NFC Antenna in Speaker Compartment for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile wireless communication devices, the integration of NFC antennas with other components often leads to interference, reducing operational efficiency due to size constraints and proximity of other components.

Innovation Solution

The NFC antenna is positioned within a speaker compartment and coupled to NFC transceiver circuitry, utilizing a plurality of wire loops around the speaker to enhance inductive performance, with a magnetic portion cooperating to improve range and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the NFC antenna is placed in a compact mobile device, then the device size is reduced, but interference from nearby components increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinterference from nearby components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC antenna is merged with the speaker assembly by positioning the antenna within the speaker compartment and utilizing the speaker frame as part of the antenna structure. This integration allows the NFC functionality to be embedded within an existing component space, reducing overall device volume while the speaker compartment's magnetic environment naturally shields the antenna from external interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker compartment acts as an intermediary shielding structure between the NFC antenna and external interference sources. The magnetic portion of the speaker assembly serves as a mediator that contains and directs magnetic field lines, creating a controlled electromagnetic environment that protects the NFC antenna from interference while maintaining compact device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the NFC antenna operates in a compact space with other components, then device packaging is improved, but operational efficiency of the NFC antenna is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepackagingVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC antenna circuitry is combined with the speaker assembly structure, where the speaker frame serves as the antenna support and routing structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna housing and mounting components, simplifying manufacturing and packaging while maintaining operational efficiency through optimized magnetic field containment within the speaker compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a typical NFC antenna relies on magnetic induction, then short-range communication is enabled, but interference from nearby components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless communication capabilityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field, which could potentially cause interference, is converted into a beneficial shielding mechanism. The magnetic portion of the speaker assembly contains and directs magnetic field lines, creating a controlled environment that protects the NFC antenna from external interference while maintaining the magnetic induction necessary for contactless communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 allows for an operational range of over 20mm, effectively minimizing interference and enhancing NFC performance in compact device designs.

Implementation Method 1

NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an antenna feed or radiating circuit such as an RFID or NFID circuit coupled to the voice coil for at least radiating or receiving an electromagnetic signal via the voice coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2579554B1Electronic device having an NFC antenna in a speaker compartment and related methods
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2579554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2579554B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2579554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device may include a housing including a speaker compartment, processing circuitry within the housing, and wireless transceiver circuitry within the housing and coupled to the processing circuitry. The electronic device may also include NFC transceiver circuitry within the housing and coupled to the processing circuitry, a speaker in the speaker compartment and coupled to the processing circuitry, and an NFC antenna positioned within the speaker compartment and coupled to the NFC transceiver circuitry.