Metal Frame Antenna Feed Using Elastic FPCB Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in connecting printed circuit boards to antenna radiators due to galvanic corrosion and layout restrictions when using screws, which affect radiation performance and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) is connected to a metal frame using a conductive connecting member with elasticity, allowing power feeding to the metal frame without screws, enabling signal transmission and reception across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to connect the printed circuit board to the metal frame, then mechanical connection is achieved, but galvanic corrosion occurs and layout flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive connecting member is introduced as an intermediary between the metal frame and the printed circuit board. This mediator provides mechanical connection strength while preventing direct electrical contact between dissimilar metals, thereby eliminating galvanic corrosion. The non-conductive material acts as a buffer that maintains structural integrity without creating electrochemical cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a clip-based mechanical connection system. The connecting member includes a clip that engages with the metal frame and holds the printed circuit board through mechanical interlocking without requiring threaded fasteners. This substitution maintains mechanical strength while avoiding the galvanic corrosion issues associated with metal screws.
2Strength
If screws are used to connect the printed circuit board to the metal frame, then mechanical connection is achieved, but design flexibility and layout arrangement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member incorporates flexible elements that can deform and adapt to different positions and orientations. The clip structure includes elastic portions that can bend to accommodate variations in the metal frame geometry and printed circuit board placement, enabling dynamic adjustment during assembly and providing design flexibility for different layout arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member is designed as a universal component that can be used in multiple locations and configurations within the electronic device. The standardized clip structure can accommodate different metal frame shapes and printed circuit board positions, making it a multi-functional solution that enhances layout flexibility and design adaptability across various assembly scenarios.
3Strength
If the electronic device uses metal members in the exterior, then rigidity is increased, but connection complexity increases when connecting to printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support, enables electrical isolation, and facilitates the connection between the metal frame and printed circuit board. By combining these functions into one non-conductive connecting member, the overall connection structure complexity is reduced while maintaining the rigidity provided by the metal frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive connecting member serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection interface between the metal frame and printed circuit board. Instead of requiring complex metal-to-metal fastening mechanisms, the mediator provides a straightforward clipping action that reduces connection complexity while preserving the structural benefits of the metal exterior.
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 solution ensures effective radiation performance by overcoming layout limitations and preventing galvanic corrosion, while maintaining design flexibility and rigidity in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive connecting member coupled to the FPCB, wherein the conductive connecting member may include a first portion fixed to an area of the FPCB, and a second portion having elasticity
Implementation Method 2
a second portion having elasticity, and a wireless communication circuit disposed on, directly or indirectly, the FPCB or electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the FPCB
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing comprising a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third surface surrounding the space formed by the first surface and the second surface; a metal frame forming at least one region of the housing, the metal frame comprising a groove formed at a first point; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in the inner space of the housing; a conductive connection member coupled to the FPCB, a first portion of the conductive connection member being fixed in one region of the FPCB, and a second portion of the conductive connection member having elasticity; and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB, wherein: the second portion of the conductive connection member is at least partially inserted into the groove of the metal frame; and the wireless communication circuit transmits and receives signals in a designated frequency band by supplying power to the metal frame at the first point through the FPCB and the conductive connection member.