Side-Key Antenna Structure for mmWave Coverage in Foldable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spatial restrictions and design limitations hinder the arrangement of mmWave antenna modules in electronic devices, making it difficult to ensure spherical coverage for wireless communication, particularly due to the placement of components like volume keys and biometric sensors on the side surface.
Innovation Solution
An antenna structure is integrated into a key button assembly, allowing for flexible arrangement without spatial restrictions and ensuring wide spherical coverage, while simplifying the shape of the rear surface cover and improving design freedom and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional antenna design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the antenna radiation efficiency is low due to signal blocking by the battery and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a planar PCB-mounted structure to a three-dimensional protruding structure that extends above the device housing. This dimensional change allows the antenna to radiate signals in directions not blocked by the housing and battery, improving radiation efficiency by operating in a different spatial dimension free from interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple segments including a base portion mounted on the PCB, a connecting portion extending upward, and a radiating portion at the top. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining structural integrity and achieving the desired radiation pattern despite the presence of blocking components.
2Reliability
If the antenna is made protruding to improve radiation, then the radiation efficiency increases, but the antenna structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is merged with the device housing in terms of spatial arrangement, where the housing serves as a mounting platform for the protruding antenna. The antenna base is integrated with the PCB and housing structure, combining multiple functions into a unified design that reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced radiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design incorporates flexible connecting portions that can adapt to different mounting configurations and structural requirements. This dynamic flexibility allows the antenna to maintain optimal radiation performance while accommodating variations in device structure without requiring completely different antenna designs.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is placed on the PCB, then the device structure remains simple, but the battery and housing block the signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna extends from the two-dimensional PCB plane into the third dimension by protruding above the housing. This vertical extension places the radiating elements in a spatial zone above the blocking components, allowing signals to radiate outward without being obstructed by the battery or housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion serves as an intermediary element that transitions the antenna from the PCB mounting plane to the protruding radiating position. This intermediate structure bridges the gap between the simple PCB integration and the enhanced radiation performance, providing both mechanical support and electrical continuity.
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 enables unrestricted antenna arrangement, ensuring wide spherical coverage and improved design flexibility with enhanced processing efficiency and yield.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for a portable terminal, which transmits and receives wireless signals
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electronic apparatus according to various embodiments comprises a housing, a flexible display, a key button which is arranged in a first area on a side of a first part and comprises at least one protrusion extending toward the inside of the first part and an antenna structure arranged on the inside of the first part with respect to the first area, wherein the housing comprises the first part, a second part, and a connection part arranged between the first part and the second part, the second part being rotatably coupled to the first part through the connection part, and the antenna structure comprises at least one dome switch arranged above a substrate at a position corresponding to the at least one protrusion, and a plurality of conductive patches provided on a conductive layer of the substrate, wherein the at least one dome switch may be arranged at the corresponding position between the plurality of conductive patches. Various other embodiments are possible.