Removable Matching Circuit for Multiband Antenna Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multiband capability in portable communication device antennas results in complicated matching circuits, making them more vulnerable to damage during drop tests due to their increased length.

Innovation Solution

A removable matching circuit protected by a metal shell and an intermediate dielectric component, which is more rigid than the flexible antenna element, helps to simplify the circuit and enhance durability by allowing easy replacement and mechanical protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiband capability is implemented in the antenna device, then the antenna can operate across multiple frequency bands, but the matching circuit becomes more complicated and longer, increasing vulnerability to damage during drop tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiband capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna device is divided into separate modular components: a removable matching circuit module housed in a matching circuit housing, and an antenna element. This segmentation allows the matching circuit to be independently replaced if damaged, improving reliability while maintaining multiband capability through proper circuit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The matching circuit housing is pre-assembled and configured with the matching circuit before attachment to the antenna element. This preliminary preparation ensures the matching circuit is properly positioned and protected before use, reducing the risk of damage during operation and drop tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the matching circuit is made longer to accommodate multiband components, then multiband functionality is achieved, but the matching circuit becomes more vulnerable to damage and failure during drop tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiband functionalityVSAvoidmatching circuit length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The matching circuit is nested within the matching circuit housing, which provides structural protection. This nesting arrangement allows the matching circuit to be compact while still accommodating the necessary components for multiband functionality, reducing its exposed length and vulnerability to damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By separating the matching circuit into its own modular housing distinct from the antenna element, the design allows for optimized length of each component. The matching circuit housing can be compactly designed to contain the circuit, reducing overall vulnerability while maintaining multiband capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If a removable matching circuit housing is used to protect and facilitate replacement, then ease of repair and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplaceability of matching circuitVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna device is segmented into distinct modules: the antenna element and the matching circuit housed in a separate removable housing. This segmentation enables easy replacement of the matching circuit by simply detaching the housing, improving ease of repair while keeping each individual module relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The matching circuit housing serves multiple functions: it protects the matching circuit from damage, provides a removable enclosure for easy replacement, and maintains proper positioning when attached to the antenna element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4000125B1Portable communication device and antenna device with removeable matching circuit
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4000125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4000125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4000125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable communication device and antenna device with removeable matching circuit is provided. The antenna device includes: a base; an antenna element; an electrical connector at the base; a matching circuit removably positioned between the electrical connector and the antenna element, the electrical connector and the antenna element in electrical communication via the matching circuit; and a shell removably attached to the base, the shell surrounding and protecting the matching circuit. The portable communication device includes the antenna device, for example removably attached to an antenna receptacle.