Reconfigurable Sub-Coil Antenna for Multi-Function Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies face challenges in mounting coil antennas on electronic devices due to the requirement of separate antennas for different functions, leading to increased space and aesthetic issues, as well as contact errors and reduced manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An antenna device with contact terminals and sub-coil antennas, along with a switch that selectively connects these sub-coil antennas to minimize the number of contact terminals and mounting space, allowing for reconfiguration based on specific functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate coil antennas are mounted for different functions (NFC, wireless charging, MST), then each function can be implemented, but the number of contact terminals increases and mounting space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidnumber of contact terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single coil antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions (NFC, wireless charging, MST) by reconfiguring the connection of sub-coil antennas through a switch. The same physical antenna components serve different communication functions by changing the active loop configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system uses a switch to dynamically reconfigure which sub-coil antennas are connected to form different antenna loops based on the required function. The connection state of the switch changes according to the operating mode (NFC, wireless charging, MST), allowing the same hardware to adapt to different functional requirements without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate coil antennas are mounted for different functions, then each function can be implemented, but mounting space is reduced and aesthetic problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coil antenna structures are merged into a single integrated antenna assembly. The sub-coil antennas (first, second, third sub-coil antennas) are positioned adjacent to each other and can be combined to form different antenna loops, reducing the total mounting area compared to having separate dedicated antennas for each function while maintaining all required functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contact terminals are used for different coil antennas, then different functions can be supported, but contact errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcontact error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The same contact terminals are used for multiple functions by reconfiguring the switch connections. The first and second contact terminals serve all communication modes (NFC, wireless charging, MST) by dynamically changing which sub-coil antennas are activated, reducing the total number of contact terminals required and minimizing potential contact error points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces the number of contact terminals and mounting space, addresses aesthetic issues, and lowers manufacturing costs by enabling efficient reconfiguration of coil antennas for various functions.

Implementation Method 1

a switch configured to selectively connect sub-coil antennas to the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal according to a control signal input through the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Implementation Method 2

sub-coil antennas each including at least one loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10079621B2Antenna device and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna device is provided. The antenna device includes contact terminals including a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal, sub-coil antennas each including at least one loop, and a switch configured to selectively connect sub-coil antennas to the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal according to a control signal input through the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal.