NFC Antenna Segmentation for Mobile Device Space Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recent mobile devices with integrated batteries face challenges in supporting NFC payment functions due to space constraints and limitations in arranging antennas, leading to difficulties in recognizing external credit or debit cards.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that places the antenna in an accessory attached to the mobile device, allowing for improved placement flexibility and enhanced NFC signal transmission and reception performance by using multiple coils and a matching circuit for impedance matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is arranged in the battery or battery case, then the antenna placement is flexible, but the mobile device cannot support NFC payment functions due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna placement flexibilityVSAvoidavailable space in battery/battery case
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into two separate coils: a first coil arranged in the mobile device and a second coil arranged in the accessory. This segmentation allows each coil to be independently optimized for size and performance, resolving the space constraint problem while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extends the antenna system from a single-location arrangement to a distributed arrangement across two devices (mobile device and accessory). This dimensional change in system architecture allows the antenna functionality to be distributed, overcoming the limited space in the battery compartment.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the antenna size is reduced to fit space constraints, then the antenna can be arranged in the mobile device, but the NFC signal transmission and reception performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna sizeVSAvoidNFC signal transmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is segmented into two coils that work together as a unified system. Each coil can be smaller individually, but their combined effectiveness maintains or enhances NFC signal transmission performance, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and performance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two coils are electrically connected and work in conjunction with each other, merging their effects to achieve the required NFC performance. The combination of both coils compensates for the reduced size of individual coils, maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances the mobile device's ability to support NFC modes such as P2P, reader, and card emulation, improving payment processing capabilities and recognition of external cards.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil (431) arranged in the mobile device (410) and a second coil (432) arranged in the accessory (420). The first coil (431) and the second coil (432) may be electrically connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a matching circuit for impedance matching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP3223437B1Antenna for near field communication, accessory and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3223437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223437B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3223437B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electronic device that includes a near field communication (NFC) antenna and a mobile device is provided. The NFC antenna includes a first coil and a second coil separated from the first coil. The mobile device includes the first coil. The second coil is arranged on the outside of the mobile device