Portable Device Antenna With Hinge Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna designs in portable electronic devices face challenges with high manufacturing costs and complex processes due to the need for metal processing molds, and signal interference from metal components, which affects the device's appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a radiation structure comprising two metal layers and a slot between them, where the metal layers are disposed on the casings and connected via a hinge, allowing for electromagnetic wave emission without the need for a metal shell slot, simplifying the fabrication process and maintaining an all-metal outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional embedded antenna with metal processing mold is used, then the antenna can be manufactured, but the manufacturing cost increases and the production time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into two separate metal layers (first metal layer on first casing, second metal layer on second casing) connected through the hinge, eliminating the need for a single complex metal processing mold. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured independently using simpler processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure transitions from a conventional planar embedded antenna to a three-dimensional structure spanning across two casings connected by a hinge. The slot is formed between the two metal layers in the vertical dimension, enabling radiation without requiring a slot in the external metal shell surface.
2Reliability
If a slot is formed in the metal shell to prevent signal shielding, then the antenna radiation is improved, but the device appearance is affected and the metal shell structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna radiation function is extracted from the external metal shell surface and relocated to an internal structure formed by two metal layers on separate casings. The slot is positioned between these layers rather than being cut into the external shell, allowing the metal shell to maintain its continuous surface for aesthetic purposes while the internal slot enables electromagnetic radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary structure that electrically connects the two metal layers while physically separating the antenna radiation mechanism from the external metal shell. This allows the shell to remain intact for appearance purposes while the intermediary hinge-region structure enables the necessary slot for radiation.
3Device complexity
If metal components surround the antenna, then the device structure is simplified, but the antenna signal is interfered or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure utilizes the dynamic hinge connection between two casings, where the metal layers are disposed on movable parts. The hinge allows relative movement between casings while maintaining electrical connection, creating a dynamic antenna structure that radiates from the hinge region rather than being statically embedded in a single casing surrounded by blocking metal components.
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 design simplifies the antenna fabrication process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the device's appearance by eliminating the need for a metal shell slot, while maintaining effective electromagnetic wave transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation circuit is disposed in the first casing, and comprising an electromagnetic wave emitting portion configured to emit an electromagnetic wave towards the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device comprises a main body and an antenna. The main body comprises a first casing, a second casing and a hinge, with the hinge connecting the first casing and the second casing so as to allow the first casing to be flipped relatively to the second casing. The antenna comprises a radiation structure and an excitation circuit. The radiation structure comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer, with the first metal layer disposed at the first casing, the second metal layer disposed at the second casing, and a slot formed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The excitation circuit is disposed in the first casing, and comprising an electromagnetic wave emitting portion configured to emit an electromagnetic wave towards the slot.