Multiband Antenna Housing Using Display Ground in Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for multiple antennas for wireless communication, which increases thickness and complexity, and the performance of antennas is often compromised by the presence of metallic components.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device utilizes a conductive outer part as an antenna radiator and the display as a ground area, with a multiband antenna configuration that includes a first conductive structure on the outer housing and a second conductive structure on the display, connected through electrical paths to improve antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are provided for wireless communication functions, then communication performance is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive outer housing structure serves dual purposes: as the structural enclosure of the wearable device and as the radiator element for multiband antenna operations. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components, thereby maintaining communication performance across multiple frequency bands while preventing increase in device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the antenna radiator function with the outer housing structure by electrically connecting the communication circuit to the conductive housing. The housing itself becomes the antenna element, combining structural and communication functions into a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If sufficient spacing distance is secured from metal components, then antenna performance is maintained, but device deformation increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful effect of metal components near antennas into a beneficial feature by using the conductive outer housing itself as the antenna radiator. The metal housing, which would normally cause scattering or trapping effects, is instead utilized as the active antenna element, eliminating the need for spacing requirements and associated device deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground area structure formed by conductive components (such as the display or internal metal shields) that acts as an intermediary to manage electromagnetic field interactions. This ground area is electrically connected to the radiator through the communication circuit, creating a controlled electromagnetic environment that maintains antenna performance without requiring physical spacing from metal components.
3Reliability
If additional materials are added to prevent metal interference, then antenna performance is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing conductive outer housing, which is already part of the device structure, is repurposed to serve as the antenna radiator. This eliminates the need for additional antenna materials or components, thereby maintaining manufacturing cost efficiency while achieving multiband communication functionality.
4Reliability
If multiple antennas are provided for wireless communication functions, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure. The conductive outer housing serves as a multiband antenna system that can operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer housing structure is designed to perform multiple functions: structural enclosure, electromagnetic shielding, and multiband antenna radiation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the device, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining communication 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
This solution enables the implementation of a multiband antenna in a compact wearable device, enhancing communication performance while minimizing thickness and maintaining antenna efficiency despite the presence of metallic components.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic device that may transmit and receive signals through a multiband antenna by utilizing a conductive outer part of the electronic device as an antenna radiator
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an outer housing that comprises a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, a display adapted to expose at least a portion of the display through the first surface of the outer housing, a PCB arranged between the second surface and the display in an interior of the outer housing, a communication circuit arranged on or over the PCB, a first conductive structure formed of at least one of the first surface or at least a portion of the side surface is electrically connected to the communication circuit, and a second conductive structure formed of the portion of the display electrically connected to the first conductive structure.