Metallic Case Antenna via Electromagnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small-size electronic devices, such as mobile communication terminals, it is challenging to secure space for antenna devices and optimize their radiation performance due to the metallic case, which can obstruct wireless communication and pose electric shock risks from leakage current.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a metallic material portion of the case as a radiation conductor, utilizing electromagnetic-field coupling between conductive patterns and a non-conductive structure to prevent leakage current and facilitate antenna optimization, allowing for efficient wireless communication while maintaining an elegant and shock-resistant design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electricity is directly fed to the metallic material portion of the case for use as a radiation conductor, then radiation performance of the antenna device is improved, but user electric shock may occur due to current leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive structure as an intermediary between the antenna pattern and the metallic case. The antenna pattern is disposed on the non-conductive structure which is in contact with or adjacent to the sidewall, allowing electromagnetic-field coupling with the metallic case without direct electrical connection. This mediator enables the metallic case to function as a radiation conductor while preventing current leakage to the user.
2Strength
If the metallic material portion of the case is used as a radiation conductor, then an elegant and shock-resistant design is maintained, but optimization of the antenna device becomes difficult due to inability to change length or shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into two independent parts: the antenna pattern (which can be optimized) and the metallic case (which maintains structural integrity). The antenna pattern is disposed on a separate non-conductive structure, allowing its length and shape to be changed for optimization without modifying the metallic case structure. This segmentation enables independent optimization of antenna performance while maintaining the case's mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the antenna pattern from a direct integration with the metallic case to a spatially separated configuration on a non-conductive structure. By disposing the antenna pattern in another dimension (on the non-conductive structure adjacent to or contact with the sidewall), the design achieves both structural integrity of the case and optimization flexibility of the antenna through electromagnetic-field coupling across the interface.
3Strength
If a metallic case is used to make the exterior elegant and guarantee shock resistance, then aesthetic and mechanical properties are improved, but wireless communication is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the metallic case (which obstructs wireless communication) into a beneficial feature by using the metallic case itself as a radiation conductor through electromagnetic-field coupling. The metallic case, which was originally an obstacle to wireless communication, is transformed into an active component that enhances radiation performance while maintaining its aesthetic and mechanical advantages.
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 enables effective wireless communication by using the metallic case as a radiation conductor, preventing user electric shock and allowing for easy optimization of the antenna device, thereby enhancing radiation efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive member of the sidewall forms electromagnetic-field coupling with the second antenna pattern, such that the first antenna pattern, the second antenna pattern, and the conductive member form a portion of an antenna device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a front cover forming a front surface, a rear cover forming a rear surface, a sidewall at least partially enclosing a space formed between the front cover and the rear cover and at least partially formed of a conductive member, a display disposed in the space and including a screen region exposed through the front cover, a non-conductive structure disposed in adjacent to the sidewall or in contact with the sidewall in the space and including a first surface facing the front cover and a second surface facing the rear cover, a first antenna pattern overlapping the non-conductive structure and fed with electricity, a second antenna pattern overlapping the non-conductive structure and disposed adjacent to the first antenna pattern to form electromagnetic-field coupling with the first antenna pattern, and an integrated circuit chip feeding electricity to the first antenna pattern.