Operation Knob Antenna for Shielded Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a contradiction in the demand for larger antennas for effective radio wave transmission/reception and the need to minimize the size of portable electronic devices, particularly in devices requiring electromagnetic shielding where a built-in antenna is not feasible due to the shielding of communication circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design incorporating a shielding case, a feeding loop, and an antenna element integrated into an operation knob, allowing the operation knob to function as an antenna without increasing the device's size, utilizing a conductor loop connected to the radio communication circuit and an open-loop antenna element that receives magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a built-in antenna is provided inside the shielding case, then the antenna is protected from external electromagnetic interference, but the communication circuit cannot be properly shielded and the antenna effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the interior of the shielding case and positioned on the exterior surface. This allows the shielding case to fully enclose and protect the communication circuit without compromising antenna performance, as the antenna operates in the external electromagnetic environment while the circuit remains protected inside the shielded enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
A feeding loop structure serves as an intermediary element that bridges the interior communication circuit and the exterior antenna element. The feeding loop penetrates or connects through the shielding case, enabling electromagnetic signal transmission while maintaining the integrity of the electromagnetic shield for the internal circuit.
2Reliability
If a separate antenna structure is added to the device, then the radio wave transmission/reception function is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is merged with the operation knob, which is an existing operational component of the device. By integrating the antenna function into the knob structure, the device gains full radio wave transmission and reception capability without adding separate antenna components, thus maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation knob serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user interaction element for device control and as an antenna element for radio wave transmission and reception. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated antenna space, contributing to device miniaturization while maintaining communication effectiveness.
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 radio wave transmission/reception functionality without enlarging the device, maintaining a compact size while ensuring durability and simplicity by integrating the antenna within the operation knob, which does not wear out or deform with rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The feeding loop 20 is a conductor that is disposed annularly along a prescribed plane outside the shielding case 172 and is connected to a radio communication circuit
Implementation Method 2
The shielding case 172 blocks passage of electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an electronic device having an antenna function without having to enlarge the size of the device. The electronic device includes a shielding case, a feeding loop, an operation knob, and an antenna element. The shielding case blocks passage of electromagnetic waves. The feeding loop is a conductor that is disposed annularly along a prescribed plane outside the shielding case and is connected to a radio communication circuit encompassed within the shielding case. The operation knob is configured to be rotatable around a specific axis that passes through an annular ring formed by the feeding loop. The antenna element is an open-loop conductor fixed to the operation knob.