3D UWB Antenna Layout for Full-Angle Arrival Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices equipped with two UWB antennas face challenges in accurately determining the position of external devices in all directions due to limited angular measurement range and space constraints for densely arranging three UWB antennas, which is essential for 360-degree coverage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with a first conductive support structure and a second nonconductive support structure, featuring a patch antenna with flexible printed circuit boards and conductive patches, which are electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit to transmit and receive RF signals, allowing for the detection of external device positions in all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two UWB antennas are used for positioning, then the device structure is simple, but the angular measurement range is limited to about 180 degrees and cannot detect devices in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-antenna configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement by placing antennas on different surfaces (front surface, rear surface, and side surfaces) of the housing. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables 360-degree coverage while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antennas are integrated into the housing structure itself, with antenna elements embedded or mounted on the housing surfaces. This nesting approach incorporates the antenna system within the existing device form factor without requiring additional external components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three UWB antennas are densely arranged within lambda/2 distance for 360-degree coverage, then the angular measurement range is improved, but the space requirement cannot be guaranteed in thin electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging three antennas densely in a planar configuration within lambda/2 distance, the patent distributes antenna elements across three-dimensional space by placing them on front, rear, and side surfaces of the housing. This volumetric distribution achieves 360-degree coverage while accommodating the thin profile of modern devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple distributed elements rather than requiring a dense three-antenna array. Each antenna element on different housing surfaces contributes to the overall 360-degree coverage, allowing sparse spatial distribution while maintaining functional equivalence to a dense array.
3Device complexity
If two UWB antennas are spaced apart by predetermined distance, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to recognize whether an external device is in leftward or rightward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the antenna configuration by placing elements on front, rear, and side surfaces. This three-dimensional arrangement provides sufficient geometric diversity to resolve directional ambiguity (left vs. right) while avoiding the complexity of a dense three-antenna planar array.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are positioned asymmetrically on different housing surfaces rather than symmetrically on a single plane. This asymmetric spatial distribution creates unique signal path geometries that enable accurate directional determination without requiring complex symmetric array configurations.
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 configuration enables the electronic device to accurately measure the angle of arrival of RF signals from external devices in all directions, overcoming space constraints and enhancing positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a patch antenna including a flexible printed circuit board disposed on one surface of the first support structure that faces the rear surface plate
Implementation Method 2
the electronic device may measure a distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device and/or an angle of arrival (AOA) of a signal (for example, a radio frequency (RF) signal) received from the external electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including an antenna is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a front surface plate, a rear surface plate, and a side surface member, a printed circuit board positioned within the housing, a first support structure, a second support structure, a patch antenna including a flexible printed circuit board disposed on one surface of the first support structure that faces the rear surface plate, a first conductive patch, and a second conductive patch disposed to be spaced apart from the first conductive patch, a conductive pattern disposed on one surface of the second support structure, and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected with the patch antenna and the conductive pattern, and the first conductive patch, the second conductive patch and the conductive pattern are fed from the wireless communication circuit.