Timepiece Antenna Ground Plane Layout for Better Wrist Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as wristwatch-type timepieces, face challenges in maintaining effective radio wave transmission and reception sensitivity due to internal components and case materials like carbon fiber-reinforced resin, which can attenuate signals and reduce communication stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive sheet electrically connected to the ground plane of an antenna element, positioned perpendicular to the antenna pattern and extending parallel to the central axis of the case, enhances transmission and reception sensitivity by acting as a ground plane and expanding beamwidth in critical directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an antenna element is disposed in a case made of insulating material, then radio wave transmission and reception sensitivity is improved, but internal components and case materials still cause signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the insulating case and the antenna element. This conductive sheet acts as a ground plane that reflects and directs radio waves, mediating the interaction between the antenna and the surrounding environment to overcome signal attenuation caused by internal components and case materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive sheet is positioned perpendicular to the antenna pattern and extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the case, creating a three-dimensional ground plane structure. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enhances the reflection and direction of radio waves, improving transmission and reception sensitivity by utilizing vertical and horizontal spatial relationships.
2Reliability
If a conductive sheet is added to enhance ground plane effect, then transmission and reception sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a ground plane for the antenna element, provides signal shielding from internal components, and extends the effective ground plane area to improve beamwidth. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component, the design avoids the need for separate elements for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving improved transmission and reception sensitivity.
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 significantly improves radio wave reception sensitivity and beamwidth, particularly in the twelve o'clock direction, ensuring stable communication even when worn on a wrist or in varying orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductor disposed between the case and the antenna element, having a surface substantially parallel to a second axis direction along the central axis of the case, and electrically connected to a ground plane for the antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a case, an antenna element and a first conductor. The case has a space inside and includes an insulating material. The antenna element is disposed in the case and includes an antenna pattern. The antenna pattern includes at least a part extending substantially parallel to a first axis direction perpendicular to a central axis of the case. The first conductor is disposed between the case and the antenna element, has a surface substantially parallel to a second axis direction along the central axis of the case, and is electrically connected to a ground plane for the antenna element.