Metal Frame BCC Coupling via Frequency Selective Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices face challenges in efficiently supporting body-coupled-communication (BCC) due to limited space, where BCC electrodes need to share space with other components like antennas and displays, requiring innovative solutions for effective signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a metal frame that serves as a conductive coupling element for BCC signals and an antenna for radio signals, utilizing frequency selective elements and an electrode for capacitive coupling, while preventing simultaneous contact with the user's body through electrical isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated BCC electrode is provided in the device, then BCC signal coupling is improved, but the device space is consumed and conflicts with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The metal frame is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as an antenna for radio frequency signals and simultaneously serves as the BCC coupling element for body-coupled communication signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate dedicated BCC electrode, thereby saving device space while maintaining reliable BCC signal coupling capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the metal frame is used for both BCC coupling and radio antenna, then space utilization is improved, but signal interference may occur between different frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
A frequency selective element is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal frame and the communication modules. This element acts as a signal mediator that separates different frequency ranges, allowing the metal frame to handle both BCC signals and radio frequency signals simultaneously without interference. The frequency selective element directs appropriate frequency signals to the correct communication module, preventing harmful signal mixing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If frequency selective elements are added to separate signal paths, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency selective element is integrated directly into the metal frame structure, merging the antenna function, BCC coupling function, and frequency separation function into a single unified component. This integration approach reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving effective signal interference reduction through frequency-based signal path separation.
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 efficient conductive and capacitive coupling of BCC signals to the user's body, allowing stable data communication and simultaneous use as an antenna for radio signals, optimizing space utilization and signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The metal frame is operable to provide conductive coupling of the BCC signals to a body of a user of the device
Implementation Method 2
an electrode which is operable to provide capacitive coupling of the BCC signals to the body of the user
Implementation Method 3
The at least one frequency selective element provides a first signal path in a first frequency range corresponding to the BCC signals and a second signal path in a second frequency range corresponding to the radio signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device is equipped with at least one communication module. The communication module supports communication on the basis of body-coupled-communication signals. Further, the device is equipped with a metal frame. The metal frame forms a part of an outer surface of the device. The metal frame is operable to provide conductive coupling of the of body-coupled-communication signals to a body of a user of the device.