Ring Antenna Layout for Compact GPS Electronic Watches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic watches with ring antennas for GPS signal reception suffer from weakened electromagnetic coupling due to separated antenna elements, leading to reduced antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic watch design featuring an annular antenna base material with a first antenna element on the outer circumferential surface and a second antenna element on the inner circumferential surface, where the distance between them is greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm, allowing for improved magnetic coupling and antenna gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two antenna elements are separated to fit within the watch structure, then the watch can accommodate the antenna, but electromagnetic coupling between the elements is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar antenna element arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by placing elements on opposite surfaces of a substrate. The first antenna element is positioned on the front surface while the second antenna element is positioned on the rear surface, utilizing the thickness dimension of the substrate to achieve close proximity without planar separation. This dimensional transition enables strong electromagnetic coupling while accommodating the antenna within the compact watch structure.
2Reliability
If antenna elements are placed close together to improve coupling, then electromagnetic coupling is enhanced, but the width of the substrate must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between coupling strength and substrate width by exploiting the thickness dimension rather than increasing planar dimensions. By positioning antenna elements on opposite surfaces of a substrate with thickness of 0.1 to 5.0 mm, the design achieves strong electromagnetic coupling through close proximity in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact planar footprint suitable for wearable devices.
3Reliability
If the distance between antenna elements is reduced to improve coupling, then antenna performance is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a integrated antenna assembly where the first and second antenna elements are mounted on opposite surfaces of the same substrate. This merging approach allows the substrate itself to serve as the positioning structure, with through-holes or via-holes providing precise alignment and electrical connections. The integrated design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to assembling separately positioned elements, as the substrate structure inherently defines the element spacing and orientation.
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 configuration enhances antenna performance by increasing the width of the antenna elements, reducing resistance, and achieving stable antenna characteristics, while also miniaturizing the watch's size and maintaining design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic coupling between the elements is weakened
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch includes an annular antenna base material including an upper surface, an outer circumferential surface, a bottom surface, and an inner circumferential surface, a first antenna element provided at the outer circumferential surface, and a second antenna element provided at the inner circumferential surface, wherein at least one of the first antenna element and the second antenna element includes a feed terminal coupled to a feed portion, and a distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element is greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.