Wireless Communication Antenna Switching for Overheat Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication devices using frequency bands higher than 6 GHz, antenna temperatures rise quickly, leading to potential damage and degradation of communication quality due to insufficient consideration of temperature factors in existing techniques.

Innovation Solution

Implement a temperature monitoring system that switches antenna usage based on predefined temperature thresholds (first and second thresholds) to maintain communication quality by preventing antenna overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If frequency band higher than 6 GHz is used, then communication throughput is improved, but coverage is reduced and communication stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between frequency bands (higher than 6 GHz and 6 GHz or lower) based on communication conditions. The system can adaptively change the operating frequency band to maintain stable communication while achieving high throughput when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter (frequency band) dynamically. By switching between different frequency bands based on communication quality and temperature conditions, the system optimizes both throughput and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If antenna is used for communication, then communication function is achieved, but antenna temperature rises causing potential damage and communication quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidantenna temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary temperature monitoring and preventive switching before the antenna reaches dangerous temperature levels. By monitoring temperature in advance and switching to a different antenna or frequency band when temperature approaches thresholds, the system prevents overheating damage while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent temporarily discontinues (discards) the use of an antenna when its temperature becomes too high, allowing it to cool down. Once the temperature returns to acceptable levels, the antenna is recovered and can be used again, extending its operational lifespan and maintaining communication quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Duration of action of stationary object

If temperature monitoring and switching mechanism is implemented, then communication quality is maintained for longer period, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of stable communicationVSAvoidtemperature monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service temperature monitoring and management system where the wireless communication device autonomously monitors its own antenna temperatures and performs switching operations without external intervention. This self-monitoring and self-adjustment capability extends communication duration while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4050816B1Wireless communication device and selection method
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4050816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4050816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4050816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The wireless communication device (200) according to the present disclosure includes the control unit (260). The control unit (260) acquires the temperatures of a plurality of antennas (2110) having different directivities. The control unit (260) acquires information regarding the communication quality of the plurality of antennas (2110). In a case where the temperature of the antenna which is being used for communication is equal to or higher than the second temperature threshold which is lower than the first temperature threshold for determining whether or not to stop using the antenna (2110), the control unit (260) switches the antenna which is being used to an antenna selected on the basis of the communication quality among the antennas whose temperatures are lower than the second temperature threshold.