RF Impedance Detection for Foldable Device Water Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with waterproof functions face challenges in detecting water immersion, which can affect antenna performance without user recognition, leading to deteriorated communication functions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a method that uses RF signals and feedback circuits to determine water immersion by analyzing impedance shifts and interference between antennas, with a control circuit notifying the user to take action to restore communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waterproof structure is implemented in foldable electronic device, then waterproof function is improved, but water immersion detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF signal as an intermediary to detect water immersion. The RF signal interacts with the antenna system, and changes in the feedback signal characteristics (caused by water's electromagnetic properties) serve as an indirect indicator of immersion, enabling detection without compromising the waterproof structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or sensor-based water detection methods with an electromagnetic field-based RF signal analysis approach. By analyzing changes in the RF feedback signal caused by water's dielectric properties, the system achieves water immersion detection without mechanical sensors that would compromise the waterproof seal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof tape is used to protect internal components, then protection against moisture is improved, but antenna performance monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RF signal transmitted by the antenna is monitored and the reflected or returned signal is analyzed. Changes in the feedback signal characteristics indicate water immersion, allowing the system to detect moisture-related performance degradation while maintaining the protective waterproof tape structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If foldable structure is implemented, then device versatility is improved, but water penetration detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RF signal serves as an intermediary that can detect water penetration through the foldable structure without interfering with its functionality. The electromagnetic signal passes through or interacts with the antenna system, and water's presence alters the signal characteristics, enabling detection while preserving the foldable design's adaptability.
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
Effectively recognizes water immersion in foldable electronic devices, allowing users to address moisture issues and quickly restore communication functions.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether a water immersion of the electronic device occurs based on the feedback signal, determine whether the water immersion of the electronic device occurs based on the determined impedance
Implementation Method 2
determines whether a water immersion of the electronic device occurs based on whether interference occurs between a first RF signal transmitted and received through the first antenna and a second RF signal transmitted and received through the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an antenna which transmits and receives a radio frequency (RF) signal, an RF circuit which processes the RF signal, and a control circuit which controls the RF circuit. The control circuit receives, from the RF circuit, a feedback signal, which the RF signal to be provided back as feedback from the antenna to the RF circuit, determines an impedance of the antenna based on the feedback signal, determines whether a water immersion of the electronic device occurs based on the determined impedance, and performs a set operation once it is determined that the water immersion of the electronic device occurs.