Mobile Terminal Antenna Placement in Metal Frame Depression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with metal exteriors face challenges in performing short-range communication effectively due to electromagnetic interference from metal components, and there is a need for a slim and durable design that maintains functionality.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a frame with a depressed portion for housing a short-range antenna between the frame and display panel, allowing the antenna to radiate towards the display while minimizing interference from metal components, and using a metal or synthetic resin construction for durability and slimness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal exterior is used for durability and aesthetic appeal, then strength and appearance are improved, but electromagnetic interference with short-range communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal durabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal body is divided into a metal frame and a non-metallic display panel region. The short-range antenna is positioned in the depressed portion of the frame, creating a segmented structure where the metal frame provides structural strength while the depressed portion and antenna positioning create separation between the metal and the antenna, reducing electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The depressed portion in the metal frame acts as an intermediary structure that houses the short-range antenna. This depressed portion creates a physical separation and electromagnetic isolation between the metal frame and the antenna, allowing the metal exterior to maintain its strength while the antenna can function without significant electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If components are arranged to reduce electromagnetic interference, then communication performance is improved, but terminal thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidterminal thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of separating the antenna from the metal frame in the thickness direction (which would increase terminal thickness), the invention uses the surface dimension by creating a depressed portion in the frame. This allows the antenna to be positioned within the plane of the frame structure, achieving electromagnetic isolation without increasing the overall terminal thickness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The short-range antenna is nested within the depressed portion of the metal frame, similar to a doll within a doll. This nested arrangement allows the antenna to be housed within the existing frame structure without adding external thickness, while still achieving the necessary separation from other metal components to reduce electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a depressed portion is created in the frame for antenna housing, then short-range communication is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort-range communicationVSAvoidframe manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The depressed portion in the frame can be manufactured by changing local parameters such as depth, width, and shape of the depression. These parameter changes can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes like injection molding, stamping, or CNC machining, allowing the depressed portion to be integrated into the frame manufacturing without requiring entirely new manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient short-range communication by reducing electromagnetic interference and achieving a slim, durable mobile terminal that maintains performance and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

a short range antenna disposed in the depressed portion and between the frame and the display panel and having a radiation direction toward the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3337140B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3337140B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3337140B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3337140B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal including a frame having a depressed portion; a display panel positioned on a first side of the frame facing the display panel; and a short range antenna disposed in the depressed portion and between the frame and the display panel and having a radiation direction toward the display panel.