Stacked Beam Steering Antenna Structure for Display-Limited Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mmWave antenna arrays in electronic devices face challenges in achieving full spherical beam coverage due to radiation beam blocking by conductive housings and large displays, leading to reduced antenna size and performance.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering antenna structure comprising a stacked antenna module with two substrates and a conductive component, allowing for partial steering of radiation beams in different or the same directions through galvanic, capacitive, or inductive coupling, while maintaining mechanical strength and assembly reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mmWave antenna array is arranged next to the display, then the display does not interfere with the beam coverage, but the space available for the antenna array is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar antenna array arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The first and second antenna arrays are positioned on different substrates separated by an interposer, creating vertical spatial separation. This dimensional change allows the antenna arrays to achieve sufficient aperture area while maintaining proximity to the display without direct interference, as the conductive component on the interposer manages the electromagnetic interaction with the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the interposer is positioned between the two substrates, and the conductive component is integrated within the interposer structure. The first antenna array on the first substrate and the second antenna array on the second substrate are nested within a compact stacked assembly. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of limited space while maintaining the required antenna aperture and beam steering capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the antenna array is significantly reduced, then space is saved, but the performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves full spherical beam coverage by stacking two antenna arrays vertically separated by an interposer, effectively utilizing the third dimension (z-axis) to expand the antenna aperture. This 3D configuration allows the antenna system to maintain large effective aperture area for high gain and full spherical coverage without increasing the planar footprint on the device surface, thus preserving performance while saving space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stacked antenna module with multiple substrates is used, then beam steering capability is improved, but mechanical strength and assembly reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer serves as a mechanical intermediary component between the first and second substrates. It provides structural support and mechanical coupling for the stacked antenna module, distributing stresses and maintaining alignment between the two antenna arrays. The interposer's rigid structure ensures mechanical strength and assembly reliability while enabling the complex beam steering functionality through its conductive components that facilitate electromagnetic coupling and phase control.
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 solution enables sufficient gain coverage in any direction without compromising mechanical strength or assembly reliability, by expanding the antenna aperture and utilizing existing components for improved beam steering and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
the stacked antenna module being coupled to the conductive component by means of at least one of a galvanic, capacitive, or inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
the stacked antenna module being coupled to the conductive component by means of at least one of a galvanic, capacitive, or inductive coupling
Implementation Method 3
the stacked antenna module being coupled to the conductive component by means of at least one of a galvanic, capacitive, or inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering antenna structure comprises a stacked antenna module and a first conductive component. The antenna module comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged superjacent such that main planes of the substrates extend in parallel. The first substrate comprises a first antenna array transmitting and receiving a first radiation beam. The second substrate comprises a second antenna array transmitting and receiving a second radiation beam. The first conductive component extends adjacent to the antenna module and is at least partially separated from the antenna module in a first direction perpendicular to the main plane of the conductive component. The antenna module is coupled to the conductive component by means of at least one of a galvanic, capacitive, or inductive coupling. At least one of the first and the second radiation beams is at least partially steered away from the other one by the first conductive component.