Multi-band Antenna Structure for Compact Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a multi-band antenna for mobile devices that occupies minimal inner space while supporting various wireless communication frequency bands is challenging due to the need for compactness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-band antenna structure comprising a ground plane, a grounding branch, a connection element, and two radiation branches, where open slots and specific geometries allow for dual-wideband operations, reducing component loss and system complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used to cover different frequency bands, then wireless communication coverage is improved, but device space occupation and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication coverageVSAvoidantenna space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 2500MHz). The unified antenna design integrates what would traditionally require separate antennas, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining comprehensive wireless communication coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is designed with multi-functional capability to support both mobile communication bands (2G, 3G, LTE) and wireless local area networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX) across various frequency bands. This universal design allows a single antenna structure to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated antennas.

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

2Length of stationary object

If antenna size is reduced to fit thin mobile devices, then device thickness is improved, but antenna radiation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidantenna radiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) structure that optimizes the use of the two-dimensional plane within the constrained thickness. By designing the antenna to extend horizontally rather than vertically, the solution achieves adequate radiation efficiency while maintaining the device's thin profile. The antenna structure utilizes the available planar space efficiently to compensate for the limited vertical dimension.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure is nested within the device housing, utilizing the device's external dimensions as part of the antenna's radiating structure. The ground plane and radiating elements are configured to fit within the thin device profile while extending toward the device boundaries to maximize radiation efficiency within the constrained space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional antenna designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but filter components are required increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfilter component requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna design inherently provides frequency selectivity through its resonant characteristics at different frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate filter components. The antenna structure is designed to naturally resonate at specific frequency bands (700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 2500MHz), thereby integrating the filtering function into the antenna itself and reducing overall device complexity.

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

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 solution enables efficient dual-wideband operations with high antenna efficiency, saving space and eliminating the need for filter components, thus suitable for small-size mobile communication devices.

Implementation Method 1

a multi-band antenna structure which comprises a ground plane, a grounding branch, a connection element, a first radiation branch and a second radiation branch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9774073B2Mobile device and multi-band antenna structure therein
Publication Date: 2017.09.26 HTC CORP
  • US9774073B2 patent drawing
  • US9774073B2 patent drawing
  • US9774073B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device includes a ground plane, a grounding branch, a connection element, a first radiation branch, and a second radiation branch. The grounding branch is coupled to the ground plane. A first open slot is formed and substantially surrounded by the grounding branch and the ground plane. The first radiation branch is coupled through the connection element to the grounding branch. A second open slot is formed and is substantially surrounded by the first radiation branch and the grounding branch. The second radiation branch is disposed in the second open slot and is coupled to the grounding branch. A multi-band antenna structure is formed by the grounding branch, the connection element, the first radiation branch, and the second radiation branch.