Wearable Antenna Variable Ground for Adaptive Radiation Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable electronic devices with fixed antennas generate uniform radiation patterns, limiting adaptability to various communication environments.

Innovation Solution

Implement a wearable electronic device with a variable ground system using metal portions of the frame, including a frame with a front, legs, and metal portions, a PCB with a ground portion, an antenna structure, a switch circuit, and a controller to control impedance and connectivity of the metal portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed antenna is used in the wearable electronic device, then the structure is simple and stable, but the radiation pattern is uniform and lacks adaptability to various communication environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to communication environmentsVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the ground portion of the antenna variable rather than fixed. The ground portion can change its electrical characteristics (such as impedance and length) dynamically through switch circuits that connect or disconnect different metal portions of the frame. This allows the antenna to adapt its radiation pattern to various communication environments while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameters of the antenna ground portion. By changing the impedance and effective length of the ground through the switch circuits, the radiation pattern of the antenna can be adjusted. This allows the same physical antenna structure to produce different radiation characteristics suitable for different communication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the ground portion length is increased to improve radiation performance, then the communication quality improves, but the device size and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the dynamics principle to create a variable ground portion that can change its effective electrical length without physically increasing the device size. By using switch circuits to connect or disconnect different metal portions of the frame, the ground portion can dynamically adjust its length to optimize radiation performance for different communication conditions, maintaining high communication quality within a compact device form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the frame metal portions to serve dual functions: both as structural support elements and as adjustable ground portions for the antenna. This multi-functionality allows the same structural components to contribute to both mechanical integrity and electromagnetic performance, improving communication quality without adding extra components or increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 variable ground system allows for generating various radiation patterns, improving adaptability and communication quality in diverse environments.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna structure 440 including a radiating element 441 and a feeder 442 electrically connected to the radiating element 441

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first switch circuit 451 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first metal portion 4111 and the second metal portion 4121 or to change an impedance for connecting the first metal portion 4111 and the second metal portion 4121

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4403980B1Wearable electronic device including variable ground
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4403980B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403980B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403980B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wearable electronic device includes a front with a lens connected thereto, and includes a first metal portion. A first leg is connected to one end of the front through a first hinge, and includes a second metal portion. A second leg is connected to the other end of the front through a second hinge. A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a ground portion electrically connected to the first metal portion and/or the second metal portion. An antenna structure includes a radiating element and a feeder electrically connected to the radiating element. The antenna structure is electrically connected to the ground portion. A first switch circuit is configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first metal portion and the second metal portion and is also configured to change an impedance for connecting the first metal portion and the second metal portion. A controller controls the first switch circuit.