Antenna Gain Optimization in Electronic Timepieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of an inverted-F antenna in electronic timepieces can result in a drop in antenna gain due to the location of the electrode element relative to the shorting element, affecting the reception of GPS satellite signals.

Innovation Solution

The electronic timepiece design includes a planar inverted-F antenna with a shorting element positioned at 12:00, and connectors are strategically located in a third area outside the first area defined by an imaginary line one-third the distance from the center of the conductor elements to the circumference, optimizing the antenna's gain by minimizing the effect of the connectors on the antenna's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an inverted-F antenna with a shorting element is used, then the antenna structure is compact and can be integrated with the solar panel, but the antenna gain drops when the electrode element is positioned relative to the shorting element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structure compactnessVSAvoidantenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific exclusion zone (third area) around the shorting element where connectors are not positioned. This localized spatial constraint ensures that connectors are placed in regions that do not interfere with the antenna's electromagnetic field distribution, thereby maintaining antenna gain while preserving the compact inverted-F structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional placement problem to a three-dimensional spatial zoning solution. By defining the third area in plan view as an exclusion zone and positioning connectors in specific radial distances from the center, the patent creates a spatial dimension for optimizing antenna performance while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If connectors are positioned close to the antenna center, then the device layout is compact, but the connectors interfere with the antenna's electromagnetic field and reduce sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice layout compactnessVSAvoidantenna sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific radial distance parameter (one-third the distance from center to outside circumference) that defines the boundary of the exclusion zone. By changing the positional parameter of connectors from arbitrary placement to constrained placement outside this boundary, the patent maintains compact layout while preserving antenna sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the connector is positioned in the first area or second area, then the overall device structure is simplified, but the antenna gain is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplificationVSAvoidantenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains structural simplification while avoiding antenna gain reduction by applying local quality through spatial zoning. The third area is defined as an optimal placement region that balances structural simplicity with antenna performance, creating a localized safe zone for connector placement that does not interfere with electromagnetic field distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively suppresses the drop in antenna gain, ensuring reliable reception of GPS signals by reducing the impact of the connectors' location on the antenna's sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an antenna for receiving GPS satellite signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11226594B2Electronic timepiece

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An electronic timepiece has an antenna having a first conductor element connected to a feed, a second conductor element superimposed with the first conductor element in plan view, and a shorting element shorting the first and second conductor elements; a solar panel; a circuit board electrically connected to the feed; a connector electrically connecting the solar panel and the circuit board; and a case having a side wall and housing the antenna, solar panel, circuit board, feed, and connector. A through-hole through which a pivot passes is disposed to the antenna at a position different from the shorting element. The connector is disposed in plan view to a third area excluding from a first area surrounded by the side wall a second area defined by a line indicating a position one-third the distance from the center of the first or second conductor element to an outside circumference.