Metal Frame Antenna Design for Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices with metal housings face challenges in designing antennas that allow electromagnetic waves to penetrate without compromising the appearance, as existing solutions often require slots or specific arrangements that affect the aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A communication device utilizing a metal frame as a common antenna by strategically arranging conductors and a printed circuit board, allowing the metal frame to function as both a front cover and an antenna, maintaining the device's appearance while enabling radio signal emission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slots are formed on the metal frame to enable antenna function, then electromagnetic wave penetration is improved, but appearance is ruined
Solution Approach 1:
A printed circuit board is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal frame and the antenna elements. The PCB is positioned at a specific distance from the metal frame, allowing electromagnetic coupling without direct contact. This mediator enables antenna functionality while preserving the intact appearance of the metal frame, as no slots or openings are required in the frame itself.
2Volume of moving object
If metal structural components are used as antenna parts, then device size is reduced, but appearance is compromised due to required slits
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure (requiring slits in the metal frame) to a three-dimensional configuration. The printed circuit board is positioned at a specific distance from the metal frame, creating a spatial separation that enables antenna functionality without compromising the frame's appearance. This dimensional approach allows the metal frame to remain intact while still serving antenna purposes through electromagnetic coupling.
3Shape
If plastic housing is used to maintain antenna radiation characteristics, then appearance and heat dissipation are improved, but strength and impact resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a composite structure combining metal and non-conductive materials. The metal frame provides structural strength, impact resistance, and aesthetic appeal, while the printed circuit board (made of non-conductive material) enables antenna functionality. This composite approach allows the metal housing to be used without compromising either mechanical properties or antenna performance, as the PCB acts as an intermediary that permits electromagnetic wave transmission while maintaining the metal frame's integrity.
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 solution allows for effective communication functions like GPS and GSM without compromising the metal frame's appearance, offering design flexibility and maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the device.
Implementation Method 1
the metal frame 12 can be utilized as a common antenna for communication functions, such as a global positioning system (GPS) function and a global system for mobile communication (GSM) function
Implementation Method 2
at least one coupling gap 56 is defined between the third conductor 42 and the fourth conductor 44
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna of a communication device includes a metal frame (12), a metal back cover (18) and a printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) includes a first circuit block (26) and a second circuit block (28) electrically connected to the first circuit block (26) . A first conductor (30) is connected between a first part (34) of the metal frame (12) and a signal terminal (38) of the first circuit block (26). A second conductor (32) is connected between a second part (36) of the metal frame (12) and a ground terminal (40) of the first circuit block (26). A third conductor (42) is connected to a third part (52) of the metal frame (12). A fourth conductor (44) is connected to a ground terminal (50) of the second circuit block (28), and at least one coupling gap (56) is defined between the third conductor (42) and the fourth conductor (44). A signal terminal (48) of the second circuit block (28) is electrically connected to a fourth part (54) of the metal frame (12).