Mobile Device Antenna With Segmented Ground Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile device antennas are negatively affected by nearby metal elements, such as metal back covers, which degrade communication quality by impacting radiation performance.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device antenna structure comprising a ground plane, a first radiation branch, and a second radiation branch, where the second branch is coupled to the ground plane and excited by the first branch through mutual coupling, with a metal back cover coupled to the ground plane via shorting pins and circuit elements like capacitors and inductors to adjust impedance matching and minimize size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a metal back cover is disposed adjacent to the antenna, then the appearance and structural integrity are improved, but the radiation performance is degraded and communication quality is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground plane as an intermediary element between the metal back cover and the antenna. This ground plane is coupled to the metal back cover through at least one opening, which acts as a mediator to isolate the electromagnetic interference from the metal back cover while maintaining the structural integrity and appearance. The ground plane with openings allows the antenna to radiate effectively without being directly adjacent to the metal back cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane is segmented by introducing at least one opening, which divides the continuous ground plane into separate regions. This segmentation allows the ground plane to maintain its electromagnetic shielding function while creating space for the antenna to operate without direct contact with the metal back cover. The openings in the ground plane enable the antenna to be positioned closer to the metal back cover without suffering from direct interference.
2Length of moving object
If the antenna is positioned closer to the metal back cover to reduce device size, then the device thickness is reduced, but the radiation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane with openings serves as an intermediary structure that enables the antenna to be positioned closer to the metal back cover without direct contact. The openings in the ground plane create electromagnetic isolation, allowing the antenna to operate effectively even when in close proximity to the metal back cover, thus reducing device thickness while maintaining radiation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane is designed with non-uniform structure by introducing openings at specific locations. This local modification creates regions of different electromagnetic properties - the areas with openings provide isolation from the metal back cover, while other areas maintain grounding functionality. This local quality change allows the antenna to be positioned closer to the metal back cover without compromising radiation performance.
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 enhances antenna efficiency, reduces power consumption, minimizes device size, and integrates well with functional modules, addressing the negative impact of metal back covers on radiation performance while supporting multi-band operations.
Implementation Method 1
the second radiation branch is excited by the first radiation branch through coupling therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the metal back cover is coupled through the shorting pins to the ground plane
Implementation Method 3
the first circuit element includes a capacitor and a first inductor
Implementation Method 4
the first circuit element includes a capacitor and a first inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device includes a ground plane, a first radiation branch, and a second radiation branch. The second radiation branch is coupled to the ground plane, and is disposed adjacent to the first radiation branch. An antenna structure is formed by the first radiation branch and the second radiation branch. The first radiation branch is fed from a signal source. The second radiation branch is excited by the first radiation branch through coupling therebetween.