Resonant Frequency Adjustment for Grip-Induced Hand Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face performance degradation due to uneven resonant frequency shifts when held in left or right grip positions, as the same switch control method is applied regardless of grip state, leading to improved performance for one grip but degradation for the other.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a grip sensor to determine whether it is held in a left or right grip and applies distinct switch control based on the grip state to adjust the resonant frequency, ensuring performance compensation by recognizing and adjusting for the specific grip state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the same switch control method is applied regardless of grip state, then the resonant frequency can be restored for one grip position, but communication performance degrades for the other grip position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidgrip state adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switch control that adapts to different grip states. The controller determines whether the device is held in left or right grip position and selectively activates different antenna switches accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the resonant frequency is properly restored for whichever grip state is detected, preventing communication performance degradation in either orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different control strategies to different grip states. Instead of using a uniform switch control method, the system identifies the specific grip position (left or right) and applies the appropriate switch control configuration for that local condition. This ensures optimal communication performance is maintained regardless of how the user holds the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the resonant frequency is shifted to compensate for hand effect, then communication performance is maintained, but additional control complexity is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidswitch control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the resonant frequency changes caused by hand effects and automatically adjusts the antenna switch configuration in response. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain communication performance by detecting frequency shifts and applying appropriate compensation through selective switch control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting grip states and hand-effect-induced frequency shifts, then autonomously selecting the appropriate antenna switch configuration without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability maintains communication performance while minimizing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach prevents performance degradation in both left and right grip positions by accurately adjusting the resonant frequency, maintaining optimal communication performance regardless of how the device is held.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant frequency may be changed when the radiator comes into contact with an external object having a conductive property

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a grip sensor to determine whether it is held in a left or right grip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3672089B1Method for performing communication with external electronic device using resonant frequency modified according to proximity of external object, and electronic device supporting same
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3672089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672089B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3672089B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device comprises: an emitter; a communication circuit electrically connected to the emitter and configured to transmit or receive a signal by using the emitter; a sensor circuit electrically connected to the emitter and configured to measure a capacitance corresponding to an external object adjacent to the emitter; a frequency adjustment circuit electrically connected to the emitter and capable of adjusting a resonance frequency of the emitter; and a processor, wherein, the processor is configured to: confirm the capacitance corresponding to the external object by using the sensor circuit while performing communication with an external device by using the communication circuit; set the frequency adjustment circuit to a first mode when the capacitance falls under a specified first range, and perform the communication by using the communication circuit in a state in which the frequency adjustment circuit is set to the first mode; and set the frequency adjustment circuit to a second mode when the capacitance falls under a specified second range, and perform the communication by using the communication circuit in a state in which the frequency adjustment circuit is set to the second mode. Other embodiments are possible.