Perpendicular Antenna Configuration for Mobile Device Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile computing devices face challenges in implementing multiple antennas due to antenna coupling, which leads to performance degradation and increased size, cost, and power consumption, especially in smaller devices where limited space restricts effective isolation of antennas.
Innovation Solution
A multiple antenna system with a Planar Inverted F Antenna (PIFA) configuration, where the first antenna is in a horizontal plane and the second antenna is perpendicular to it, coupled to a printed circuit board acting as a ground plane, minimizing antenna coupling without additional RF components and allowing simultaneous operation across various wireless networks and frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas are placed close together to save space, then device size is reduced, but antenna coupling increases causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions antennas in different spatial dimensions - specifically using a vertical arrangement where antennas are separated along the height dimension rather than requiring lateral separation. This allows compact horizontal footprint while maintaining adequate isolation distance vertically, resolving the contradiction between small device size and antenna performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric antenna positioning and orientation, with antennas arranged at different heights and potentially different angles, rather than symmetric placement. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the isolation between antennas while minimizing the overall device volume, addressing the space versus performance trade-off.
2Device complexity
If a single antenna is used to service multiple wireless networks and frequency bands, then device complexity is reduced, but performance in each network deteriorates and simultaneous operation is prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple separate antenna elements, each potentially optimized for specific frequency bands or wireless networks. This segmentation allows each antenna to specialize in certain functions while maintaining overall system simplicity, improving performance without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-antenna system where each antenna can serve multiple wireless networks and frequency bands simultaneously. This universal capability allows the system to maintain simplicity while achieving superior performance across different networks, and enables simultaneous operation on multiple bands through spatial diversity.
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 enables efficient and compact multiple antenna systems that reduce antenna coupling, improve gain, and minimize additional circuitry requirements, supporting multiple wireless networks and frequency bands while maintaining device size and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The first antenna feed contact may be used to energize the first antenna with radio signals such that radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation signals may be transmitted
Implementation Method 2
The second antenna feed contact may be used to energize the second antenna with radio signals such that RF electromagnetic radiation signals may be transmitted
Implementation Method 3
A printed circuit board may be formed in a first horizontal plane and may act as a ground plane for each antenna that forms the multiple antenna system
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple antenna module suitable for use in small sized mobile computing devices includes at least a first antenna extending beyond a lateral edge of and coplanar with a printed circuit board assembly and connected to the printed circuit board assembly via a first antenna ground contact and a first antenna feed contact. The multiple antenna module also includes a second antenna located proximate to the first antenna and configured in a plane perpendicular to the plane continuing the first antenna and the printed circuit board. The second antenna is connected to the printed circuit board assembly via a second antenna ground contact and a second antenna feed contact in which the second antenna ground contact and second antenna feed contact are connect to the printed circuit between the first antenna ground contact and the first antenna feed contact.