Liquid Metal Antenna for Dynamic Radiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of smartphones faces challenges in optimizing antenna performance due to limited space, as multiple antennae are required for various functions like multiband networks, Bluetooth, GPS, and WIFI, which compromises radiation performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system using a base plate with M*N microcell units filled with liquid metal, controlled by a controlling apparatus and driving apparatus, which adjusts the liquid metal's flow to form specific antenna shapes based on user-selected modes, optimizing space allocation for improved radiation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed antennae are provided for different functions (multiband, Bluetooth, GPS, WIFI), then the device supports more terminal application components, but the antenna space for each function is limited and radiation performance cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna system where a single antenna structure can perform multiple functions (multiband communication, Bluetooth, GPS, WIFI) by dynamically reconfiguring its electrical characteristics through variable capacitance and inductance elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate fixed antennae
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of antenna parameters by controlling variable capacitance and inductance elements to adjust resonance frequencies and impedance matching in real-time, allowing the antenna to adapt to different terminal application component requirements and optimize radiation performance for each function
2Reliability
If antenna space is increased to improve radiation performance, then radiation performance is improved, but the device becomes larger and less convenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multiple antenna functions within a compact single structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennae that would increase device volume, while maintaining optimized radiation performance through dynamic parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (capacitance, inductance, resonance frequency) of the antenna structure to achieve different functional modes without physical expansion, allowing the same compact space to serve multiple purposes with optimized performance for each function
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
The system enhances radiation performance by dynamically allocating antenna space according to user needs, improving user experience by ensuring optimal antenna performance for each function, even in constrained smartphone spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the driving apparatus drives, according to the control signal sent by the controlling apparatus, the liquid metal in the microcell units to flow in the microcell units
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric brake keeps the liquid metal in the corresponding microcell unit according to the control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an antenna, a method for controlling an antenna and a mobile terminal. The antenna includes: a base plate, controlling apparatus, and driving apparatus, wherein M*N microcell units are provided in the base plate, each of the microcell units is in communication with neighboring microcell units, and liquid metal is provided in the multiple microcell units. The driving apparatus is connected with a controller and the base plate respectively, wherein the controlling apparatus generates a control signal according to one of the pre-stored control matrixes, and sends the control signal to the driving apparatus. Elements of the control matrix correspond to the microcell units in the base plate in a one-to-one manner, so as to control whether the liquid metal is kept in the corresponding microcell units. The driving apparatus drives, according to the control signal sent by the controlling apparatus, the liquid metal in the microcell units to flow in the microcell units. A metal body formed by the liquid metal serves as an antenna of a terminal application component. The disclosure improves the radiation performance of the antenna.