Rotating Antenna Dongle for Wireless Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB dongles and portable wireless adapters face mechanical and cosmetic constraints that limit antenna size, resulting in reduced wireless range due to space limitations within their small profile designs.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting member with integrated antenna elements that can rotate to cover the exposed interface when not in use, providing enhanced surface area and allowing the antenna to extend beyond the main body for improved gain without increasing the device's overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the USB dongle is designed with a small profile to reduce space occupation and improve portability, then the device becomes more convenient to transport and store, but the antenna size is limited resulting in reduced wireless range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna movable rather than fixed. The antenna can rotate between a retracted position (within the dongle body) and an extended position (protruding outward). This dynamic configuration allows the antenna to achieve larger effective size for improved wireless range while maintaining a compact profile when not in use, directly resolving the contradiction between small dongle size and adequate antenna size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dimensionality change principle by extending the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the dongle's main body rather than increasing its volume. The antenna rotates outward from the dongle housing, effectively using the third dimension (protrusion length) to increase antenna size without increasing the dongle's footprint or volume, thus resolving the space constraint issue.
2Shape
If the USB dongle is designed with a small profile to improve cosmetic appearance, then the device becomes more attractive, but the antenna size is limited resulting in reduced gain and wireless range
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic antenna configuration allows the dongle to maintain a clean, compact aesthetic when the antenna is retracted, while providing the option to extend the antenna when wireless performance is needed. This resolves the contradiction between cosmetic appeal and antenna size by making the antenna extension a controlled, functional feature rather than a permanent visual element.
3Length of stationary object
If the USB dongle body extends further from the USB port to accommodate larger antenna, then the antenna size and gain can be improved, but the dongle becomes more likely to become caught on obstructions and break
Solution Approach 1:
By making the antenna a separate, rotatable component rather than permanently extending the dongle body, the patent isolates the antenna from mechanical stress on the USB connection. The antenna can be extended only when needed and retracted when not in use, preventing it from being caught on obstructions. This dynamic separation protects the USB connector and dongle body from damage while still providing adequate antenna size.
4Length of stationary object
If the antenna is made larger to improve wireless range and gain, then the communication performance is enhanced, but the device occupies more space and becomes less convenient to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by extending the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the dongle's main body rather than increasing its volumetric dimensions. The antenna protrudes outward from the housing, effectively using available external space rather than increasing the device's footprint or internal volume requirements. This allows larger antenna size without increasing device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device (20) includes a main body (22) having electronic circuitry (40) therein, and further includes an exposed interface (26) that enables the electronic circuitry (40) to transfer information. In addition, the electronic device (20) includes a pivoting member (24) attached to the main body (22) such that the pivoting member (24) may rotate about the main body between at least a first position and a second position, the pivoting member (20) including at least one antenna element (50). The pivoting member (24) covers the exposed interface (26) when in the first position, and when the pivoting member (24) is in the second position, the antenna element (50) serves as an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving information wirelessly in conjunction with the electronic circuitry (40).