Movable Antenna Calibration for Wireless Signal Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer electronic devices face challenges in maintaining stable and efficient wireless data transmission due to external factors affecting signal quality, which cannot be easily improved by moving the devices themselves, especially for larger devices like smart TVs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a movable antenna system, controlled by a calibration controller, that moves within the device's housing to optimize signal strength by measuring signal strength at various positions and positioning the antenna for maximum reception during data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed internal antenna is used in the device, then the device structure is simple and compact, but the signal reception quality cannot be optimized when external factors change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable antenna system that can dynamically change its position within the device housing. The antenna is mounted on a mechanical support that can be repositioned along a guide structure, allowing the system to adapt to changing external signal conditions rather than being fixed in a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a calibration controller as an intermediary component that manages the antenna positioning system. This controller coordinates the movement of the mechanical support and antenna, measuring signal strength at different positions and determining the optimal position, thereby mediating between the fixed device structure and the need for signal optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the device itself is moved to improve signal reception, then signal quality may be improved, but this is not practical for large devices like smart TVs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoiduser operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the antenna from the main device body by mounting it on an independently movable mechanical support. This segmentation allows the antenna to be repositioned without moving the entire device, enabling signal optimization while keeping the large device stationary and maintaining user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the antenna position is adjusted to optimize signal strength, then transmission stability improves, but the adjustment process may interrupt data communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs antenna positioning calibration in advance during a calibration phase before normal data communication begins. The calibration controller moves the antenna to different positions and measures signal strength beforehand, storing the optimal position information. This preliminary action ensures that when data communication starts, the antenna is already positioned optimally, avoiding interruptions during actual data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the calibration process from the data communication process, allowing calibration to occur during initialization or idle periods while data communication continues uninterrupted during normal operation. This maintains continuous useful action by ensuring data transmission is not halted for antenna adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This solution enhances wireless data transmission quality and stability by automatically adjusting the antenna position within the device, eliminating the need for external antennas and allowing continuous operation without interrupting signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the electro mechanic drive comprises a movement guide with a spirally shaped opening and is configured to move the antenna element in two axis by rotating the mechanical support with the antenna element being placed in the spirally shaped opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral mechanism: Helix

Data Source

PatentEP3291466B1Electronic device and method
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3291466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3291466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3291466B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an electronic device (1, 21, 41) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. The device comprises a movable antenna (2, 22, 42), which is controllably movable in at least one direction (4, 5, 24), and a calibration controller (3, 23), which is configured to control in a calibration phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength (8, 28) of a received signal (7, 27) at the different positions. Further, after moving the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to the plurality of different positions the calibration controller (3, 23) is further configured to position in a data communication phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28). The present invention further provides a corresponding method.