Movable Antenna Module Layout for SIM Tray Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The compact design of 5G mobile terminals faces challenges due to the insufficient space for antennas, particularly with the need to accommodate millimeter wave and Sub 6 GHz antennas alongside SIM card slots, leading to a tight layout that complicates user access to SIM cards.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal assembly with a first antenna module that can be switched between two positions, allowing it to be relocated between the card holder assembly and the SIM card slot, enabling the card holder to extend outside the housing when necessary, thus alleviating space constraints and facilitating user access to SIM cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the antenna module is fixed in position to ensure stable signal reception, then antenna performance is maintained, but the card holder assembly cannot extend outside the housing for user access

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser access to SIM cardVSAvoidAntenna signal reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna module is designed to be movable between a first position (inside the housing) and a second position (outside the housing), allowing it to dynamically change position based on operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the antenna to be repositioned when card access is required while maintaining its functional position for signal reception during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna module can be nested within the housing structure when not in use, and deployed outward when needed. This nesting approach allows the antenna to occupy minimal space during normal operation while providing full external access when required, resolving the space conflict between antenna placement and card holder extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the card holder assembly is extended outside the housing for easy SIM card access, then user convenience is improved, but the antenna module loses space for proper signal reception

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card insertion and removalVSAvoidAntenna space inside housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic repositioning of the antenna module to accommodate the card holder extension. When the card holder needs to extend outside the housing, the antenna module automatically moves to a different position, ensuring that both functions can coexist without permanent spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna module moves along the longitudinal axis of the housing, transitioning from an internal position to an external position. This dimensional movement allows the antenna to occupy the space needed for card access when required, while maintaining its own operational space at other times.

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

3Reliability

If multiple antenna positions are provided for 5G and other frequency antennas, then antenna performance across frequencies is improved, but the internal space of the terminal becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMulti-frequency antenna performanceVSAvoidInternal space for antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable antenna module serves multiple functions: it acts as a 5G antenna when positioned inside the housing, and can be deployed outside to serve as a Sub 6 GHz antenna or to accommodate card holder extension. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated spaces for different frequency antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By making the antenna module dynamically repositionable, the system can allocate space flexibly based on which frequency band is currently in use. The antenna moves to optimize its position for the active frequency band, allowing efficient use of limited internal space while maintaining support for multiple frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4142301B1Mobile terminal assembly and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ZTE CORP
  • EP4142301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142301B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4142301B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A mobile terminal assembly and a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal assembly comprises a housing (100), a holder assembly (200) and a first antenna module (300). The housing (100) is provided with a clamping slot (110); the card holder assembly (200) is located at the clamping slot (110) and is provided to carry a memory (600); and the first antenna module (300) is mounted in the housing (100). The first antenna module (300) can be switched between a first position and a second position under the action of an external force; when the first antenna module (300) is located at the first position, the holder assembly (200) is located in the housing (100), and the first antenna module (300) is located between the holder assembly (200) and the clamping slot (110); and when the first antenna module (300) is located at the second position, at least part of the holder assembly (200) passes through the clamping slot (110) to extend out of the housing (100), facilitating an operation of picking/placing the memory (600).