Retractable Antenna Module for 5G Smartphones
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of antenna arrays in smartphones for 5G wireless communication requires a larger keepout area, which hinders the design and visual appeal of the device, as multiple antenna modules on the back and front affect the phone's visual identity and design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A retractable antenna module system that includes a processor executing an antenna deployment module to determine link status and deploy a 5G mm-wave antenna array from a stowed to a deployed position based on signal quality and network availability, enhancing communication without compromising the device's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If antenna arrays are implemented in smartphones for 5G wireless communication, then gigabit per second data rate levels are achieved, but the keepout area on the back of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements retractable antenna arrays that can dynamically extend and retract based on communication needs. The antenna elements are mounted on movable surfaces that can be deployed when high data rates are required and retracted when not needed, thus providing gigabit per second capability only when necessary while minimizing the keepout area during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by implementing antenna arrays on movable surfaces that can extend outward from the device body. This dimensional approach allows the antenna elements to achieve the necessary aperture for gigabit data rates when deployed, while maintaining a compact profile when retracted, effectively trading spatial dimension for performance on demand.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna array modules are placed on the back and front of the phone, then propagation losses are overcome and interferences are minimized, but the visual identity and design aesthetics are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retractable antenna arrays that remain hidden within the device body during normal operation, preserving the visual identity and design aesthetics. When signal quality degrades or high-performance communication is needed, the antenna arrays dynamically extend to provide the necessary propagation loss compensation and interference mitigation, thus maintaining both aesthetic appeal and signal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the antenna arrays from the visible exterior surface and places them on retractable mechanisms that allow them to be removed from view when not in use. This extraction principle enables the antenna elements to be present in the system when needed for overcoming propagation losses and minimizing interferences, while being completely hidden to preserve the phone's visual identity and design aesthetics during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, wireless communication device (WCD), and computer program product deploys an additional, retractable antenna to enhance signal communication within an identified network. A processor executes an antenna deployment module (ADM) in order to determine a link status based on a quality and/or a strength of communication signals propagated via at least one stationary antenna. In response to the link status indicating that coverage of a second/target network is available or that a quality of a signal propagated within a first network is less than a threshold level, the ADM provides a deployment signal to a deployment component. In response to receiving the deployment signal, the deployment component deploys the retractable antenna by extending the retractable antenna from a stowed position to a deployed position. The ADM enables the WCD to communicate within the selected network via the deployed retractable antenna using a higher quality communication signal.