Reconfigurable Smart Ring Antenna Circuit for Multi-Band Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing and integrating antennas into metallic smart rings is challenging due to the limited available space and the low performance of typical chip antennas, which rely on weak PCB ground currents.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system includes a first and second antenna component connected by first and second electrical circuits, which can be configured to operate in either a dipole or loop antenna arrangement, enabling communication within multiple frequency bands, including Bluetooth and NFC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chip antennas are used in metallic smart rings, then wireless communication capability is provided, but antenna performance is low due to limited space and weak PCB ground currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna types (dipole antenna formed by first and second antenna components, and loop antenna formed by the same components through different electrical circuit configuration) within a single compact structure. This merging approach allows the antenna system to provide multiple communication capabilities while occupying minimal space within the smart ring, resolving the contradiction between antenna performance and available volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second antenna components can be configured through different electrical circuit states to form different antenna arrangements (dipole or loop), enabling the same physical components to serve multiple frequency bands and communication protocols. This multi-functionality improves antenna performance across various applications without requiring additional space for separate antenna elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are supported, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves support for multiple frequency bands (Bluetooth, NFC, and other wireless protocols) using the same first and second antenna components configured through different electrical circuit states. This universal design allows a single antenna system to perform multiple functions across different frequency bands without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each protocol, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuits connecting the antenna components can be dynamically reconfigured between different states to switch between dipole and loop antenna arrangements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the antenna system to adapt to different frequency bands and communication requirements on demand, providing frequency band compatibility without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable ring includes an inner surface and an outer surface; a first antenna component and a second antenna component, each disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface; a first electrical circuit connecting a first end portion of the first antenna component with a first end portion of the second antenna component; and a second electrical circuit connecting a second end portion of the first antenna component with a second end portion of the second antenna component, and wherein, based on configuration of the first electrical circuit and the second electrical circuit, the first antenna component and second antenna component are configured to operate in a given frequency band.