Timepiece Antenna Layout to Limit Metal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable electronic devices like wristwatches, the antenna element used for communication is influenced by other metal members, making it challenging to maintain sensitivity and efficiency in radio wave transmission/reception due to spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece module design featuring a plate-like antenna extending upright from the circuit board with metal members positioned entirely outside specific regions to minimize interference, including a fixing member that avoids overlapping with the antenna and is disposed outside the antenna's normal direction and plan view coinciding regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If metal members are arranged close to the antenna element to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but antenna sensitivity deteriorates due to electromagnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional configuration by extending the antenna element in the thickness direction (vertical dimension) of the substrate. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve greater effective area and improved sensitivity without increasing the device's planar footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between device compactness and antenna sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna element into multiple segments: a first antenna element on the front surface, a second antenna element on the rear surface, and a connecting portion extending in the thickness direction. This segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to the overall antenna performance while maintaining compact device dimensions, addressing both compactness and sensitivity requirements.
2Reliability
If the substantial size of the antenna is expanded to improve sensitivity, then antenna sensitivity is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness direction (vertical dimension) of the substrate to expand the antenna's effective area. By configuring antenna elements on both the front and rear surfaces and connecting them through the substrate thickness, the antenna achieves larger substantial size for improved sensitivity without increasing the device's planar dimensions, thus avoiding device size expansion.
3Ease of manufacture
If metal components are arranged on the same side as the display surface to optimize layout, then ease of manufacture is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct components located on different sides of the substrate: the first antenna element on the front surface, the second antenna element on the rear surface, and the connecting portion through the substrate. This spatial segmentation separates the antenna functionality from potential interfering metal components, maintaining performance while allowing flexible manufacturing layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as an intermediary medium that electrically isolates and spatially separates the front and rear antenna elements. This intermediary structure allows metal components to be arranged on the front surface near the display without directly interfering with the rear antenna element, while the connecting portion maintains electrical continuity through the non-conductive substrate material.
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 the sensitivity and stability of radio wave transmission/reception by reducing electromagnetic field disturbances from other metal components, allowing for efficient communication in compact devices.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna element used for transmission/reception of communication radio waves
Implementation Method 2
metal members or the like... exert an influence on an electric field generated around a planar antenna
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A timepiece module (10) includes a circuit board (13) having a first surface, a plate-like antenna (17) and a metal member (14). The antenna (17) extends in a direction to be away from the first surface of the circuit board (13). The metal member (14) is entirely disposed outside a first region (R1) and outside a second region (R2). The first region (R1) extends from a plate surface (17a) of the antenna (17) outward in a normal direction of the antenna (17). The second region (R2) coincides with the antenna (17) in plan view viewed from above the first surface.