Rigid-Flexible-Rigid Antenna Substrate for 5G Module Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the thickness of millimeter wave/5G antenna modules in mobile devices while maintaining flexibility in mounting positions, as existing components are limited by size and thickness constraints.
Innovation Solution
An antenna substrate with a rigid-flexible-rigid form is used, featuring a first substrate with an antenna pattern, a smaller second substrate, and a flexible substrate connecting them, allowing the second substrate's surface to face the side surface of the first substrate, which enables the electronic component to be mounted on the side, thus reducing the overall thickness of the antenna module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a millimeter wave/5G antenna module is designed with conventional rigid structure, then the structural strength is maintained, but the thickness cannot be reduced and mounting position flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna substrate is divided into multiple rigid portions (first rigid portion, second rigid portion, third rigid portion) connected by flexible portions. This segmentation allows each rigid portion to maintain structural strength while the flexible portions enable thickness reduction and mounting position adjustment, resolving the contradiction between strength and thinness.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic rigid-flexible-rigid structure where flexible portions can bend and deform. This dynamic characteristic allows the antenna module to be bent toward the side portion, reducing overall thickness and enabling flexible mounting positions while rigid portions maintain necessary structural strength.
2Length of moving object
If the antenna substrate is made thinner to reduce module thickness, then the overall size is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the substrate into rigid and flexible portions, the patent achieves thin overall thickness while maintaining structural stability through the distributed rigid portions that provide structural support at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the substrate have different mechanical properties - rigid portions provide structural stability and strength where needed, while flexible portions enable thickness reduction and bending. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between thinness and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid structure is used for the antenna substrate, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to different mounting positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into rigid portions that can be manufactured with high precision using conventional methods, and flexible portions that provide adaptability. This segmentation allows rigid portions to maintain manufacturing precision while flexible portions enable mounting position flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid-flexible-rigid structure introduces dynamic flexibility through the flexible portions while maintaining rigid portions for precise manufacturing. The flexible portions can be manufactured with standard precision and then bent to achieve different mounting configurations, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna substrate includes: a first substrate including an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface of the first substrate; a second substrate having a first planar surface, an area of which is smaller than an area of a planar surface of the first substrate; and a flexible substrate connecting the first and second substrates to each other and bent to allow the first planar surface of the second substrate to face a side surface of the first substrate, which is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate.