Spatially Reconfigurable Antenna Array for 5G mmW
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 5G mmW systems fail to optimize antenna array configuration and size adaptability, leading to increased power consumption and mechanical complexity, as they do not leverage spatial movement of device parts for improved RF performance.
Innovation Solution
A spatially reconfigurable 5G mmW system design that integrates antenna array modules and RF transceivers, allowing movable parts of a device to dynamically adjust antenna array size by combining or separating antenna elements, thereby optimizing RF performance without increasing power consumption or mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve RF performance, then antenna array size increases, but device volume and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable antenna array where the number of active antenna elements can be adjusted based on communication requirements. The system switches between different array configurations (e.g., 8-element, 4-element, or 2-element arrays) by enabling or disabling specific antenna elements and their corresponding RF chains, allowing the device to achieve high RF performance when needed while reducing effective array size during normal operation to save space and power.
2Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve RF performance, then antenna array size increases, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal antenna array structure where a single physical array of antenna elements can serve multiple functions and configurations. The same antenna elements can be used in different combinations to form various array sizes (2-element, 4-element, or 8-element configurations), eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna structures or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the capability to achieve high RF performance when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna array configuration is fixed to simplify design, then adaptability decreases, but design complexity reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through electronic control mechanisms that can switch between different antenna array configurations based on communication conditions. The system uses control logic to enable or disable specific antenna elements and RF chains, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different scenarios (e.g., using full 8-element array for high-performance modes, or reducing to 2-4 elements for standard operation), providing high adaptability without requiring multiple fixed designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by dynamically adjusting which antenna elements are active and how they are configured. By modifying the state of individual antenna elements (enabled/disabled) and their corresponding RF chains, the system can transform the same physical structure into different functional configurations, achieving adaptability through parameter changes rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If spatial movement of device parts is not leveraged, then RF performance optimization is limited, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the inherent spatial movement capability of foldable devices (caused by hinge rotation between device portions) to automatically adjust antenna array configuration. The system detects the relative position of device portions and automatically selects appropriate antenna element combinations based on the spatial arrangement, allowing the antenna system to self-optimize using the device's natural movement without requiring additional complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are antenna systems, methods, and devices. The device includes a first portion including a first antenna array; and a second portion including a second antenna array, wherein the first portion and the second portion are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are arranged such that in a first relative position of the first portion and the second portion with respect to one another the first antenna array and the second antenna array operate in combination with one another, and in a second relative position of the first portion and the second portion with respect to one another the first antenna array and the second antenna array operate independently of one another.