Support-Structure Antenna Layout for Thin, Space-Efficient Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently mounting and optimizing the space for antennas, which affects their radiation efficiency due to limitations in design and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a support structure with a ground portion and a radiation portion on opposite surfaces, utilizing the support structure as a substrate for the antenna, and includes a dielectric between these portions to enhance mounting efficiency and radiation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is mounted using a separate substrate, then the antenna can be properly supported, but the device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna substrate function into the existing support structure (rear frame) of the electronic device. The ground portion is disposed on the front surface of the rear frame and the radiation portion is disposed on the rear surface, eliminating the need for a separate antenna substrate and reducing overall device weight while maintaining antenna mounting stability.
2Reliability
If the antenna is mounted using a separate substrate, then the antenna can be properly supported, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna substrate function into the existing support structure (rear frame) of the electronic device. The ground portion is disposed on the front surface of the rear frame and the radiation portion is disposed on the rear surface, eliminating the need for a separate antenna substrate and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining antenna mounting stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional antenna mounting methods are used, then the antenna can be installed, but the mounting space efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure (rear frame) serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for electronic components and simultaneously serves as the substrate for the antenna. The ground portion is disposed on the front surface of the rear frame and the radiation portion on the rear surface, allowing the same structure to fulfill both support and antenna substrate functions, thereby improving mounting space efficiency.
4Area of stationary object
If the support structure is used as antenna substrate, then mounting space efficiency improves, but the radiation efficiency may be affected by material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials to different regions of the support structure based on their functional requirements. The rear frame uses a first material with first permittivity for mechanical support, while the dielectric layer uses a second material with second permittivity optimized for antenna radiation. This local differentiation of material properties ensures both structural integrity and optimal radiation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the support structure consists of a rear frame made of a first material and a dielectric layer made of a second material with different permittivity. This composite structure allows optimization of each layer for its specific function: mechanical support and electromagnetic radiation, thereby maintaining high radiation efficiency while achieving mounting space efficiency.
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 configuration improves the mounting space efficiency and radiation efficiency of the antenna, reducing the overall thickness and weight of the device while maintaining effective signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may further include a dielectric disposed between the ground portion and the radiation portion without overlapping the at least one patch plate in the front-rear direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments, an electronic device includes a display configured to output visual information to the front of the electronic device, a support structure configured to support at least one of electronic components accommodated in the electronic device, the support structure having a first surface and a second surface, and an antenna including a ground portion disposed on the first surface and a radiation portion disposed on the second surface that are disposed respectively on both surfaces of the support structure.