Multi-Layer PCB Antenna Layout for Sports Headwear Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for sports headwear face challenges in providing reliable short-range wireless communication and satellite navigation while maintaining a compact size and ensuring antenna compatibility and power efficiency, without external infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with alternating core and prepreg material substrates and conducting layers, incorporating a short-range wireless antenna and satellite navigation antenna, along with via holes for ground planes and direct current routing, to optimize antenna performance and reduce size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a short-range wireless antenna and satellite navigation antenna are both included in a head-worn device, then wireless communication capability and positioning functionality are improved, but antenna interference and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional PCB surface to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure, stacking antenna elements across multiple PCB layers. The short-range wireless antenna is formed on the first PCB layer while the satellite navigation antenna is formed on the second PCB layer, utilizing the vertical dimension to separate antenna paths and reduce interference while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate, dedicated PCB layers - the short-range wireless antenna is segmented and formed on the first PCB layer while the satellite navigation antenna is segmented and formed on the second PCB layer. This segmentation isolates the antenna paths and reduces mutual interference between the two antenna types.
2Reliability
If antenna size is increased to improve communication range and navigation accuracy, then signal strength and positioning precision are improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking antenna elements on different PCB layers. This allows sufficient antenna area and signal strength to be achieved within a compact vertical footprint, maintaining reliable communication and positioning without increasing the device's horizontal dimensions or overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple antenna systems within a nested multi-layer PCB structure. The first and second PCB layers are nested together in a stacked configuration, allowing both antenna systems to be contained within a compact, integrated housing that fits within the head-worn device form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna systems are integrated into a compact device, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the short-range wireless antenna and satellite navigation antenna into a single integrated multi-layer PCB structure. Both antenna systems are combined within one compact housing, sharing common mounting infrastructure and reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process despite the increased internal complexity.
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
Enables reliable wireless communication up to 100 meters and accurate satellite navigation within a compact, safe, and power-efficient wearable device suitable for sports headwear.
Implementation Method 1
The PCB comprises a plurality of via holes each providing electrical connection between the conducting material layers
Implementation Method 2
The electronic components comprise an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the wearable device
Implementation Method 3
The PCB comprises a short-range wireless antenna arranged on the lower conducting layer, the short-range wireless antenna being for transmitting data indicative of the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer off-board the wearable device
Implementation Method 4
The PCB comprises a satellite navigation antenna arranged on the lower conducting layer adjacent to the short-range wireless antenna, the satellite navigation antenna being for tracking movement of the wearable device
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for sports headwear includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes alternating layers of core material substrate and prepreg material substrate. The top and bottom layers comprise core material substrate, and have multiple conducting material layers. The PCB includes electronic components on an upper conducting layer, including an accelerometer for detecting acceleration change of the wearable device. The PCB includes a short-range wireless antenna on a lower conducting layer, for transmitting data indicating acceleration change detected by the accelerometer off-board the wearable device, and a satellite navigation antenna on the lower conducting layer adjacent to the short-range wireless antenna, for tracking movement of the wearable device. The PCB includes via holes, each providing electrical connection between the conducting material layers. Multiple internal conducting layers are arranged using the via holes as ground planes for the short-range wireless antenna and the satellite navigation antenna.