Low-Profile Satellite Patch Antenna for Foldable Display Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable portable communication devices face challenges in integrating satellite communication antennas due to limited space and the need for a thin, low-profile design that can accommodate both interior and exterior displays.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a low-profile satellite patch antenna with a ground plane, a low dielectric constant substrate, and a conductive radiator patch, positioned on a back portion of the housing assembly, allowing for satellite communication while maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional satellite communication antennas with thick ceramic substrates are used, then antenna performance is improved, but device thickness and form factor are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the substrate material parameters from conventional thick ceramic to thin flexible substrate with low dielectric constant (2.2-3.5) and low loss tangent (0.0005-0.002). This parameter change enables the antenna to maintain high performance while reducing thickness to less than 1mm, suitable for foldable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining flexible substrate, conductive radiator patch, and ground plane layer. This composite approach replaces single thick ceramic substrate with multiple thin layers that collectively provide the required electromagnetic performance with reduced overall thickness.
2Reliability
If patch antennas for satellite communication are positioned on front or back sides, then antenna performance is improved, but available space is reduced due to display coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the satellite communication antenna from the conventional front or back surface to the lateral edge of the device. This dimensional relocation utilizes the side surface area that would otherwise be unused, allowing the antenna to have sufficient area for good performance without competing with display space on the main surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If foldable device size is reduced for easier stowing, then portability is improved, but antenna integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film substrate for the antenna construction, allowing the antenna to be integrated into the foldable device's thin profile. The flexible nature of the substrate enables it to conform to the folded configuration while maintaining electrical performance, making antenna integration feasible in compact foldable devices.
4Reliability
If device components are positioned to optimize antenna performance, then communication reliability is improved, but components may interfere with each other in folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: satellite communication antenna on the lateral edge, displays on front and back surfaces, and other components positioned to avoid interference. This spatial segmentation ensures that each component operates without harmful interference from others, maintaining communication reliability while accommodating the folded configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device, method and computer program product enable satellite communication via a patch antenna incorporated into foldable device having two housings that form a housing assembly coupled at a hinge to pivot between folded and unfolded positions. The patch antenna is positioned at a back portion of the housing assembly and includes a ground plane, a substrate of low dielectric constant and low loss material positioned on the ground plane, and a conductive radiator patch positioned on the substrate. In response to identifying a trigger to execute a communications application, a controller of the communication device communicates, via a communications subsystem and the patch antenna, with a communications satellite. In one or more embodiments, a display is positioned on, but spaced inward from an outer edge of, the patch antenna to display information even while the housing assembly is in the folded position.