Smartphones today face two significant challenges: maintaining a strong signal and staying cool during intense usage. Most manufacturers treat these issues separately, but a new patent from Vivo suggests a future where the phone antenna can function alongside a cooling fan.
Typically, a phone antenna is a fixed strip of metal along the device’s frame. While efficient, this design can be hindered by “hand blockage,” which reduces signal strength when users grip their phones. To address this, companies have explored various designs, including 360-degree antennas seen in devices like the Vivo X200 FE. Vivo’s innovative concept proposes embedding antennas directly onto the blades of an internal cooling fan.
According to technical filings, this central placement allows for mechanical rotation to enhance connectivity. Instead of relying on a stationary receiver, the phone could potentially adjust the positioning of the fan-mounted antennas to achieve better alignment with cellular towers or Wi-Fi routers. This would be particularly advantageous for users on the go, such as commuters and travelers, who frequently experience signal handovers between base stations.
You might wonder how a spinning blade can remain connected to the phone’s motherboard without tangled wires. The patent reveals a “capacitive coupling” system, where signals can transfer across a tiny air gap between metal surfaces. This method enables wireless connections within the device, negating the need for physical wiring that may degrade from constant movement.
This design supports various antenna types, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and even satellite communications, allowing different blades to target different devices simultaneously. This capability creates a complex, efficient communication hub.
There are two main benefits to this approach. First, it optimizes internal space, enabling larger batteries or enhanced camera sensors by using an essential mechanical component like a fan as a communication tool. Second, it aids in cooling. Rapid data processing—common during gaming or using AI—generates significant heat. A well-designed system could manage both processor cooling and signal quality.
While many patents do not progress to production, the context for this one is promising. With more “Pro” and gaming smartphones anticipated to incorporate active cooling by 2026, the concept of a “smart fan” appears increasingly feasible.
Currently, this remains a look into Vivo’s research developments. However, the patent hints at future advancements in smartphone hardware, potentially redefining fans from mere air movers to crucial components for better reception.
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