Windowless Antenna Capacitive Coupling Across Air Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving high-frequency radio waves across physical barriers without the need for physical connections, which is crucial for wireless communication technologies like WiFi and Bluetooth.
Innovation Solution
The use of a windowless antenna and signal conductor configuration where the antenna and signal conductor are electrically coupled across an air gap, utilizing capacitive coupling to facilitate the transmission and reception of high-frequency radio waves, thereby eliminating the need for a physical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical connection is used to transmit high-frequency radio waves across barriers, then signal transmission is reliable, but device complexity increases and compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection system with an electromagnetic field-based capacitive coupling system. The signal conductor and antenna are separated by an air gap, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining electrical coupling through capacitive effects. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable signal transmission without the complexity of physical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap acts as an intermediary between the signal conductor and the antenna. Instead of direct physical contact, the capacitive coupling through the air gap enables signal transmission. This intermediary approach maintains reliability while simplifying the overall device structure and enabling compact design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate antenna with cut-out is used, then wireless communication is enabled, but device compactness and aesthetic design are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the existing device structure (bezel or enclosure). Instead of adding a separate antenna component that requires cut-outs, the antenna is integrated into the device's existing structural elements. This merging enables wireless communication while preserving the device's compactness and aesthetic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device's structural components (bezel, enclosure) serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, aesthetic appearance, and antenna functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna components and cut-outs, resolving the contradiction between wireless communication capability and device compactness.
3Device complexity
If an air gap is introduced between antenna and signal conductor, then physical connection is eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an air gap range (0.1mm to 5mm) that balances the need for electrical coupling with manufacturing feasibility. By defining this parameter range, the invention achieves physical connection elimination while maintaining manufacturability, as the specified gap dimensions can be controlled within standard manufacturing tolerances.
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 effectively allows for the transmission and reception of high-frequency radio waves, ensuring reliable communication in devices like laptops and other electronic devices, while maintaining a compact design without cut-outs for separate antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna and the signal conductor may be electrically coupled across an air gap
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna for an electronic device is described. The antenna includes an antenna disposed in a first location and a signal conductor disposed in a second location. The antenna and the signal conductor are electrically coupled across an air gap.