US 2013/0152378 A1 · OVERSIZED ANTENNA FLEX

Abstract

This is directed to an antenna for use in an electronic device. The antenna can be constructed from a flex and printed trace, such that the flex is originally defined to be as large or nearly as large as possible to fit within portion of the electronic device dedicated to the antenna. This can allow the antenna trace to vary as the antenna is tuned without requiring a new flex having a different shape. In addition, this can allow the antenna design to be decoupled from the mechanical considerations related to mounting the antenna within the electronic device.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method, comprising:

drawing a first conductive antenna trace on a first flex that has a size and shape, wherein the first conductive antenna trace has a first trace pattern;
and
testing the drawn first conductive antenna trace;
determining that the drawn first conductive antenna trace is inadequate;
and
drawing a second conductive antenna trace on a second flex that has a size and shape that is substantially equal to the size and shape of the first flex, wherein the second conductive antenna trace has a second trace pattern that is different from the first trace pattern.

3 more elements

A method, comprising:

drawing a plurality of different trace patterns on a respective plurality of flexes, wherein each of the plurality of flexes has substantially the same size and shape and wherein each of the plurality of different trace patterns fits within the boundaries of its respective flex;
testing at least a first one of the drawn trace patterns;
and
determining that the first one of the drawn trace patterns is inadequate for use as part of an antenna for an electronic device.

1 more element

A method, comprising:

determining a space in an electronic device in which an antenna is to be located;
determining a size and a shape for an antenna flex such that the antenna flex fits in the determined space;
forming at least first and second antenna flexes each having substantially the determined size and the determined shape;
forming a first antenna trace on the first antenna flex and a second antenna trace on the second antenna flex, wherein the first antenna trace has a first trace pattern and wherein the second conductive antenna trace has a second trace pattern that is different from the first trace pattern;
and
mounting a selected one of the first and second antenna flexes with its corresponding antenna trace in the space in the electronic device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/768,177Filed 15 Feb 2013

Priority

8 Sep 2009

Published

20 Jun 2013

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification10 codes

H01Q 1/00
Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
H01Q 1/12
Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas: supports; Mounting means
H01Q 1/243
Specially adapted for hand-held use: with built-in antennas
H01Q 1/38
Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith: formed by a conductive layer on an…

Oversized antenna flex

Life of this patent

Oversized antenna flex

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20