Wireless Antenna Feed Structure Without Physical Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with wireless circuitry face challenges in designing satisfactory connections between transmission lines and antennas, as physical contacts are costly, bulky, and consume excessive space.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless coupling mechanism between radio-frequency transmission lines and antenna resonating elements, using an antenna feed structure formed on a package substrate, which electromagnetically couples to antenna resonating elements external to the package, eliminating the need for physical contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical contacts are used to connect transmission line to antenna, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical contact connections with electromagnetic field coupling. The feed structure on the package substrate creates an electromagnetic field that couples to the antenna resonating element without physical contact, thereby eliminating complex mechanical connectors while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the transmission line and antenna. The feed structure generates an electromagnetic field that acts as a mediator to transfer energy and signals from the transmission line to the antenna resonating element without direct physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical contacts are used to connect transmission line to antenna, then electrical connection is established, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnection space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes physical contact structures with electromagnetic field coupling, eliminating the need for bulky connectors, sockets, and associated mounting structures. This reduces the volume required for connection components while maintaining reliable electrical connection through field-based energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical contacts are used to connect transmission line to antenna, then signal transmission is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive physical contact components (connectors, sockets, precision-machined contact structures) with planar feed structures fabricated using standard PCB techniques. This substitution significantly reduces component costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining signal transmission integrity through electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the feed structure directly into the package substrate, eliminating separate connector components. The feed structure is integrated as part of the substrate fabrication process, reducing the total component count and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces the complexity and space requirements for antenna connections, enabling more compact and efficient wireless circuitry designs while maintaining effective radio-frequency signal transmission and reception.

Implementation Method 1

Radio-frequency transmission lines may couple a radio to an antenna feed structure. The antenna feed structure may be wirelessly coupled to one or more antenna resonating elements.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The antenna feed structure may be formed on package substrate for an integrated circuit package. The one or more antenna resonating elements may be formed on the external surface of the integrated circuit package

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4333209A1Antenna feed structure

Publication Date: 2024.03.06 APPLE INC

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AI summary

An electronic device (10) may include one or more radios (26) and one or more antennas (30). Radio-frequency transmission lines (36) may couple a radio to an antenna feed structure. The antenna feed structure (52) may be wireless coupled to one or more antenna resonating elements (54). An intervening slot element may be disposed between the antenna feed structure (52) and the one or more antenna resonating elements (54). The antenna feed structure (52) may be disposed on a package substrate forming an integrated circuit package. The one or more antenna resonating elements (54) may be disposed on an antenna support structure. The integrated circuit package and the antenna support structure may be mounted to the same side or opposing sides of a system substrate (50).