Millimeter-Wave Waveguide Docking for External Antenna Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave antennas face space limitations and signal attenuation issues when integrated into devices like laptops and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter wave communication apparatus with an expansion device and waveguide connection ports that allow the antenna to be placed externally, forming a waveguide for signal transmission, thereby addressing space constraints and reducing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a millimeter-wave antenna is integrated into a laptop or tablet computer, then the device can transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals, but space limitations restrict antenna placement and signal attenuation occurs on transmission paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from integrating the antenna within the confined 3D space of the laptop/tablet to positioning it externally in a different spatial dimension. The expansion device creates an external mounting structure that extends the antenna placement to the side or rear of the device, effectively utilizing space in another dimension rather than competing for internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two separate functional modules: the main electronic device (laptop/tablet) and the expansion device with the millimeter-wave antenna. This segmentation allows the antenna to be positioned independently on the expansion device while maintaining electrical connection through the waveguide, resolving the space conflict by separating the antenna from the main device body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a millimeter-wave antenna is integrated into a laptop or tablet computer, then the device can transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals, but signal attenuation occurs on transmission paths
Solution Approach 1:
A waveguide structure serves as an intermediary component that provides a dedicated transmission path for millimeter-wave signals between the antenna on the expansion device and the communication module in the main device. This intermediary structure minimizes signal attenuation by providing a controlled transmission environment compared to alternative routing paths through the device body.
3Area of stationary object
If an expansion device is used to place the millimeter-wave antenna externally, then space limitations are avoided and signal attenuation is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides mechanical support for the antenna, includes waveguide connection ports for signal transmission, and incorporates fastening structures to secure the expansion device to the main device. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion device is designed with universal applicability - it can be attached to the side or rear of the device, supports various antenna configurations, and provides both mechanical mounting and electromagnetic signal transmission functions through its integrated waveguide structure, making it a multi-functional solution.
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
The solution enables effective placement of millimeter-wave antennas without space limitations and minimizes signal attenuation, enhancing signal transmission quality.
Implementation Method 1
the first waveguide connection port and the second waveguide connection port form a waveguide to transmit and receive the millimeter-wave signals
Data Source
AI summary
A millimeter wave communication apparatus includes: an electronic device, including a first waveguide connection port disposed on a casing of the electronic device, and a millimeter wave communication module connected to the first waveguide connection port to transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals; and an expansion device, installed on a carrier, and including a second waveguide connection port disposed on a casing of the expansion device and corresponding to a position of the first waveguide connection port of the electronic device, and at least one millimeter-wave antenna connected to the second waveguide connection port to transmit and receive the millimeter-wave signals. When the electronic device is fastened on the expansion device, the first waveguide connection port and the second waveguide connection port form a waveguide to transmit and receive the millimeter-wave signals. Therefore, attenuation of the millimeter-wave signals is avoided.