Metal Shell Antenna with Segmented Slots for WWAN Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas cannot function effectively within electronic devices with full metal shells due to signal shielding, and they fail to cover WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a radiating surface formed by the back and side metal shell parts with variant T-shaped and L-shaped slots, along with dielectric sheets and L-shaped feeders, which segment the metal shell into resonance branches to cover various frequency bands without being shielded, ensuring the antenna's functionality and appearance integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional antenna is used in an electronic device with a full metal shell, then the device structure is simple and aesthetically pleasing, but the antenna signal is shielded and the antenna cannot work normally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metal shell by forming slots (T-shaped slots and L-shaped slots) in the back metal shell part and side metal shell part. These slots divide the continuous metal shell into segments, creating pathways for electromagnetic waves to pass through, thereby reducing signal shielding while maintaining the overall metal shell structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric sheet as an intermediary element disposed on the front surface of the back metal shell part. The dielectric sheet with specific permittivity and thickness controls the resonance characteristics of the antenna system, enabling the metal shell itself to function as the radiating surface while achieving WWAN band coverage
2Reliability
If slots are formed in the metal shell to enable antenna function, then signal shielding is reduced, but the appearance of the electronic device is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning and designing the slots only in specific regions of the metal shell (back metal shell part and side metal shell part) rather than throughout the entire structure. The slots are configured with specific dimensions and orientations to achieve antenna functionality while minimizing visual impact on the overall device appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric slot designs including both T-shaped slots and L-shaped slots with different orientations and dimensions. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the antenna performance for WWAN band coverage while the slots are positioned and shaped to be less visually prominent from the exterior view
3Adaptability or versatility
If the metal shell is used as the radiating surface, then the antenna can cover WWAN frequencies, but the antenna structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural components of the electronic device (metal shell) with the antenna functional components. The back metal shell part and side metal shell part serve dual purposes: providing structural protection and housing while simultaneously acting as the radiating surface for WWAN frequency coverage, thereby reducing the need for separate antenna elements
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, aesthetic housing, and antenna radiation element. By configuring the metal shell with specific slot patterns and using it as the radiating surface, the same component achieves both protective and communication functions, simplifying the overall antenna system architecture
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 the antenna to cover WWAN frequencies and other bands while maintaining the device's appearance, providing a practical and effective antenna solution for electronic devices with metal shells.
Implementation Method 1
all the slots of the first antenna segments the metal shell into resonance branches, parasitic elements and resonant slots, which are used to cover the variety of electrical lengths of the bands
Implementation Method 2
a first dielectric sheet disposed on a front surface of the back metal shell part
Data Source
AI summary
An electric device includes a metal shell having a back metal shell part and a first side metal shell part, and a first antenna which includes: a first radiating surface formed by the back metal shell part and the first side metal shell part and having a variant T-shaped group of slots and a first L-shaped slot, a part of the variant T-shaped group of slots being formed in the back metal shell part, and the other part thereof being formed in the first side metal shell part, the first L-shaped slot being formed in the first side metal shell part; a first dielectric sheet disposed on a front surface of the back metal shell part; and a first L-shaped feeder disposed on a front surface of the first dielectric sheet.