Slot-Configured Conductive Layer for Wireless Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in minimizing volume due to the space required for antennas used for wireless coupling, such as RFID or NFC antennas, which affect the device's size and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a conductive layer with a slot configuration and capacitive members to enhance inductive coupling, allowing the device to operate in multiple frequency bands with a compact design, utilizing a combination of conductive layers and an inductive coupler to achieve efficient wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional antennas are used for wireless coupling, then wireless communication function is achieved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless coupling functionVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna structure with the device housing by integrating conductive layers into the housing itself. The housing serves dual purposes: structural protection and electromagnetic radiation for wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and electromagnetic radiation capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the housing to replace traditional antenna components, reducing device volume while maintaining wireless coupling functionality.

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

2Volume of moving object

If compact design is implemented to reduce volume, then device size decreases, but wireless coupling efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidwireless coupling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements slot configurations with specific geometries (first slots and second slots with different orientations and positions) in the conductive layers. These localized structural variations optimize electromagnetic field distribution and magnetic coupling strength in specific regions, maintaining high wireless coupling efficiency despite the compact overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multi-layer conductive structures with slots extending in different spatial dimensions. The first conductive layer has slots in one orientation while the second conductive layer has slots in a different orientation, creating three-dimensional electromagnetic field patterns that enhance coupling efficiency within a compact volume.

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

3Device complexity

If single frequency band operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication standards decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structure complexityVSAvoidfrequency band adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the slot configurations and conductive layer structures to be dynamically adaptable to different frequency bands. By adjusting the geometry, size, and arrangement of slots in the conductive layers, the antenna can operate across multiple frequency bands (including NFC and other communication standards) without requiring completely different antenna structures, thus maintaining relatively simple device complexity while achieving broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables efficient inductive coupling and compact design, allowing the device to operate in multiple frequency bands while maintaining high magnetic coupling strength, thus addressing the volume constraints and improving wireless communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive members to enhance inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

enhance inductive coupling, allowing the device to operate in multiple frequency bands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

employ a conductive layer with a slot configuration and capacitive members to enhance inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2962358B1Apparatus and method for wireless coupling
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2962358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962358B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus (180) comprising: a first conductive layer (30) defining a first slot (46) having an open end and a closed end, the first slot (46) being configured to receive an inductive coupler (64) therein; and a capacitive member configured to tune the first conductive layer (30) to resonate in an operational frequency band.