USB Terminal Antenna Reception for Miniaturized Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional earphone antennas and power transmission cable antennas require special cords or cables, making it difficult to use them for other signal transmission and obstructing the miniaturization of information terminal devices.

Innovation Solution

An input/output apparatus that utilizes a USB terminal to receive radio waves by converting a USB connector to an SMA connector, allowing for the use of a coaxial cable or USB cable to connect an external antenna without needing a separate antenna connector, thereby enabling the reception of FM radio or television signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated receiving antenna is provided inside the information terminal device, then TV broadcasting reception is enabled, but the device size increases and miniaturization is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTV broadcasting reception capabilityVSAvoidinformation terminal device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the USB terminal to serve dual purposes: both USB signal transmission and antenna signal reception. The USB connector's ground terminal and signal line are utilized to receive antenna signals, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated antenna connector inside the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a power transmission cable is used as an antenna, then TV broadcasting reception is enabled without additional connectors, but the cable cannot be used for other signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing frequency-based functional switching. The USB terminal dynamically adapts its function based on signal frequency: at low frequencies (below 500 MHz), it transmits USB signals; at high frequencies (above 500 MHz), it receives antenna signals. This dynamic behavior allows the same cable to serve multiple purposes without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for the slimming down and miniaturization of information terminal devices without the need for additional antenna connectors, while maintaining effective signal transmission across a wide band frequency range from MHz to GHz.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a USB terminal to receive radio waves by converting a USB connector to an SMA connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2819311B1Input/output apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.04.03 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

Provided is an input/output apparatus including information terminals for an input/output connector provided in an information terminal device, at least one of the information terminals including both a function as a standard information terminal based on a general-purpose interface standard and a function as an antenna input terminal.