Multi-Feed Antenna Layout Using Gap Volume in Thin Smartphones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern smartphones face challenges in integrating additional antennas due to limited space, especially for mmWave frequencies, requiring new antennas with low profiles that can be easily integrated into the device while accommodating other components.
Innovation Solution
An antenna arrangement utilizing a dielectric element with a conductive element and exciter elements, where the antenna radiator is positioned at a distance from the conductive element, allowing the gap to be used for radiating currents, and multiple exciter elements are employed to control coupling levels and reduce physical size while increasing effective volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are integrated into smartphones to support multiple frequency bands and MIMO operations, then antenna coverage and signal quality are improved, but the limited internal space and device thickness are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna radiator with the battery structure by integrating the radiator into the battery's housing or casing. This combination allows the antenna to share the space already allocated for the battery, eliminating the need for additional dedicated antenna space and thereby avoiding increased device thickness while maintaining multi-band and MIMO capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The battery housing serves dual functions: it contains the battery cells and simultaneously houses the antenna radiator. This multi-functional design allows a single structural element to perform multiple roles, reducing the overall component count and space requirements within the smartphone
2Speed
If mmWave antenna arrays are implemented in fixed modules on the main PCB, then mmWave frequency operation is achieved, but the available space for other components is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar PCB-mounted antenna arrays to a three-dimensional integration approach where the antenna radiator is embedded within the battery's vertical structure. This dimensional shift allows the antenna to utilize the thickness dimension of the battery rather than occupying valuable planar PCB real estate, thereby maintaining mmWave capabilities while preserving component placement area
3Length of moving object
If low-profile antennas are designed to reduce thickness, then device thickness is reduced, but manufacturing integration with existing structures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the antenna radiator directly into the battery housing during battery manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for separate antenna assembly steps. The radiator can be formed as part of the battery casing using existing battery manufacturing processes, thereby maintaining low profile while simplifying manufacturing and integration
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 configuration enables efficient use of existing space for multiple antennas, optimizing radiation and reducing physical size, while allowing other components to be accommodated, such as camera modules, and improving signal coverage in congested environments.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna radiator is arranged at a first surface of the dielectric element and at a distance from the conductive element such that a gap is formed between the antenna radiator and a first surface of the conductive element. The exciter elements extend at least partially through the gap and are arranged on or adjacent to the conductive element.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement comprising a dielectric element, at least one conductive element, an antenna radiator, and a plurality of exciter elements. The antenna radiator arranged at a first surface of the dielectric element and at a distance from the conductive element such that a gap is formed between the antenna radiator and a first surface of the conductive element. The exciter elements extend at least partially through a gap and are arranged on or adjacent to the conductive element. The antenna radiator may comprise a conductive material and be printed, sintered, painted, laminated, or deposited onto the first surface of the dielectric element, or molded into the dielectric element.