USB Dongle Hinge Angle Detection for SAR Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

USB dongles face challenges in determining their hinge angle to optimize antenna efficiency and comply with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) regulations, which affect RF radiation emissions and wireless performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a Hall sensor and magnet to detect the hinge angle of a USB dongle, allowing for electronic adjustment of the antenna's length and matching circuit to optimize performance and reduce RF radiation emissions in compliance with SAR requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hinge angle of the USB dongle is not detected, then the antenna performance cannot be optimized and RF radiation emissions cannot be controlled, but adding angle detection increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performance optimizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A Hall sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to detect the hinge angle by measuring magnetic field changes. The Hall sensor provides angle information without requiring complex mechanical sensors or processors, thus optimizing antenna performance while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical angle detection systems with a magnetic field-based Hall sensor system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical encoders or potentiometers, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable angle detection for antenna optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the hinge angle detection system is added to optimize antenna efficiency, then wireless performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Hall sensor used for hinge angle detection is a low-cost, simple component that can be easily manufactured and integrated. This approach prioritizes cost-effective implementation over high-precision expensive sensors, achieving wireless performance optimization without significantly increasing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects changes in magnetic field parameters (strength and direction) to determine hinge angle. By monitoring parameter changes rather than using absolute position sensors, the system achieves wireless performance optimization with simple, inexpensive sensing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If SAR compliance evaluation is conducted in certified testing laboratories, then RF radiation compliance is ensured, but testing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF radiation complianceVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge angle detection system enables preliminary control of RF radiation emissions by optimizing antenna orientation before formal SAR testing. By detecting and adjusting the hinge angle to optimal positions, the system pre-complies with SAR requirements, reducing the need for iterative testing and certification time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The Hall sensor provides continuous feedback on hinge angle position, enabling real-time adjustment of antenna orientation to maintain SAR compliance. This feedback mechanism allows the device to self-regulate RF emissions, reducing dependency on extensive external testing and certification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient detection and adjustment of the hinge angle to optimize antenna performance and reduce RF radiation emissions, ensuring compliance with SAR regulations and improving wireless connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

a processor configured to detect the connector's angular position relative to the transceiver based on a Hall voltage (VH) that corresponds to a magnetic flux passing through a Hall Effect sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9086299B2Wireless dongle angular position sensor
Publication Date: 2015.07.21 FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US9086299B2 patent drawing
  • US9086299B2 patent drawing
  • US9086299B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus comprising a connector, a transceiver connected to the connector, and a processor configured to detect the connector's angular position relative to the transceiver based on a Hall voltage (VH) that corresponds to a magnetic flux passing through a Hall Effect sensor. Also disclosed is a method comprising detecting a Hall voltage (VH), calculating an angle based on the VH, and determining whether the angle is between an upper threshold and a lower threshold associated with a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance criteria.