Middle Frame Border Antenna Layout for Shared Audio Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for various antenna types and frequency bands in terminals, combined with the need for a lightweight and integral design, poses a challenge in maximizing the limited space available for antenna arrangements within terminal equipment.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a border antenna within the middle frame, utilizing sound output holes to combine antenna and sound output functions, with a conductive border serving as both an antenna radiator and sound wave transmitter, and filling gaps with insulators to maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conductive border is used as a radiator of an antenna assembly, then the antenna function is added to the middle frame, but the border portion with sound holes cannot be utilized due to sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna distribution positionsVSAvoidavailable space on border
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna radiator function and sound output function into a single integrated structure. The conductive border serves dual purposes: as an antenna radiator for wireless communication and as a sound output component for audio functionality. This combination allows the border portion with sound holes to be utilized for both antenna and audio purposes simultaneously, resolving the space conflict between antenna distribution and sound hole placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The border structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an antenna radiator and a sound output component. The conductive border with integrated sound holes can perform antenna radiation functions while maintaining sound output capabilities, allowing a single structural element to fulfill multiple functions and maximize the utilization of limited border space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the audio assembly is arranged at the border portion with sound holes, then the sound output function is achieved, but the antenna arrangement space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound output functionVSAvoidantenna arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The audio assembly and antenna radiator functions are merged into the same border structure. The sound holes in the conductive border serve both as sound output openings for the audio assembly and as part of the antenna radiator structure, allowing both audio and antenna functions to coexist in the same spatial location without excluding each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If the terminal space is reduced for light and thin design, then the appearance requirements are met, but the antenna storage space is further narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight and thin appearanceVSAvoidantenna storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the two-dimensional border surface of the middle frame for antenna radiation, rather than requiring three-dimensional internal space. By making the conductive border itself the antenna radiator, the design transforms the available space from volume-based to surface-based, allowing antenna functionality to be achieved within the constrained thickness of a light and thin terminal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The border structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support for the light and thin design, sound output for audio functionality, and antenna radiation for wireless communication. This multi-functionality maximizes the utilization of limited space while maintaining the desired thin profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 increases antenna distribution positions while ensuring sound output functionality, optimizing space utilization and improving antenna performance by reducing interference from other terminal components.

Implementation Method 1

If a conductive border of the terminal 10 is used as a radiator of an antenna assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a sound output channel 122 extending from a sound output surface of the audio assembly 170 to the sound output hole 112

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4064659B1Middle frame and terminal
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4064659B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4064659B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4064659B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and relates to a middle frame and a terminal. The middle frame includes: a border antenna (110) which is provided with a sound output hole (112), a first mounting site (111) for arranging a circuit board (130) which is connected with a feed point (141) of the border antenna (110), and a second mounting site (121) for arranging an audio assembly (170) which is connected with the sound output hole (112) through a sound output channel (122), the first mounting site (111) is between the border antenna (110) and the second mounting site (121).