UE Antenna Polarization Switching for Foldable Form Factors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adjustable form factor user equipment (UE) with dual-polarized antenna modules struggle to support frequency ranges FR2 and FR3 due to thickness limitations, leading to reduced data communication rates when transitioning between geometric configurations.

Innovation Solution

The UE dynamically transitions between a split antenna array for uni-polarization and a single antenna array for dual-polarization communication states by adjusting its geometric configuration, facilitating communication with network nodes through messages indicating the polarization state changes and associated channel characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual-polarized antenna modules are used in adjustable form factor UEs, then frequency range support is improved, but device thickness increases beyond acceptable limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range supportVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna array configuration changeable based on UE geometric configuration. The antenna array transitions between different states (full array, subset arrays, single antenna) depending on whether the UE is in first or second geometric configuration, allowing the system to adapt antenna behavior to physical form factor changes without requiring fixed dual-polarized hardware that would increase thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE transitions between geometric configurations, then form factor adaptability is improved, but communication performance deteriorates due to polarization state changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform factor adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna array configuration dynamic by linking it to UE geometric configuration states. When the UE transitions between first and second geometric configurations, the antenna array automatically transitions between corresponding configurations (full array, subset arrays, or single antenna), ensuring communication performance is maintained despite form factor changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the UE indicate its geometric configuration state to the network node. This allows the network to receive feedback about the UE's physical state and adapt signaling accordingly, preventing communication performance deterioration caused by unrecognized polarization state changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If a split antenna array configuration is used, then device thickness is reduced, but data throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoiddata throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna array based on geometric configuration. By transitioning between different antenna configurations (full array with multiple polarizations, subset arrays, or single antenna elements), the system optimizes data throughput for each physical state while maintaining acceptable device thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260019139A1Indicating a polarization state change at a user equipment (UE) in accordance with a change in a UE's geometric configuration

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) includes transmitting, to a network node, a first message indicating a uni-polarization communication state or a dual-polarization communication state of an antenna array architecture of the UE in accordance with the UE changing from a first geometric configuration to a second geometric configuration, or vice versa, the antenna array architecture forming a split antenna array associated with the uni-polarization communication state when the UE is configured according to the first geometric configuration, and a single antenna array associated with the dual-polarization communication state when the UE is configured according to the second geometric configuration. The method also includes transmitting, to the network node, a second message indicating one or more channel characteristics and one or more device characteristics associated with measurements of the one or more RSs received in accordance with transmitting the first message.