Solid Antenna Bracket with Curved Top for Vertical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertically oriented electronic devices face challenges in antenna mounting due to the need for multiple antennas, which increases manufacturing costs and risks of electrostatic discharge, while also requiring effective heat management without increasing internal volume or interfering with internal components.

Innovation Solution

A solid antenna bracket with a curved top surface and polygon structure that supports antennas with apertures and pockets to prevent electrostatic discharge, integrated with a heat management system that includes vents and air circulation to manage heat without obstructing internal components, and optional flexible side impact tabs for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are installed in vertically oriented electronic devices, then antenna coverage and functionality are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and electrostatic discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna mounting functions into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket simultaneously supports multiple antennas, provides shielding for each antenna, and incorporates ESD protection features, thereby reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps while maintaining comprehensive antenna coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the antennas and the device housing. It provides a centralized mounting platform that facilitates antenna installation while incorporating ESD protection mechanisms and shielding features, thereby reducing direct handling of individual antennas and minimizing ESD risk during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are installed in vertically oriented electronic devices, then antenna coverage and functionality are improved, but electrostatic discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna coverageVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates ESD protection features in advance, such as ESD-safe materials or integrated grounding paths, that are built into the mounting structure before antennas are installed. This pre-built protection reduces the risk of ESD damage during both manufacturing and operation by providing continuous shielding and discharge pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Temperature

If a heat management system is implemented in vertically oriented electronic devices, then heat dissipation is improved, but internal volume increases and interference with internal components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidinternal volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for antennas, incorporates ESD protection, provides RF shielding, and integrates heat management features such as heat sinks or thermal pathways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated heat management components, thereby conserving internal volume while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3176870B1Vertical electronic device with solid antenna bracket
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP3176870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3176870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3176870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna bracket for electronic devices includes a solid bracket (6) having an aperture (18) formed therethrough. The solid antenna bracket has side walls (9a) that are rounded to a predetermined radius, and at least one antenna pocket (10) positioned on the side walls. The antenna pocket (10) receives and secures at least one antenna (11). The antenna bracket has a polygon shape that follows the contours of the electronic device housing. Side impact cushion features are added to the antenna bracket to protect the electronic device.