USB Connector Metal Housing as Antenna for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of wireless communications devices is restricted due to the separate space occupied by antennas in USB communications terminals.
Innovation Solution
The USB connector's metal housing is used as a radio-frequency signal feedpoint, electrically coupled with the PCB, allowing it to function as an antenna, eliminating the need for a separate antenna and saving space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a separate antenna is used in the USB communications terminal, then the antenna performance is maintained, but the device occupies more space and miniaturization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the USB connector housing, making the metal housing serve dual purposes as both connector enclosure and antenna element. This merging eliminates the need for a separate antenna component, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining antenna functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The metal housing of the USB connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the connector's protective enclosure and simultaneously functions as the antenna for wireless communications. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical and electromagnetic roles
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna is placed close to the USB connector, then the device size is reduced, but the USB connector interferes with the antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing a separate antenna near the connector, the invention merges the antenna function directly into the connector's metal housing. This eliminates interference issues by making the connector structure itself the antenna, ensuring both close integration and performance reliability
3Length of moving object
If an independent antenna device is used, then the antenna function is ensured, but the physical dimension of the antenna cannot be reduced unlimitedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna element with the USB connector housing structure, allowing the antenna length to be determined by the connector dimensions rather than requiring a separate antenna component. This enables significant reduction in antenna length while maintaining functionality through the integrated design
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 design reduces the physical dimensions of the device, saving space and costs by integrating the antenna function into the USB connector, enhancing the miniaturization of wireless communications devices.
Implementation Method 1
the USB connector includes a metal housing... a radio-frequency signal feedpoint is disposed on the PCB, and the radio-frequency signal feedpoint is electrically coupled with the USB metal housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a USB communications terminal, and in particular, to a data card. The USB communications terminal includes a USB connector and a printed circuit board PCB, where the USB connector includes a metal housing, a radio-frequency signal feedpoint is disposed on the PCB, and the radio-frequency signal feedpoint is electrically coupled with the metal housing. According to the USB communications terminal in the present invention, a radio-frequency signal feedpoint is electrically coupled with a metal housing of a USB connector, so that the metal housing of the USB connector is used as an antenna or a part of an antenna of the USB communications. Therefore, no antenna needs to be additionally designed on the USB communications terminal, thereby saving space of the USB communications terminal and also reducing costs.