Smart Watch Antenna Layout Using a Coupling Lug to Limit Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited internal space of smart watches restricts the layout of antennas, and the metal structure of watch lugs often interferes with antenna performance, posing a challenge in configuring effective antennas within this constrained environment.
Innovation Solution
A smart watch antenna design featuring a main antenna on a non-metallic casing with a coupling antenna acting as a metal lug, where the coupling antenna is fixedly connected to the outer surface, allowing for improved frequency performance and reduced spatial restrictions by using a Laser-Direct-structuring (LDS) antenna with laser-etched wiring and an insulating layer to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal lug structure is used for watch strap connection, then connection reliability is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal lug and the antenna wiring. This insulating layer mediates the interaction by electrically isolating the metal lug from the antenna, preventing the harmful interference while maintaining the mechanical connection function of the lug.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electromagnetic interference effect is extracted and isolated from the system by separating the metal lug's electrical connection from the antenna wiring through the insulating layer, allowing the lug to retain its mechanical function without compromising antenna performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna wiring is placed close to metal lug, then space layout flexibility is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator that enables close proximity placement of the antenna wiring near the metal lug without suffering from interference. It allows the wiring to be routed through or near the lug structure while maintaining electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating property is applied locally at the critical interface between the metal lug and antenna wiring, allowing other areas to maintain standard wiring practices while specifically protecting the interference-prone region.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser-etched wiring is used on non-metallic casing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical wiring methods (such as wire wrapping or soldering) are replaced with laser etching technology. This substitution uses optical energy to directly form conductive traces on the non-metallic casing, achieving high precision without complex mechanical assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process transitions from mechanical to optical parameters by using laser energy to etch and form the antenna wiring directly on the casing surface, enabling precise wiring formation in a single step.
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 design enhances antenna performance by avoiding the adverse effects of metal lugs, optimizing space usage, and ensuring reliable connectivity while maintaining a compact form factor, thus improving the overall functionality of smart watch antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a wiring of the LDS antenna is laser-etched on the non-metallic casing
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer is provided between the coupling antenna and the wiring
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna of a smart watch is provided according to the present application, which includes a main antenna provided on a non-metallic casing of the smart watch and a coupling antenna located outside the main antenna and coupled with the main antenna. At least part of the main antenna is opposite to the coupling antenna, and the coupling antenna serves as a metal lug located at one side of the smart watch and is fixedly connected to the non-metallic casing. A smart watch is further provided according to the present application, which includes any of the above antennas.