Small Antenna Apparatus for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals face spatial constraints and extended development times due to the need for multiple antennas with specific physical lengths for various wireless communication functions, which are determined by wave resonance, making it difficult to miniaturize and efficiently manufacture devices with multiple antennas.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a small antenna apparatus using circuit resonance instead of wave resonance, where electric circuits are connected to both ends and the feeding line of an antenna pattern on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), allowing for increased electrical wavelength and input impedance matching, thereby reducing the physical length and space requirements of antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wave resonance is used to determine antenna resonance frequency, then the antenna achieves stable resonance, but the antenna physical length must be precisely controlled which extends development time and requires mold modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna resonance stabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of precisely controlling antenna physical length through mold modifications with an electrical approach using variable capacitors and inductors. The resonance frequency is adjusted by changing electrical component values rather than mechanical dimensions, eliminating the need for time-consuming mold modifications and physical measurements during development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from fixing resonance frequency through physical dimensions to dynamically adjusting it through electrical parameters. By using variable capacitors and inductors, the resonance frequency can be tuned by changing electrical component values, allowing rapid iteration and optimization without physical rework of the antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas with specific physical lengths are provided for various wireless communication functions, then all communication functions are supported, but the spatial constraint of the mobile terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication function supportVSAvoidantenna space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal antenna system where a single antenna structure can support multiple wireless communication functions (GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, LTE) by electronically adjusting its resonance frequency. This is achieved through variable capacitors and inductors that allow the same physical antenna to be tuned to different frequencies required by different communication standards, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic frequency adjustment capability to a static antenna structure. By incorporating variable capacitors and inductors, the antenna's resonance frequency can be dynamically changed to match different communication requirements, transforming a fixed-frequency antenna into a multi-functional dynamic system that adapts to various wireless standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the physical length of the antenna is increased to achieve the required wavelength, then the resonance frequency accuracy is improved, but the antenna size becomes too large for mobile terminal integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonance frequency accuracyVSAvoidantenna physical length

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electrical components (variable capacitors and inductors) as intermediaries between the antenna structure and the resonance frequency determination. These intermediary components allow the antenna to achieve accurate resonance frequency control without requiring the physical length to be directly proportional to the wavelength, effectively decoupling the physical dimensions from the electrical resonance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables a 50% reduction in antenna size, simplifies the tuning process by adjusting electric circuits rather than physical lengths, and reduces development time and costs by eliminating the need for mold modifications, allowing for more efficient integration of multiple wireless communication functions in mobile terminals.

Implementation Method 1

small antenna technology using circuit resonance instead of wave resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCircuit resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11509340B2Small antenna apparatus and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna apparatus for a mobile terminal is provided. The antenna apparatus includes an antenna pattern, a first electric circuit and a second electric circuit respectively connected between both ends of the antenna pattern and a system ground, and a third electric circuit disposed between the antenna pattern and a feeding line, wherein the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit extend electrical wavelengths of the antenna pattern and the third electric circuit increases input impedance matching.