Metallic Chassis Proximity Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in detecting human proximity to LTE antennas due to the inability of proximity sensors to project an adequate electromagnetic field through metallic chassis, requiring additional process steps and parts, such as machining gaps and bonding radio-frequency transparent windows.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a proximity sensor directly into the metallic chassis, using capacitive elements flush with the chassis surface and insulating materials to detect human presence without the need for extraneous windows, allowing for a single uniform metallic chassis with reduced process steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a proximity sensor is integrated directly into the metallic chassis, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the proximity sensor cannot project an adequate electromagnetic field through the metallic chassis to detect human presence
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic chassis is segmented into two functional zones: a first portion that provides structural enclosure and a second portion that serves as the proximity sensing element. This segmentation allows the chassis to simultaneously provide mechanical protection and electromagnetic field projection for proximity detection, resolving the contradiction between simplified integration and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the chassis are assigned different functional properties. The first portion maintains standard metallic characteristics for structural integrity, while the second portion is configured with specific electromagnetic properties to project adequate electromagnetic fields for proximity sensing. This local differentiation enables both simplified device structure and reliable detection functionality.
2Reliability
If gaps are machined in the chassis and radio-frequency transparent windows are bonded, then proximity detection is enabled, but additional process steps and parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The structural chassis and proximity sensing element are merged into a single integrated component. The metallic chassis itself serves dual purposes: providing mechanical enclosure and functioning as the proximity sensor. This eliminates the need for separate windows, gaps, or additional sensing components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic chassis is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and proximity sensing. By making the chassis multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated proximity sensing components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable detection capability.
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 effectively complies with FCC regulations by reducing antenna power when a human body is near, maintaining communication strength while eliminating unnecessary components and process steps.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive proximity sensing element may be supplied with a low-level voltage by the integrated circuit to generate an electro-magnetic field, and a change in capacitance of the capacitive proximity sensing element may indicate proximity of the human body
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system operating a proximity based transmitting antenna power management system comprising a processor executing machine readable executable code instructions of the proximity based transmitting antenna power management system, an integrated circuit operatively connected to a first embedded proximity sensing element, a first transmitting antenna, and the processor, the first transmitting antenna mounted upon a metal chassis enclosing the processor, and the integrated circuit, the first embedded proximity sensing element having the same material composition as the metal chassis co-located with the first transmitting antenna and lying flush with the external surface of the metal chassis in a corner of the external surface of the metal chassis, and an insulating element disposed between the metal chassis and the first embedded proximity sensing element via injection molding.