Engagement features and adjustment structures for electronic devices with integral antennas

Abstract

Electronic devices may be provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include antenna structures that are formed from an internal ground plane and a peripheral conductive housing member. The internal ground plane and peripheral conductive housing member may be separated by a gap. The internal ground plane may be formed from sheet metal structures having engagement features such as tabs bent upwards at an angle. Plastic structures may be insert molded over the engagement features. When the internal ground plane is mounted in the electronic device, the plastic structures may bridge the gap between the internal ground plane and the peripheral conductive housing member. An adjustable structure such as a washer with a selectable thickness may be mounted to the peripheral conductive housing member opposing conductive structures across the gap. The thickness ma be adjusted to adjust antenna performance.