Wearable Antenna Stacked Structure for Radiation Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable communication systems face challenges in achieving high radiation efficiency due to the electrical characteristics of the human body, which degrade signal transmission and reception, particularly in wearable medical applications.

Innovation Solution

A wearable communication system with a stacked structure featuring a conductor antenna pattern, a flexible polyimide layer, and a power supply unit, where the antenna is positioned farthest from the body, utilizing a medium with a low loss tangent to minimize signal absorption and enhance radiation efficiency, and incorporating a flexible battery and RF controller to control communication effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna is positioned close to the body for compact wearable design, then the device size is reduced, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates due to signal absorption by the human body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional stacked structure with multiple layers (antenna layer, intermediate layer, ground layer) separated by dielectric substrates. This vertical dimensionality change allows the antenna to be positioned away from the body surface while maintaining a compact wearable form factor, thereby improving radiation efficiency without sacrificing compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dielectric substrate layers as intermediary elements between the antenna and the human body. These substrates with specific dielectric constants and loss tangents act as mediators that reduce signal absorption by the body while maintaining electrical connectivity and structural integrity, thus improving radiation efficiency in wearable applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If a thick substrate is used to position the antenna away from the body, then the radiation efficiency is improved, but the flexibility and thinness of the wearable device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility and thinness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin flexible dielectric substrate films instead of thick rigid substrates. These thin films provide sufficient electrical isolation and positioning while maintaining the flexibility required for wearable applications. The substrates are designed with appropriate thickness to achieve the desired antenna-to-body distance while preserving device flexibility and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of energy

If the antenna is positioned far from the body to reduce signal absorption, then the radiation efficiency is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal absorptionVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested multi-layer structure where the antenna layer, intermediate layer with dielectric substrate, ground layer, and additional functional layers are stacked vertically. This nesting approach allows the antenna to be positioned at an optimal distance from the body while consolidating multiple functions (radiation, grounding, signal routing, power management) within a compact vertical footprint, thereby minimizing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The system achieves increased radiation efficiency and power capacity while maintaining a thin, flexible design, effectively reducing signal absorption and improving communication performance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a medium with a low loss tangent to minimize signal absorption and enhance radiation efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric loss: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the antenna pattern, which transmits and receives a radio frequency signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2615685B1Communication system with antenna
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2615685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2615685B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2615685B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A wearable communication system including an antenna pattern configured to transmit or receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal, a main board configured to control the wearable communication system, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the main board, wherein the antenna pattern is spaced apart from the main board and the power supply unit.