moving object
If an antenna is integrated within the device housing to maintain compact size, then device compactness is improved, but signal reception capability deteriorates due to the non-RF transparent housing material
Solution Approach 1:
A cutout is extracted from the base layer to create an opening that removes the signal-blocking metal structure in the antenna region. This extraction allows RF signals to reach the antenna without being blocked by the housing, while the antenna remains integrated within the compact device form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The cutout in the base layer acts as an intermediary that mediates between the non-RF transparent metal housing and the RF signal. It provides a transmission path for RF signals through the housing structure, enabling signal reception while maintaining the integrity of the compact metal housing design
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
Enables RF signal reception in compact computing devices, enhancing communication capabilities while maintaining size and performance demands, by integrating an antenna within the device's structure to overcome signal blocking issues.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna mounted on a surface of one of the plurality of key caps that faces the circuit layer, the antenna configured to receive a signal from an external source
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to inputs for computing devices. For example, an input, such as a keyboard, may include a plurality of layers, such as a base layer. The base layer may include a cutout defined at least partially by interior edges of the base layer. An antenna may be secured to a structural member of the computing device, and the antenna may receive electromagnetic radiation through the cutout in the base layer.