Millimeter Wave Antenna Module Layout for Space and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with multiple millimeter wave antenna modules face challenges in ensuring adequate arrangement space and suffer from noise due to the increased length of flexible printed circuit boards connecting these modules to other components.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of a housing with inclined surfaces and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that includes both flexible and rigid areas, with the antenna module positioned between a camera module and a support member, forming inclined angles to optimize space and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone includes both sub-6GHz and millimeter wave antennas, then 5G communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sub-6GHz antenna and millimeter wave antenna into a single integrated antenna module. The antenna module includes both types of antennas sharing common components such as the circuit board, housing, and mounting structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual 5G communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both sub-6GHz and millimeter wave frequency ranges, and can operate in different communication modes (e.g., connected mode and idle mode) using different frequency bands. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated antenna systems.
2Speed
If millimeter wave antenna is added for 5G communication, then communication speed is improved, but heat generation increases affecting nearby components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna module perpendicular to the display assembly, extending in the thickness direction of the smartphone. This spatial arrangement separates the heat-generating millimeter wave antenna from heat-sensitive components like the display and battery, allowing heat to dissipate in a different dimension away from sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The millimeter wave antenna is extracted as a separate, dedicated module rather than being integrated with other antenna systems. This modular approach isolates the heat-generating component, making it easier to manage thermal characteristics and prevent heat transfer to other components.
3Length of moving object
If antenna module is placed near display assembly, then device thickness is reduced, but signal transmission is blocked by the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna module to be selectively positionable relative to the display assembly. The module can be moved between a first position (when display shows content requiring signal blocking) and a second position (when signal transmission is prioritized). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between display functionality and communication reliability based on operational context.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a housing which includes a first surface, a second surface formed parallel to the first surface, and a side surface surrounding the space formed between the first and second surfaces; a printed circuit board which includes a camera module arranged to be spaced apart from the side surface; a support member on at least one surface of which the printed circuit board is disposed; a FPCB which includes a flexible area and a rigid area; and an antenna module which is electrically connected to the printed circuit board by means of the FPCB, wherein the support member includes: a first inclined area in which the antenna module is disposed and which is inclined at a first angle of inclination from one surface of the support member and is formed between the side surface and the camera module; and a FPCB support area which extends in the lengthwise direction of the FPCB and is formed to be inclined at a second angle of inclination from one surface of the support member.