Metal Case Antenna Segmentation for Wireless Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with metal cases face challenges in securing installation space for antenna devices that operate in multiple frequency bands, which affects wireless communication performance, especially in small-sized devices like mobile communication terminals.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a metal case with integrated radiation conductors, such as a frame and case members, forming inverted-F antenna structures and conductive patterns on the case surfaces to optimize antenna performance and secure space for antenna installation, allowing operation in intermediate and high frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a metal case is used to provide sophisticated look and impact resistance, then appearance quality and durability are improved, but wireless transmission and reception performance deteriorates due to metal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance qualityVSAvoidwireless transmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metal case is divided into multiple segments with non-conductive structures between them, allowing antenna patterns to be formed on these non-conductive surfaces. This segmentation breaks up the continuous metal surface that would otherwise block wireless signals, enabling both aesthetic metal appearance and functional wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-conductive structures are introduced as intermediary elements between the metal case components and the antenna patterns. These intermediaries prevent direct electrical contact between metal parts that would create signal blocking, while still allowing the metal case to provide its structural and aesthetic functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If antenna device space is increased to ensure performance in multiple frequency bands, then wireless communication capability is improved, but device size increases which is problematic for small-sized terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The metal case structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, maintains aesthetic appearance, and acts as part of the antenna system for multiple frequency bands. The same metal segments that form the case body also function as radiation conductors for different antenna patterns, eliminating the need for separate antenna components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna device is merged with the case structure itself. Instead of adding separate antenna components that would increase device volume, the case segments and non-conductive structures are designed to directly form the antenna patterns, combining structural and communication functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna patterns are integrated into the case structure, then space for antenna installation is secured and multi-band operation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band operation capabilityVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single case structure with non-conductive segments enables multiple antenna patterns to operate across different frequency bands. The same physical structure supports first, second, third, and fourth antenna patterns simultaneously, providing universal multi-band communication capability without requiring separate antenna systems for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration ensures stable wireless transmission and reception performance while maintaining a sophisticated look, enabling the device to support carrier aggregation and ultra-high-speed communication without compromising space or aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna device which forms resonant frequencies in an intermediate frequency band and a high frequency band, thus making the antenna device suitable for carrier aggregation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3062388B1Electronic device including antenna device
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3062388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3062388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3062388B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An electronic device including an antenna device is provided. The electronic device includes a case member, a frame disposed around a periphery of one surface of the case member, forming sidewalls, and an antenna device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The antenna device includes a first radiation conductor forming a first part of the frame, a second radiation conductor disposed in a vicinity of the first radiation conductor, forming a second part of the frame, a third radiation conductor provided on the case member and connected to a first power supply of the electronic device, together with the first radiation conductor, and a fourth radiation conductor provided on the case member and connected to a ground of the electronic device. At least a part of the fourth radiation conductor is disposed in a vicinity of the second radiation conductor.