Side-Frame Antenna Layout for Slim Devices With Longer Electrical Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive members in electronic devices, used as antennas, face challenges in achieving sufficient electrical length and radiation efficiency due to miniaturization and slimming, leading to reduced radiation performance and the need for additional mounting space.

Innovation Solution

Integrally extending a conductive extended portion from a conductive portion used as an antenna, without requiring additional space, by forming a conductive extended portion on a printed circuit board connected through non-conductive portions, allowing frequency shifting in a wide band without degrading radiation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the electronic device is miniaturized and slimmed, then the device thickness is reduced, but the electrical length of the conductive member used as antenna is insufficient leading to reduced radiation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidelectrical length of conductive member
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive extended portion extends in the thickness direction (third direction) from the conductive portion, utilizing the Z-dimension to increase electrical length without increasing device footprint or lateral dimensions. This dimensional transition allows the antenna to achieve sufficient electrical length for radiation performance while maintaining device slimness in the lateral plane.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive extended portion is embedded within or integrated with the housing structure, nesting the antenna element within the existing device geometry. This allows the antenna to extend its electrical length using the available internal space of the housing without requiring additional external mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the conductive member is extended to increase electrical length, then radiation performance improves, but additional mounting space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical length of conductive memberVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension occurs primarily in the thickness direction rather than lateral directions, allowing the antenna to gain electrical length without increasing the device's footprint area. The conductive extended portion utilizes the vertical space within the housing to achieve the necessary electrical length.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive extended portion is integrated within the housing structure, nesting the antenna element within the existing device volume. This integration allows the antenna to extend its electrical length using internal space that would otherwise be unused, avoiding the need for additional external mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the conductive member is segmented with non-conductive portions, then the device can be slimmed, but the radiation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive portions are strategically positioned only at specific locations along the conductive member where they provide necessary electrical isolation or structural function, while the majority of the conductive portion remains continuous to maintain radiation efficiency. This localized segmentation approach minimizes the impact on overall antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The non-conductive portions act as intermediaries that provide electrical isolation where needed while allowing the conductive extended portion to maintain its radiation function. These intermediary elements enable the antenna structure to achieve both slimness through segmentation and adequate radiation efficiency through proper placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3910918B1Antenna and electronic apparatus including same
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3910918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910918B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3910918B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic apparatus comprises: a housing which comprises a front surface plate, a rear surface plate oriented in the opposite direction to the front surface plate, and a side surface member surrounding the space between the front surface plate and the rear surface plate, at least a portion of the side surface member including at least one conductive section positioned between a first non-conductive section and a second non-conductive section which are spaced apart from each other; a conductive extended portion part extending from at least a partial area of the conductive section to the space; a printed circuit board disposed in the space; and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically connected a point which is in the conductive section and spaced toward a first location from the first non-conductive section.