Tilted Antenna Array Layout for Full-Sphere RF Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with wireless communications circuitry face challenges in providing full-sphere radio-frequency coverage, especially at millimeter and centimeter wave frequencies, due to conductive components that obstruct signal propagation behind the rear wall, requiring additional antenna panels that consume space and resources.
Innovation Solution
The use of tilted antenna panels within the peripheral conductive housing structures of electronic devices allows for comprehensive radio-frequency coverage, including areas previously obstructed, without the need for additional panels by angling them at non-zero, opposite angles to optimize signal radiation through the device's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional antenna panels are disposed within the device to cover areas obstructed by conductive material, then radio-frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts antenna panels at non-zero angles relative to the display surface, transitioning from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional angled configuration. This dimensional change allows antenna panels to radiate signals at different angles, covering areas that would otherwise be obstructed by conductive materials in the rear wall, thereby improving spherical coverage without adding more panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric tilting where antenna panels are angled at non-zero degrees in specific directions rather than being uniformly parallel to the display. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes signal radiation patterns to specifically target coverage in areas blocked by conductive components, achieving better coverage distribution with the same number of panels.
2Reliability
If antenna panels are tilted at non-zero angles, then coverage in previously inaccessible areas is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies concrete parameter ranges for antenna panel tilting, such as angles between 0-45 degrees or 10-30 degrees, rather than requiring exact precise angles. This parameterization approach provides design flexibility while maintaining effective coverage, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to specifying exact fixed angles.
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 enhances wireless communication efficiency by ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sphere around the device, including previously inaccessible areas, while minimizing the physical and power requirements for antenna placement.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna panels may include a first antenna panel that radiates through the display. The antenna panels may include a second antenna panel that radiates through a first portion of the peripheral conductive housing structures
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with first and second sidewalls, a rear wall, and a display. Multiple antenna panels may be used to convey radio-frequency signals at frequencies greater than 10 GHz. A first antenna panel may radiate through the display while second and third panels radiate through the first and second sidewalls. The second and third panels may be tilted at non-zero angles with respect to the sidewalls. The non-zero angles may be of opposite sign. The non-zero angles may have the same magnitude. The magnitude may be equal to 15 degrees, as one example. Tilting the panels in this way may allow the panels to collectively cover as much of a sphere around the device as possible, including out of coverage areas behind the rear wall caused by conductive material in the rear wall, without requiring additional panels to be disposed within the device.