Multiband Antenna Using Outer Housing and Display Ground

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization due to performance degradation of antennas caused by metal components, leading to increased thickness and cost, as metal components scatter or trap electromagnetic fields, necessitating additional spacing that compromises device design.

Innovation Solution

The use of a conductive outer part of the device as an antenna radiator and peripheral metallic components, such as a display, as a ground area to improve communication performance by tuning frequency and prevent electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal components are added to ensure spacing from the antenna, then antenna performance is maintained, but device thickness increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna radiator function with the existing outer housing structure, and integrates the ground function with peripheral metallic components like the display. This merging eliminates the need for separate metal spacing components, maintaining antenna performance while reducing device thickness and material costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection and simultaneously acts as the antenna radiator. The display and other metallic components serve both their original functions and additionally provide ground functionality for the antenna system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating dedicated spacing components.

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

2Reliability

If metal components are added to ensure spacing from the antenna, then antenna performance is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases due to addition of materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna radiator function with the outer housing and the ground function with existing metallic components like the display. This eliminates the need for additional metal spacing components, thereby reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing structural components of the device (outer housing, display, metallic frames) serve the additional function of antenna radiation and grounding. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate antenna-specific metal components, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring adequate spacing and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If spacing distance from metal is increased to prevent performance lowering, then antenna performance is maintained, but device complexity increases due to deformation and additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna radiator with the outer housing and integrates grounding with existing metallic components. This merging approach maintains adequate electromagnetic spacing without requiring additional deformation or complex structural modifications, thereby maintaining device simplicity while ensuring antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding separate metal components to create spacing from the antenna, the patent inverts the approach by making the antenna itself part of the existing metal structure. The outer housing and display serve as both structural elements and antenna components, eliminating the need for additional spacing structures and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 approach enables the implementation of a multiband antenna within a compact wearable device, enhancing communication performance while maintaining a slim design and reducing material costs by utilizing existing device components effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first conductive structure formed of at least one of the first surface of the outer housing or at least a portion of the side surface is electrically connected to the communication circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing peripheral metallic components such as a display as a ground area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3335271B1Electronic device including multiband antenna
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3335271B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335271B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335271B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an outer housing having a first conductive structure, a display adapted to expose at least a portion of the display through the first surface of the outer housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to the display, where the first conductive structure includes a first point connected to a feeder of the PCB and a second point connected to a ground part of the PCB, and where the display includes a second conductive structure electrically connected to the PCB.