Touchpad PCB Antenna Layout for Narrow-Bezel Laptop Wireless Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in integrating wireless antennas due to minimalist housing designs that restrict antenna placement, leading to impaired radio signal radiation efficiency, especially in metal-housed devices with reduced height and borderless displays.
Innovation Solution
Integrating antennas within the touchpad's printed circuit board, utilizing non-metallic button covers and a mesh or patterned ground plane to enhance isotropic wireless signal transmission, allowing for efficient radiation coverage in various portable configurations without compromising the housing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If antennas are placed in the lid housing portion at the perimeter of the display, then wireless communication is enabled, but the housing space is insufficient due to borderless display design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna with the touchpad assembly, integrating the wireless communication function into an existing component structure. This merging allows the antenna to be positioned within the touchpad area rather than requiring separate space in the lid housing perimeter, thereby resolving the space conflict caused by borderless display design.
2Strength
If metal housing is used for robust structure, then housing strength is improved, but radio signal radiation is blocked and reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-metallic button covers as intermediary materials between the antenna and the external environment. These non-metallic covers allow radio signals to pass through without reflection or blocking, while still providing the necessary protective and aesthetic functions. This intermediary layer resolves the conflict between metal housing strength and signal radiation efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If system height is reduced for portability, then weight and size are reduced, but antenna radiation efficiency is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna within the touchpad plane, utilizing the horizontal space rather than requiring vertical clearance. By integrating the antenna into the touchpad's printed circuit board layer, the design achieves effective radiation patterns without requiring additional system height, thus maintaining portability while ensuring radiation efficiency.
4Area of stationary object
If minimal border around display is used, then display area is maximized, but antenna placement space is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touchpad assembly serve multiple functions: it provides touch input functionality and simultaneously houses the wireless antenna. This multi-functionality allows the antenna to be integrated without requiring additional space around the display, thereby maintaining the minimal border design while enabling antenna placement through the universal use of the touchpad structure.
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 solution improves wireless signal radiation patterns in low-height portable systems, maintaining housing integrity and enabling effective wireless communication in clamshell and tablet positions, while freeing up space along the display perimeter for a narrow bezel design.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna formed proximate each button press area to communicate wireless signals through a radiofrequency transparent region at press buttons of the touchpad
Implementation Method 2
a ground plane formed below the antenna has a mesh, grid or other from that passes radiofrequency energy wavelengths associated with the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system processes information with processing components disposed in a main housing portion and presents the information at a display disposed in a lid housing portion. A keyboard and touchpad disposed at the upper surface of the main housing portion accept end user inputs. The touchpad translates touch inputs at a touch detection surface into cursor movement at the display and accepts presses at a touch button as input clicks. One or more antenna integrated in the touchpad to support communication of wireless signals by a transceiver disposed in the main housing, such as to support wireless local area network communications. A ground plane of the touchpad forms openings under the one or more antenna to provide a pathway for the wireless signals.