Self-Shielding Antenna Structure for Platform RF Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic computing devices face performance degradation due to platform-generated RF noise interference, which conventional EMI shields and absorbers fail to adequately address without increasing size, cost, and complexity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a self-shielding antenna structure within the device's frame, using a dipole antenna that does not require RF ground and integrating a metallic or non-metallic chassis with augmented shielding to isolate the antenna from platform noise sources, reducing the need for on-board EMI shields and absorbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional EMI shields and absorbers are used to protect the antenna from platform-generated RF noise, then the antenna performance is improved, but the device size, cost, and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful RF noise sources from the antenna's operational environment by creating a dedicated shielding structure that isolates the antenna from platform-generated interference. This separation allows the antenna to operate independently without being affected by nearby noise sources, resolving the contradiction between maintaining antenna performance and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary shielding structure (including conductive barriers and filtering components) that mediates between the noisy platform environment and the sensitive antenna. This intermediary element blocks RF noise while allowing the antenna to maintain its performance without requiring complex overall device design changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional EMI shields and absorbers are applied on the motherboard to shield the antenna, then the antenna is protected from RF noise, but the system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveWi-Fi connection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying EMI shields across the entire motherboard, the patent implements localized shielding structures positioned specifically around the antenna and critical RF paths. This targeted approach provides effective noise protection only where needed, maintaining Wi-Fi connection reliability while minimizing the overall system size and avoiding unnecessary material usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple EMI shields and absorbers are integrated on the platform to isolate the antenna from noise sources, then the antenna isolation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF noise isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple EMI protection functions (shielding, filtering, and grounding) into an integrated antenna assembly structure. By combining these functions into a unified design rather than separate components, the RF noise isolation is improved while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding structure in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an RF barrier, provides mechanical support for the antenna, and establishes electrical grounding paths. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, making the device easier to manufacture while maintaining effective noise isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enhances RF noise isolation, reduces system size and cost, and simplifies thermal design, while maintaining antenna performance, thereby improving Wi-Fi connectivity and battery life.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna shielding disposed around the antenna for providing electro-magnetic shielding from the electronic components included in the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS12074368B2Electronic computing device having self-shielding antenna
Publication Date: 2024.08.27 INTEL CORP
  • US12074368B2 patent drawing
  • US12074368B2 patent drawing
  • US12074368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic computing device with a self-shielding antenna. An electronic computing device may include a frame, an antenna, and an antenna shielding. The frame includes a top cover and a bottom cover. Electronic components are included in a space formed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The antenna is for wireless transmission and reception and included in the frame near an edge of the frame. The antenna shielding is disposed around the antenna for providing electro-magnetic shielding from radio frequency (RE) noises generated from the electronic components included in the frame. The antenna shielding may be a metal wall disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover around the antenna. The frame may be a metallic frame and may include a cut-out in the top cover and the bottom cover above and below the antenna, and a non-metallic cover may be provided in the cut-out.