Multi-band Frame Antenna With Segmented Metallic Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wideband antennas fail to meet the requirements for hand-head user mode and real human hand mode, experiencing performance degradation due to human tissue interaction and sensitivity to metal frames, which affects antenna efficiency and radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band frame antenna design with a continuous metallic frame and strategically placed feed points, surrounded by a non-conductive gap to maintain a continuous conductive path, reducing the impact of human contact and enhancing mechanical strength and antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a continuous ring of metal frame is used to provide strong mechanical structure, then mechanical strength is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to distortion of propagation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal frame is segmented into multiple discrete metal strips separated by non-conductive gaps. This segmentation maintains the mechanical strength of the frame while breaking the continuous conductive path that causes antenna performance degradation. Each metal strip acts as an independent antenna element, eliminating the distorting effect of a complete metal ring on electromagnetic wave propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive gaps are introduced as intermediary elements between metal strips. These gaps serve as mediators that prevent the formation of a continuous conductive path around the device periphery, thereby protecting antenna performance while allowing the metal frame to maintain its structural function. The gaps break the electromagnetic continuity that would otherwise distort antenna radiation patterns.
2Shape
If NCVM or artificial metal surface technology is used to make device housing metallic, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to color fading, cracks, and scratches
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using continuous NCVM coating that causes aesthetic degradation and antenna performance issues, the frame is constructed from discrete metal strips. This segmentation eliminates the need for problematic NCVM processes while maintaining the metallic aesthetic appearance through the inherent metal material, and prevents the formation of continuous conductive paths that degrade antenna performance.
3Reliability
If multiple discrete antenna segments are used to avoid continuous metal path, then antenna performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple feed points and slots
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented metal frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural mechanical strength, maintains aesthetic metallic appearance, and functions as the antenna element itself. By making the frame structure multi-functional, the design avoids the need for separate discrete antenna segments and their associated feed points and slots, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining antenna 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 design achieves improved antenna efficiency, balanced radiation patterns, and robust mechanical performance, meeting carrier requirements for MIMO and multiple frequency bands while minimizing the effects of human contact and metal interference.
Implementation Method 1
a metallic frame is an annular structure that is free of complete electrical discontinuities, slits, slots or other partitions that would prohibit an electric current from traversing an entire perimeter of the metallic frame
Implementation Method 2
A non-conductive gap is disposed between two adjacent sides of the block, and the outer perimeter of the metallic frame surrounds the outer perimeter of the block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A multi-band frame antenna to be used for LTE, MIMO, and other frequency bands. The frame antenna includes two main parts: a metallic frame (101) with no gaps or discontinuities, and a conductive block (103). The outer perimeter of the metallic frame surrounds the conductive block, and there is a gap between the metallic frame and the conductive block. The conductive block is connected to a system ground. One or more antenna feeds (301,302,303) are routed across the gap, between the metallic frame and the conductive block. One or more electrically shorted connections may also be made across the gap, between the metallic frame and the conductive block.