Segmented Sensing Pad for Dual Band LTE Antenna Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of an antenna and sensing pad in small and thin mobile devices becomes problematic as the sensing pad can detrimentally influence the antenna performance and accurately measuring specific absorption rate (SAR), especially in notebook computers when configured in tablet mode.

Innovation Solution

A sensing element with a specific configuration, including multiple sensing parts and metal sheets, is designed to accommodate a T-shaped antenna element, allowing for improved resonance adjustment and reduced impact on antenna performance, enabling effective SAR measurement and power reduction when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensing pad is disposed in the mobile device to detect RF energy level, then SAR measurement capability is improved, but antenna performance is deteriorated due to proximity effects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSAR measurement capabilityVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing pad is segmented into multiple separate sensing elements (first sensing element, second sensing element, third sensing element) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each element to be positioned at optimized locations that minimize interference with the antenna while collectively providing comprehensive SAR measurement coverage across different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sensing elements are positioned at specific locations with different orientations relative to the antenna. The first sensing element extends in a first direction, the second sensing element extends in a second direction, and the third sensing element extends in a third direction. This local optimization of sensing element placement and orientation ensures accurate SAR measurement in various regions without uniformly degrading antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the mobile device becomes smaller and thinner, then device portability is improved, but the ability to accommodate both antenna and sensing pad without interference is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidintegration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing elements are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern (first, second, and third directions) on the device surface, utilizing spatial distribution across multiple dimensions rather than concentrating all sensing functionality in a single location. This dimensional arrangement allows effective SAR measurement in compact devices by maximizing the use of available surface area while maintaining appropriate spacing from the antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the sensing pad is positioned far from the antenna, then antenna performance is improved, but SAR measurement accuracy is worsened due to insufficient proximity for accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidSAR detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing pad is divided into multiple sensing elements positioned at different distances and orientations from the antenna. This segmentation enables some sensing elements to be placed closer to the antenna for accurate SAR detection while others are positioned farther away to minimize interference, with each element contributing to the overall measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sensing element is positioned at a locally optimized location and orientation to balance measurement accuracy and antenna interference. The first sensing element may be positioned for optimal low-band measurement, while the second and third sensing elements are positioned for optimal high-band measurement, creating local quality variations that collectively solve the global contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution enhances antenna performance by optimizing both low and high-band resonance, ensuring compliance with SAR criteria and reducing the detrimental effects of the sensing pad on the antenna, thus improving the overall performance of mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna may be a dual band antenna configured to resonate at frequencies compliant with the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3322029B1Separated and optimization sensor pad design for dual mode LTE application
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 ACER INC
  • EP3322029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3322029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3322029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device includes a dual band T-shaped antenna and a sensing element. The sensing element includes a first sensing part extending in first direction, a second sensing part, and a third sensing part, wherein the second sensing part and the third sensing part each includes portions that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The sensing element is used to both detect proximity to an object, to meet specific absorption rate (SAR) criteria, and to affect resonance of the dual band T-shaped antenna.