Shared Antenna Cable Mechanism for Bluetooth and UWB Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices require different cable configurations for Bluetooth and UWB modules, leading to increased parts and complexity due to varying regional availability of UWB modules, necessitating two types of cables of different lengths.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a shared antenna with a first and second radio module, connected by first and second cables, and a connection mechanism that maintains electrical connection between the first radio module and antenna regardless of the second radio module's presence, allowing for same-length cables in both configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two types of cables different in length are prepared for Bluetooth and UWB modes, then the electrical connection requirements for each mode are met, but the parts quantity increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single cable type that can serve both Bluetooth and UWB communication modes. The connection mechanism is configured to electrically connect the antenna and the first radio module regardless of whether the second radio module (UWB) is present, allowing the same cable to fulfill the electrical connection requirement for both communication systems without needing mode-specific cable variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UWB module as an optional component that can be added or removed without affecting the fundamental cable configuration. By separating the UWB module into an optional add-on that connects through the existing cable infrastructure, the design eliminates the need to prepare different cable types for different modes, reducing parts quantity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If two types of cables different in length are prepared for Bluetooth and UWB modes, then the specific connection requirements for each mode are satisfied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to handle both Bluetooth and UWB modes using the same cable type. The mechanism can electrically connect the antenna to the first radio module in Bluetooth mode, and can also accommodate the second radio module in UWB mode without requiring different cable lengths or types, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a flexible connection mechanism that can adapt to different module configurations. The mechanism allows the same cable to be used whether the second radio module is present or absent, and whether the system operates in Bluetooth or UWB mode, providing dynamic adaptability that reduces device complexity compared to fixed, mode-specific cable configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a UWB module is added to support both Bluetooth and UWB modes, then the communication versatility is improved, but the cable management becomes more complex requiring different cable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality in the cable system by using the same cable type for both Bluetooth and UWB communications. The connection mechanism is designed to maintain electrical connectivity between the antenna and the first radio module regardless of the presence of the second radio module, allowing a single cable type to support multiple communication modes and thereby simplifying cable management while improving communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cable management systems for Bluetooth and UWB modes into a unified approach. By combining the connection requirements of both modes into a single cable configuration that works for both, the design eliminates the need for separate cable management systems, reducing complexity while achieving dual-mode communication versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided with the following an antenna, a first radio module configured to perform wireless communications by use of the antenna, a second radio module configured to perform wireless communications by use of the antenna, a first printed circuit board with reference to which the second radio module is attachable or detachable, a first cable which connects the antenna and the second radio module together, a second cable which connects the second radio module and the first radio module together, and a connection mechanism which connects the first and second cables together in a state where the second radio module is detached from the first printed circuit board.