mmWave Patch Antenna Layout Across Lateral Housing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving 5G mmWave signals due to the fixed structure and arrangement of antenna modules, which affects signal directionality and performance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates multiple antenna modules mounted on various surfaces, including top and lateral surfaces, with adjustable placement modes and a light-emission element to indicate operation states, allowing for improved signal transmission and reception in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed antenna module structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the signal transmission performance in various directions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna modules, each capable of being positioned separately. This segmentation allows the signal transmission performance to be improved by having multiple radiation sources while keeping each individual module's structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna modules are integrated within the housing structure, with some antennas nested inside the housing and others positioned on external surfaces. This nesting approach allows the antenna system to achieve complex spatial distribution for improved multi-directional performance while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna modules are positioned at fixed locations, then the mounting process is simple, but the adaptability to different communication directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different antenna modules are positioned at specific locations on the housing (top surface, lateral surfaces, internal positions) to optimize signal transmission in different directions. Each location is strategically chosen to provide coverage for specific communication scenarios, achieving local optimization of signal directionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system utilizes three-dimensional spatial distribution by placing antennas on multiple surfaces (top, lateral, internal) of the housing. This multi-dimensional arrangement enhances adaptability to different communication directions without significantly complicating the mounting process, as each position follows a predetermined design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna modules are added, then the multi-directional communication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna modules are integrated into a unified antenna system within the housing structure. The modules work together as a coordinated system, sharing common control and signal processing resources, which achieves multi-directional communication capability while managing overall system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna modules are designed to perform multiple functions - they can operate independently for directional communication and work in combination for omnidirectional coverage. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple communication scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure concerns an electronic device comprising a first and a second non-conductive covers, a conductive frame, and antenna module, and a non-conducive portion. The first non-conductive cover includes a first planar portion defining a first surface of the electronic device. The second non-conductive cover includes a second planar portion defining a second surface of the electronic device opposite the first surface, and a curved portion defining a first portion of a lateral surface of the electronic device between at least the first surface and the second surface. The conductive frame includes metal materials and defines a second portion of the lateral surface of the electronic device. The antenna module includes a patch antenna configured to transmit signals through at least part of the first portion of the lateral surface of the electronic device. The non-conductive portion, as viewed cross-sectionally, is disposed at least partially between at least the lateral surface and at least part of a radiating surface of the patch antenna facing the lateral surface. An air gap is provided between at least the radiating surface and the non-conductive portion. The antenna module is disposed between at least the first non-conductive cover and the second non-conductive cover such that the radiating surface faces at least the lateral surface. When viewed from the lateral surface, at least half of the radiating surface overlaps with the first portion of the lateral surface and a remaining portion of the radiating surface overlaps with the second portion of the lateral surface.