Wearable Antenna Layout for mmWave Space and Biometric Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating an antenna module supporting mmWave bands in wearable devices is exacerbated by insufficient space and degradation of antenna radiation performance due to metal materials, which also affects biometric information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device design incorporating a housing with conductive and non-conductive portions on input members, a metal member, and patch antennas on PCBs, allowing efficient signal radiation and biometric data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna module supporting mmWave band is disposed inside a wearable device, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the space for mounting the antenna module and other electronic components becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral surface of the housing as a mounting dimension for the antenna module, transitioning from traditional internal placement to surface-mounted configuration. This dimensional shift allows the antenna module to be disposed on the outer surface rather than consuming internal volume, thereby resolving the space constraint while maintaining mmWave communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The input member is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a user interface component (input member) and as an antenna radiation surface. The lateral surface of the input member can radiate RF signals, allowing the same structural element to fulfill multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate antenna space
2Strength
If a metal material is used in the antenna radiation area, then structural strength is improved, but the antenna radiation performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The input member is designed with heterogeneous material composition: metal portions provide structural strength and serve as ground elements, while non-conductive portions enable RF signal radiation. This local differentiation of material properties allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The input member comprises a composite structure combining metal and non-conductive materials in a single integrated component. The metal portions provide mechanical support and grounding, while the non-conductive portions allow electromagnetic wave propagation, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves structural integrity and radiation performance
3Reliability
If the antenna radiation area is replaced with nonconductive material, then antenna radiation performance is improved, but the performance of acquiring user biometric information is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The input member features spatially differentiated zones: non-conductive portions are positioned to enable RF radiation, while metal portions are positioned to contact the user for biometric sensing. This local functional differentiation allows the same component to optimize both radiation and sensing performance in different regions
Solution Approach 2:
The input member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an antenna radiation surface through its non-conductive portions, provides structural support through metal portions, and enables biometric sensing through metal portions that contact the user. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing different functions to coexist in different regions of the same component
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
Improves space utilization and reduces radiation performance degradation while enabling effective signal transmission and biometric data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a first patch antenna including at least one conductive patch disposed on a first surface of the first PCB facing the first input member to be arranged at a location corresponding to the at least one first non-conductive portion
Implementation Method 2
the at least one processor acquires user biometric information through the first metal member and the first conductive portion of the first input member
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a housing, an input member disposed on a lateral surface of the housing and including an outer lateral surface including a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion, a metal member disposed inside the housing and in contact with the conductive portion of the outer lateral surface, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the metal member, a patch antenna including a conductive patch disposed on a surface of the PCB facing the input member at a location corresponding to the non-conductive portion, a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the PCB and the patch antenna, and a processor connected to the metal member. The wireless communication circuit transmits a signal by feeding power to the patch antenna, and the processor acquires user biometric information through the metal member and the conductive portion of the input member.