Side-Surface Antenna Structure for Foldable Device Signal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable or rollable electronic devices face challenges in securing stable communication environments due to limited space for antennas, which are compromised when structures are folded or rolled, affecting antenna operation performance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates radiation conductors on its side surface members as antennas, connected via connection members like coaxial cables or flexible printed circuit boards, ensuring stable operation even in folded or unfolded states, and reduces radiation performance deterioration when held in hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent antenna operation environments are provided for each antenna, then antenna operation performance is improved, but device space requirements increase making it impossible in compact electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple radiation conductors (first radiation conductor, second radiation conductor, third radiation conductor, fourth radiation conductor) positioned at different locations on the housing. Each radiation conductor can operate independently in different frequency bands, allowing multiple antennas to function simultaneously without interfering with each other, thus maintaining good antenna performance in a compact space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space of the housing by placing radiation conductors on different surfaces (front surface, rear surface, side surfaces) and at different heights. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows each antenna to have its own operation environment without requiring large planar area, solving the space constraint in compact devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is thinned down for flexibility in foldable or rollable devices, then portability and flexibility are improved, but space for arranging antennas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiation conductors are segmented and distributed across different surfaces of the thinned housing. This segmentation allows each conductor to maintain adequate spacing and operational independence even when the overall housing thickness is reduced, enabling antenna functionality in flexible, thin designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the surface area of the housing (front, rear, and side surfaces) rather than relying primarily on thickness. By distributing radiation conductors across multiple dimensional planes, the design accommodates thinned housing while preserving antenna space through efficient use of available surface area.
3Reliability
If radiation conductors are placed on side surface members, then stable radiation efficiency is maintained in folded or rolled states, but device structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side surface members of the housing serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the device and simultaneously act as mounting surfaces for radiation conductors. This multi-functionality allows radiation conductors to be positioned on side surfaces without adding separate structural elements, thereby maintaining radiation efficiency while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the housing structure with the antenna support structure by integrating radiation conductors directly onto the housing surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring stable radiation efficiency through proper conductor placement.
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 configuration maintains stable radiation efficiency and reduces interference from the user's body, enabling easier placement in a slim, compact structure with enhanced antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of a first and second side surface member of the electronic device may be formed of a radiation conductor provided as an antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure including a first side surface member, a second housing structure including a second side surface member, a hinge structure configured to rotatably connect the first housing structure and the second housing structure and configured to provide a folding axis on which the first housing structure and the second housing structure rotate, and at least one printed circuit board, wherein the first side surface member or the second side surface member includes a first side surface portion a second side surface portion, a third side surface portion, a fourth side surface portion, a fifth side surface portion, a first slit a second slit a third slit, and a fourth slit, and a fifth slit, and wherein at least part of at least one of the second side surface portion, the third side surface portion, and the fourth side surface portion is formed of a radiation conductor and is electrically connected to the at least one printed circuit board.