Segmented Antenna Carrier for Compact Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forming electronic device antenna structures with desired attributes is challenging, especially in compact devices with conductive housing structures that can interfere with antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a segmented peripheral metal member with gaps filled with dielectric materials to form antennas, where the antenna feed has a positive terminal coupled to the metal member and a ground terminal, and a return path spans the opening in parallel with the feed, supported by a plastic carrier that also serves as a mechanical fastener and signal path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive housing structures are used in compact devices, then device strength and structural integrity are improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference from the conductive structures
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral metal member is divided into multiple segments separated by openings, allowing the conductive housing to be segmented in a way that reduces antenna interference while maintaining structural strength. The segmented structure enables the antenna feed and return path to be properly configured without continuous conductive interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary substance to fill the openings between segmented metal members. This dielectric intermediary prevents direct conductive contact while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing antenna interference without compromising the housing strength.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for compact design, then portability is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to limited space for antenna structures
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral metal member serves multiple functions: it provides structural framing for the device housing, creates antenna feed paths through its segments, and establishes return paths via the openings. This multi-functionality allows compact antenna structures to be integrated into the housing without requiring additional dedicated antenna components.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure utilizes the peripheral dimension of the housing by configuring the feed and return path along the edge of the device. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to effectively use the available space in a compact device by wrapping around the perimeter rather than requiring large planar areas.
3Strength
If continuous peripheral metal member is used for housing structure, then structural strength is improved, but antenna operation deteriorates due to unwanted conductive interference
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous peripheral metal member is segmented into discrete sections with openings between them. This segmentation interrupts the continuous conductive path that causes antenna interference while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the distributed metal segments and dielectric bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
portions of the continuous metal member are removed to create openings that fill with dielectric material. This extraction eliminates the harmful continuous conductive interference while the remaining metal segments maintain housing strength and provide necessary antenna signal paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic device antenna structures may include first and second antennas. A housing may have a periphery that is surrounded by peripheral conductive structures such as a segmented peripheral metal member. A segment of the peripheral metal member may be separated from a ground by an opening. An antenna feed for the first antenna may have a positive antenna terminal coupled to the peripheral metal member and a ground terminal coupled to the ground. A return path for the first antenna may span the opening in parallel with the antenna feed. A plastic carrier may be mounted to a printed circuit and a metal housing structure using screws. The plastic carrier may support an antenna resonating element for the second antenna and may support the return path for the first antenna. The screws may short metal structures on the plastic carrier to the metal structures and traces on the printed circuit.