Solar dimming device for electronic devices

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a solar fade device for electronic devices, such as an electronic control module (ECM) or electronic control unit (ECU) (e.g., an automotive telematics control unit (TCU), a TCU antenna module, etc.), an antenna, an antenna array, a vehicle antenna assembly, an antenna radome, a cell tower, other electronic devices that can be exposed to solar radiation and suffer from external energy impacts, etc., are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to solar energy reduction devices for electronic devices, such as electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., automotive telematics control units (TCUs), TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, radomes, cell towers, and other electronic devices that may be exposed to solar radiation and subjected to external energy impacts. Background Technology

[0002] An automotive electronic control module (ECM) is an embedded system in automotive electronics configured to control one or more of the vehicle's electrical systems or subsystems. An example type of ECM is the telematics control unit (TCU), which can be used in embedded systems within a vehicle to wirelessly connect the vehicle to cloud services, connect the vehicle to other vehicles via a network through the V2X (vehicle-to-everything) standard, and so on.

[0003] The TCU is typically located inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. While this location is convenient for systems that could benefit from data connections to external systems, it is inconvenient from the perspective of actually connecting to the outside. This is because the exterior of the vehicle significantly attenuates the signals received and transmitted from the TCU.

[0004] To overcome this problem, conventional systems have used external antennas (such as the "shark fin" antennas commonly found on the roof of many vehicles) to provide a better antenna system. Advantageously, positioning the antenna on the roof (or higher) of the vehicle allows for the clearest lines of sight for the broadcast antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, but is not an exhaustive disclosure of its full scope or all its features.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of solar energy reduction devices for electronic devices are disclosed, such as electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., automotive telematics control units (TCUs), TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, radomes, cell towers, and other electronic devices that may be exposed to solar radiation and suffer external energy impacts.

[0007] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this general overview are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0008] This application is illustrated by way of example, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0009] Figure 1 A multilayer RF (radio frequency) transparent IR (infrared) reflective body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 1 The patterned RF transparent solar reflector in the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector body shown.

[0011] Figure 3 The vehicle shown includes an internal roof compartment for mounting the TCU beneath an RF transparent section on the roof.

[0012] Figure 4 A TCU antenna module subjected to solar flux is shown, and various considerations for developing a solar energy attenuation device for a TCU antenna module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0013] Figure 5 The diagram shows how solar energy absorbed by vehicle components is re-radiated as long-wave IR.

[0014] Figure 6 An exemplary TCU antenna module is shown, which includes an antenna and a TCU within a enclosure or housing, the enclosure or housing being disposed within a cavity or internal compartment in the roof of a vehicle.

[0015] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The exemplary TCU antenna module shown is equipped with a solar energy reduction device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 An exemplary TCU antenna module is shown, which includes a solar energy attenuation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 9 An antenna assembly integrated with a solar umbrella is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the disclosed features described below are not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form other combinations not shown elsewhere for purposes of simplicity.

[0019] The antenna can be located on the vehicle's roof (or higher), providing the clearest line of sight for the broadcast antenna. Recently, the TCU and antenna have been co-located inside or under the vehicle's roof. This co-location of the TCU electronics and antenna eliminates many cables that would otherwise be needed to connect antennas to various wireless connectivity standards, such as cellular + MIMO, WiFi, Bluetooth, DSRC, GPS / GNSS, etc. Removing these cables saves weight and cost and improves performance by eliminating signal loss from the cables.

[0020] However, as recognized herein, the problem with co-locating electronics and antennas on the roof is that the electronics must be housed within the headliner space, which is the gap between the roof surface and the fabric / interior material used for sound insulation, aesthetics, and insulation. The headliner space essentially becomes a greenhouse, where solar heat is trapped, potentially raising operating temperatures to extreme levels. For styling reasons, to reduce drag, etc., automakers have integrated antennas into the vehicle body. To integrate antennas into the body, vehicle materials must be changed from metals to non-metallic materials that allow RF signals to pass through (e.g., glass, polymers, etc.). However, as recognized herein, glass and polymers increase the amount of solar energy absorbed and trapped within the headliner space. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of solar energy mitigation devices are developed and / or disclosed herein, which help to minimize or at least reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed over time, and thus reduce the operating temperature of the TCU or other modules placed within the headliner space. As disclosed herein, exemplary solar energy reduction devices are configured to reflect / block solar energy and associated IR energy while allowing RF signals to pass through easily (e.g., solar umbrellas that protect the space).

[0021] Electronic modules may require RF signals to be received and / or transmitted within a fully or partially enclosed space or enclosure. However, the enclosure in which the electronic module is located may be exposed to solar flux or high heat flux with or without active cooling. In this case, the module may experience or be subjected to increased thermal loads due to (1) direct or indirect solar radiation, (2) thermal radiation associated with the greenhouse effect of the enclosure, and (3) power consumption associated with the module's electronics. The first two factors are likely to be the primary modes leading to increased thermal loads. Increased thermal loads can raise operating temperatures that may exceed the limits of the module's electronic circuitry and cause functional failures or losses, or degrade module performance (e.g., throttling performance to avoid thermal overload), or reduced lifespan of electrical components due to thermal stress.

[0022] For thermally insulated volumes within an enclosure, there may be little available heat sink or convective cooling, and heat cannot escape from the enclosure. In such cases, the greenhouse effect may be the dominant factor in the thermal environment. As recognized herein, solar attenuation devices for thermally insulated volumes may include those that optimally cover the area (area-dependent) of incident solar energy and heat flux.

[0023] For a partially thermally insulated volume within an enclosure, some heat dissipation capacity may exist, allowing heat to escape from the enclosure. In this case, a partial greenhouse effect may exist in the thermal environment and along the available heat transfer paths. As recognized herein, solar attenuation devices for partially thermally insulated volumes do not necessarily rely heavily on the area of ​​incident solar energy and heat flux, as other heat attenuation measures can be employed.

[0024] This document discloses exemplary embodiments of solar energy reduction devices for electronic devices, such as electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., automotive telematics control units (TCUs), TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, radomes, cell towers, and other electronic devices that may be exposed to solar radiation and subjected to external energy impacts.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the solar attenuation device includes a single-layer or multi-layer body capable of reflecting incident solar and heat flux away from electronic devices. The body may be adapted to or conform to the shape surrounding the electronic devices and is spatially configured to reflect incident solar / heat flux to a great extent (e.g., maximized, etc.). The body may be composed of various structures, features, materials, patterns, shapes, and layers configured (e.g., selectively chosen, etc.) to reflect a broad spectrum of incident solar and infrared wavelengths. The selection of materials, layers, structures, etc., preferably allows RF transmission through the body with negligible (e.g., minimal, etc.) attenuation of the RF signal. The body may be integrated as a monolithic component of the electronic module, or it may be a separate, discrete component added to the solar attenuation device of the electronic module. The body may be configured to effectively reduce the operating temperature of the electronic module to its specified operating temperature range. The body may be configured to achieve higher operating performance and reliability. The body may also include an RF antenna element as part of the solar attenuation device. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar attenuation device may be a design component visible from the outside / external side.

[0026] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a multilayer RF (radio frequency) transparent IR (infrared) reflective body 102 embodying one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1As shown, body 102 includes multiple layers 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, 123 and optional locations 126 for integrated RF antenna elements and connectors. Although Figure 1 This example illustrates multiple layers 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, and 123, but other exemplary embodiments may include fewer than all of these multiple layers 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, and 123.

[0027] The multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 102 can be used to provide a solar energy reduction device for electronic devices such as electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., automotive telematics control units (TCUs), TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, radomes, cell towers, and other electronic devices that may be exposed to solar radiation and suffer external energy impacts.

[0028] Body 102 can be configured to reflect incident waves having wavelengths within the solar and / or IR spectra and their associated energy flux. Body 102 can be configured to maximize the reflection of energy flux associated with waves having wavelengths within the solar and / or IR spectra, while body 102 remains transparent in the RF wavelength range.

[0029] Layer 110 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers of varying thicknesses and / or made of different materials to reflect specific frequency bands, thereby optimizing reflection, etc. For example, layer 110 may comprise a stack of alternating λ / 4 high refractive index layers and λ / 4 low refractive index layers. The number of layers used for layer 110 may depend on the desired percentage of radiation refraction (e.g., 90%-95%, 99%, etc.) and / or on the number of wavelengths covered by the solar attenuation device. However, other exemplary embodiments may be configured differently without layer 110.

[0030] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Layer 106 is a substrate or support layer. Substrate 106 can be made of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC-ABS) or other suitable materials. Substrate 106 can be configured to have mechanical properties of formability, mechanical integrity, and thermal stability. Although Figure 1 This example shows a substrate 106 with a planar structure, but substrate 106 can be formed into a non-planar three-dimensional structure. The property of formability is an important factor that allows substrate 106 to be formed in a way that maximizes the area surrounding the incident energy.

[0031] The substrate 106 may be configured to have color, for example by pigment deposition (e.g., white, non-metallic, etc.), such that the substrate 106 has low IR absorption and high IR reflectivity. The substrate 106 may be configured to have smooth surface finish properties, such as A-1 grade, polished white plastic, etc.

[0032] The substrate 106 may incorporate IR reflective structures and features, such as open-cell polymer structures (e.g., MuCell microcellular plastic foam, other open-cell polymer foams, etc.), microspheres (e.g., hollow glass, plastic and / or ceramic microspheres, microballoons or bubbles, etc.), foam core polymers, etc. For example, the substrate 106 may have a broadband distribution of different pore sizes, which are on the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the incident energy, to allow for good broadband IR reflection (e.g., IR wavelengths, etc.) at those incident wavelengths.

[0033] Layer 110 may include a highly reflective coating along the upper surface of substrate 106, such as one or more of paint, physical vapor deposition (PVD), paint / primer / topcoat combinations, etc. For example, the highly reflective coating 110 may include a highly reflective white paint, aerospace paint, cinema screen paint, etc. The highly reflective coating 110 may have high reflectivity, such as at least 0.5 up to 0.99 (e.g., 50%, 70%, 95%, or 99% reflection of solar radiation, etc.).

[0034] Layer 114 is a liner with low thermal conductivity or thermal insulation characteristics, exhibiting IR blocking properties. For example, layer 114 may comprise a synthetic porous ultralight material (e.g., an aerogel material, etc.). Layer 114 may have an extremely low thermal conductivity of less than about 0.06 W / mK (e.g., in the range of about 0.024 W / mK to about 0.06 W / mK, etc.). Layer 114 may comprise a flexible membrane with a thickness ranging from about 20 micrometers to about 2.5 millimeters. However, in other exemplary embodiments, layer 114 may have a thickness of less than 20 micrometers or greater than 2.5 millimeters.

[0035] Layer 118 may include one or more additional layers between substrate 106 and layer 114. Layer 118 may include a single layer or multiple layers of dielectric material of low emissivity.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, layer 122 of body 102 is a patterned RF transparent solar reflector or reflector. The patterned RF transparent solar reflector 122 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers of metal or dielectric film. The patterned RF transparent solar reflector 122 includes a pattern of reflectors 130 (e.g., metal mirror solar reflectors, etc.) spaced apart from each other by regions 134 that do not contain reflectors 130. Regions 134 may comprise paint (e.g., white paint, etc.), silica, and / or other materials that are more RF transparent / transmissive than the material used to make the reflectors 130. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more additional layers may be located above layer 122 and / or layer 110 may be omitted.

[0037] The material used for reflector 130 can be selected from a group of highly reflective metallic materials, such as chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), etc. The reflector material can be deposited in the form of a thin film (e.g., a film having a thickness ranging from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers). The film may include other layers as part of a stack, such as stacks including zirconium (Zr), (Cr / Zr / Cr), titanium (Ti), and tungsten-titanium (TiW). The dielectric material can be selected from silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), and other dielectric materials of similar thickness. The deposition method can be physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or other suitable means for fabricating the thin films described herein.

[0038] In alternative embodiments, the pattern of reflector 130 and region 134 may be defined by conductive and non-conductive coatings to optimize or maximize (generally, improve) the reflective surface area / performance. The conductive coating may be patterned in a manner that optimizes or maximizes RF transmittance as well as optimizes or maximizes light and IR reflectance. By further example, the pattern of reflector 130 and region 134 may be defined by patterned double-glazed glass with a low-emissivity coating.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, layer 122 may be eliminated, or layer 122 may be configured without any pattern of reflectors 130. In alternative embodiments where layer 122 is not patterned with reflectors 130, layer 122 may include a PVD layer for additional reflection, which may not necessarily need to be painted.

[0040] Layer 123 may include a protective layer on top of the patterned reflective layer 122. For example, if layer 122 is metal, layer 123 may include a transparent coating or a thin environmental protection layer on top of the metal layer 122 for environmental protection purposes, such as inhibiting oxidation of the metal layer 122. Layer 123 may also be configured to provide or improve overall appearance quality (e.g., A-1 grade, etc.).

[0041] Figure 1 Optional locations 126 for the integrated RF antenna elements and connectors are shown. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more RF antenna elements may also, or alternatively, be located on top of the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 102. For example, one or more foil antennas may be placed on top of the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 102, and the foil antennas may have a protective layer, for example, to prevent scratches, etc.

[0042] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a patterned RF transparent solar reflector 122 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the patterned RF transparent solar reflector 122 may be configured to provide at least 90% solar reflectance coverage. Figure 2 As shown, reflector 130 comprises inverted intersecting isosceles right triangles, defining a pattern that provides good solar reflection and a sufficient number of unique polarization planes. For example, Figure 2 The pattern of reflector 130 shown can be configured to provide an optimal or maximized area for solar energy reflection, while also providing an optimal or maximum number of unique polarization planes, such as vertical, horizontal, vertical-horizontal, horizontal-vertical, etc. The shape, spacing, and distribution of the reflectors in the pattern can be customized and varied according to the RF frequency of interest. For example, if only a very specific frequency exists, the reflector pattern can be optimized only for that frequency, rather than for all RF frequencies. Similarly, the distribution of reflectors in the pattern may not need to be continuous across the entire surface; for example, if the antenna is located in different positions, the pattern can be distributed over certain areas instead of others.

[0043] The patterned RF transparent solar reflector 122 can be used with an antenna having an omnidirectional radiation pattern (e.g., a TCU antenna module 700). Figure 7 ), TCU antenna module 900 ( Figure 8 One or more antennas (such as photoresistors) can be used together. For example, the pattern of the reflector can be formed by photolithography, laser ablation, photomask, etching, etc.

[0044] As mentioned above, the TCU and antenna can be located inside or below the vehicle's roof. For example, Figure 3A vehicle 401 including a roof 405 is shown, defining an interior compartment 409 for a telematics control unit (TCU) 413. When the roof 405 is made of metal or other RF-blocking material, it will block RF signals from entering and exiting the interior compartment 409. Therefore, an RF transparent portion 417 (e.g., glass, painted plastic, etc.) is positioned above the TCU 413, allowing RF signals to pass through the RF transparent portion 417 into and out of the interior compartment where the TCU 413 is located. However, as illustrated herein, the solar load on the RF transparent portion 417 can be significant, for example, 4 to 20 times greater than the electrical power consumption.

[0045] The thermal requirements of TCU antenna modules have increased due to the power consumption of their increasingly complex and powerful cellular transceivers and App processing circuitry, as well as the addition of new technologies such as V2X and / or DSDA (Multi-Cellular Modem). Furthermore, the thermal requirements of TCU antenna modules also increase due to the baseline environmental conditions resulting from the limited space and airflow in the roof location, leading to an ambient temperature of 85°C. Additionally, the increased thermal constraints caused by solar radiation heating the mounting space (covered by glass, resin glass, or plastic surfaces to avoid obstructing RF transmission like traditional metal body panels) further contribute to the increased thermal requirements. Solar radiation can be absorbed by components within the roof structure, causing a rise in baseline module temperature, including the roof surface, the roof structure, the interior roof compartment where the module is located, and the air within the TCU antenna module.

[0046] Having understood the foregoing, this document develops and / or discloses exemplary embodiments for mitigating the effects of solar heat accumulation within (or in) the space where the TCU antenna module operates. Solar heat mitigation can help ensure the performance and long-term reliability of the TCU antenna module.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The magnitude of the solar load problem can be quite large, as will be explained now. The RF transparent portion 417 can have a width of 40 cm and a length of 30 cm. In the example described, the solar power spectral density can be from approximately 200 to 1000 W / m². 2 The solar load can be approximately 24 to 120 W, which is proportional to the area of ​​the space directly below the RF transparent portion 417. The electrical power consumption can be approximately 6 to 11 W. Therefore, the solar load on the RF transparent portion 417 can be 4 to 20 times the electrical power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to have a solar mitigation device that reduces solar impact by at least approximately 10 to 15 times.

[0048] Against the background, 99% of the solar power reaching the Earth's surface has wavelengths between 300 nanometers (nm) and 2.5 micrometers (μm). In developing the exemplary solar attenuation device disclosed herein, a total energy of 200 to 1000 W / m² is assumed. 2 Infrared (IR) and near-infrared (NIR) contain 50-60% of the incident radiation energy distribution, of which 3% is ultraviolet (UV), 29% is visible light, and 58% is IR / IR. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar energy attenuation device is configured to filter / block wavelengths from 100 nm to 10,000 nm, while allowing transmission at wavelengths from 3 cm to 5 m (100 MHz to 6 GHz). For example, an exemplary embodiment of the solar energy attenuation device is configured to block wavelengths from 100 nm to 10,000 nm in the UV to near-IR range, while allowing wavelengths from 3 cm to 5 m (100 MHz to 6 GHz). As another example, an exemplary embodiment of the solar energy attenuation device can be configured to block the re-emission spectrum in the long-wave IR range of 10,000 to 100,000 μm.

[0049] Figure 4 The TCU antenna module 513 subjected to solar flux is shown, and various considerations in developing solar energy reduction devices are illustrated, such as being configured to block solar energy from being absorbed by the TCU antenna module 513 and to thermally insulate the TCU antenna module 513 from long-wave emitting components in the roof structure.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the RF transparent portion 517 (e.g., a glass vehicle surface, a painted polymer vehicle surface, etc.) allows UV-A, visible light, and some range of IR to pass through, but blocks UV-B, UV-C, and some range of IR. The RF transparent portion 517 absorbs visible light and IR, and re-emits long-wave IR as heat. An RF transparent portion 517 without a metal coating will allow RF to pass through.

[0051] The metal vehicle structure 519 will block UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and most IR. The metal vehicle structure 519 will absorb visible light and IR, and re-emit long-wave IR as heat. The metal vehicle structure 519 blocks RF.

[0052] Figure 5 This illustrates how solar energy absorbed by vehicle components is re-radiated as long-wave IR. The long-wave IR can heat the TCU antenna module 613 and raise its temperature. For example... Figure 5As shown, the RF transparent portion 617 (e.g., a glass vehicle surface, a painted polymer vehicle surface, etc.) can absorb visible light and IR and re-radiate the absorbed solar energy as long-wave IR. The vehicle structure 619 (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) can absorb visible light and IR and re-radiate the absorbed solar energy as long-wave IR.

[0053] Having understood the foregoing, this document develops and / or discloses exemplary embodiments of schemes for blocking solar energy from absorption by the TCU antenna module and for thermally isolating the TCU antenna module from long-wave emission components in the roof structure. In exemplary embodiments, a scheme may be primarily configured to attenuate infrared energy. For example, by using a light-colored reflective material on the exterior of the housing (e.g., a silver coating along the exterior of the housing, etc.), absorption of solar energy or energy from the environment can be minimized or at least reduced. Furthermore, dark-colored materials (e.g., black, etc.) can be used inside the housing to more effectively absorb energy from electronic devices within the housing.

[0054] This document discloses exemplary embodiments of schemes configured to provide ambient temperature reduction and RF transparency (e.g., multi-layer schemes, single-layer or multi-layer solar reflectors (mirrors), RF transparent reflectors, etc.), for example, for automotive electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., TCUs, TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, etc.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the multilayer scheme includes multiple layers of different materials to cope with visible light, near-infrared (IR), and long-wave IR (radiative heat). In the example, the scheme may include a reflective layer, a thermally insulating shell (e.g., a polymer shell including glass beads or other micropores within a polymer to reduce thermal conductivity), and a low thermal conductivity or thermally insulating layer (e.g., aerogel-synthesized porous ultralight materials, other thermally insulating layers with low thermal conductivity, etc.).

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, a single-layer or multi-layer solar reflector (e.g., a mirror, etc.) comprises N layers, which may include a variety of dielectric materials and / or a variety of coating types (e.g., highly reflective white paint, physical vapor deposition (PVD), other coatings, etc.). The various coating types may include coatings with high reflectivity, low emissivity, low absorption, low transmission, and RF transparency. The exemplary embodiment may include customized layer number and layer thickness to selectively target specific frequency bands to optimize reflection. Microspheres (e.g., hollow glass, plastic and / or ceramic microspheres, microspheres, or bubbles, etc.) may be used to reduce thermal conductivity and provide thermal insulation. Microspheres may be incorporated into coating materials. For example, microspheres with a spherical size ranging from 12 micrometers to about 30 micrometers may be embedded within paint or other coating materials with a thickness ranging from 380 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. Additionally or alternatively, microspheres may be used for automotive ECMs (e.g., TCU antenna modules 700, etc.). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), TCU antenna module 900 ( Figure 8 Fillers in the injectable molding material of the shell (e.g., etc.).

[0057] In another exemplary embodiment, the RF transparent reflector includes conductive and non-conductive coatings patterned to optimize or maximize the reflective surface area / performance. The conductive coatings may be patterned in a manner that optimizes or maximizes RF transmittance as well as optimizes and maximizes light and IR reflectivity.

[0058] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be used in various applications, including automotive electronic control modules (ECMs) or electronic control units (ECUs) (e.g., TCUs, TCU antenna modules, etc.), antennas, antenna arrays, vehicle antenna assemblies, etc. For example, exemplary embodiments of the solar energy mitigation device disclosed herein can be applied directly to or adjacent to an ECU located beneath a transparent surface (e.g., glass, etc.) or an opaque surface (e.g., a metal roof, etc.), through which a large amount of heat energy is transferred to the ECU. As another example, exemplary embodiments of the solar energy mitigation device disclosed herein can be applied to provide protection not only to the ECU but also to other modules in the same or adjacent locations, providing an "umbrella" of protection. As yet another example, the solar energy mitigation device disclosed herein can be an external component, such as a roof cover, etc.

[0059] Figure 6An exemplary embodiment of a TCU antenna module 700 is shown, which includes an antenna 708 and a telematics control unit (TCU) 704 within a enclosure or housing 712. The TCU antenna module 700 is disposed within an internal compartment or cavity 716 of a roof 720, typically located between an RF-transparent external roof surface portion 724 (e.g., glass, painted plastic, etc.) and a roof structure 728 (e.g., headliner, etc.).

[0060] For example, antenna 708 of TCU antenna module 700 may include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) patch antenna stacked on top of a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) patch antenna. TCU antenna module 700 may also, or alternatively, include one or more other antennas capable of operating at different frequencies and / or bandwidths, such as those for V2X (vehicle-to-everything wireless communication), C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything wireless communication), remote door locks (RKE), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Wi-Fi, cellular communications (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), millimeter wave (mmWave), GPS / GNSS or High Performance Global Networking Satellite System (HP-GNSS), satellite broadband data communications, SDARS, UWB, LPWAN, Digital Radio & TV, etc.

[0061] Figure 7 An exemplary TCU antenna module 700 equipped with a solar attenuation device is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a solar reflector 732 (generally, a solar reflector) is disposed below the RF transparent outer roof surface 724 along the upper part of the internal compartment 716. A protective cover 736 is disposed along the outer surface of the TCU antenna module housing 712. Although Figure 7 The exemplary embodiments shown include both a solar reflector 732 and a protective cover 736, but other exemplary embodiments may include either the solar reflector 732 or the protective cover 736, but not both.

[0062] The solar reflector 732 is configured to define an incident plane to reflect solar radiation, thereby preventing or at least suppressing solar radiation from entering the internal compartment 716 where the TCU antenna module 700 is located. For example, the solar reflector 732 may be disposed along the bottom surface of the RF transparent external roof surface 724 and / or along the top surface of the protective cover 736 (e.g., coated, painted, adhesively attached, etc.).

[0063] The solar reflector 732 may be configured to extend substantially across the entire upper portion of the internal compartment 716. Alternatively, the solar reflector 732 may be configured to cover only the TCU antenna module 700. In other words, the solar reflector 732 may have a footprint or surface area that is consistent with and approximately equal in size to the top footprint or surface area of ​​the TCU antenna module 700.

[0064] A protective cover 736 is disposed along the outer surface of the top and side walls of the TCU antenna module housing 712. The protective cover 736 is configured to provide protection for the TCU antenna module 700 from solar energy and from long-wave IR energy from the surrounding body that is re-radiated as heat.

[0065] The solar reflector 732 and / or protective cover 736 may include a coating having high reflectivity, low emissivity, low absorption, low transmission, and RF transparency. Microspheres (e.g., hollow glass, plastic and / or ceramic microspheres, microspheres, or bubbles, etc.) may be incorporated into the coating. For example, the solar reflector 732 may include a highly reflective (e.g., white, etc.) coating having a thickness ranging from about 380 micrometers to about 500 micrometers and comprising microspheres having a spherical size ranging from 12 micrometers to about 30 micrometers.

[0066] The solar reflector cover 732 and / or protective cover 736 may include a multi-layer scheme, a single-layer or multi-layer solar reflector, and / or an RF transparent reflector as disclosed herein. For example, cover 732 and / or 736 may include multiple layers of different materials to cope with visible light, near-IR, and long-wave IR (radiative heat). As another example, cover 732 and / or 736 may include a single-layer or multi-layer solar reflector comprising N layers, the N layers comprising various dielectric materials and / or various coating types (e.g., highly reflective white paint, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc.). Cover 732 and / or 736 may include, for example, Figure 1 The multilayer RF transparent IR reflective body 102 shown and described herein. Covers 732 and / or 736 may include RF transparent reflectors comprising conductive and non-conductive coatings patterned to optimize or maximize reflective surface area / performance, RF transmittance, and / or light and IR reflectivity.

[0067] The TCU antenna module housing 712 can be injection molded from an injection-molded material. The injection-molded material (e.g., polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC-ABS)) may include microspheres, for example, to reduce thermal conductivity. Additionally or alternatively, the TCU antenna module housing 712 can be made of a heat-reflective material, such as an open-cell polymer (e.g., MuCell microcellular plastic foam, other open-cell foams, etc.), a foam core polymer, etc. Light-colored reflective materials (e.g., a silver coating along the exterior of the housing 712) can be used to minimize or at least reduce the absorption of solar energy or energy from the environment. Dark-colored energy-absorbing materials (e.g., black, etc.) can be used inside the housing 712 to more effectively absorb energy from the electronics within the housing 712.

[0068] Figure 8 An exemplary TCU antenna module 900 including a solar energy reduction device is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The TCU antenna module 900 includes an antenna and a telematics control unit (TCU) within a enclosure or housing 912, and a heat sink 968. Figure 8 During simulation testing (e.g., at ambient temperatures of 25°C and 40°C and 1000 W / m), it is possible to... 2 Temperature was collected at point X under solar energy conditions.

[0069] A multi-layered RF (radio frequency) transparent IR (infrared) reflective body 902 is typically disposed between the TCU antenna module 900 and the RF transparent external roof surface 924 (e.g., 6mm thick glass). For example, the body 902 may be similar to or substantially equivalent to... Figure 1 The multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 902 shown and described herein. Therefore, the discussion of the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 902 will be brief in the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0070] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the multilayer RF transparent IR reflective body 902 includes layers 906 and 914. Layers 906 and 914 may include... Figure 1 The features shown are similar to or substantially equivalent to the corresponding features of layers 106 and 914 described herein. Therefore, the discussion of layers 906 and 914 will be brief in the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0071] Layer 906 is a substrate or support layer (e.g., PC-ABS, black and white, 2 mm thick, etc.). A high-reflectivity coating may be applied along the upper surface of substrate 906, and may be one or more of the following: paint, physical vapor deposition (PVD), paint / primer / topcoat combination, etc. The high-reflectivity coating 110 may have high reflectivity, such as at least 0.5 up to 0.99 (e.g., 50%, 70%, 95%, or 99% reflection of solar radiation, etc.).

[0072] Layer 914 is a low thermal conductivity (e.g., 30 mW / mK, etc.) insulating material (e.g., aerogel-synthesized porous ultralight material with a thickness from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, etc.) along the lower surface of substrate 906. The multilayer RF transparent IR reflective body 902 may include one or more additional layers as disclosed herein.

[0073] Air gap 952 is typically defined between the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 902 and the RF transparent outer roof surface 924. Therefore, the multilayer RF transparent IR reflector 902 is spaced apart from the RF transparent outer roof surface 924 by air gap 952. For example, air gap 952 may have a thickness ranging from about 0 mm to about 6 mm (e.g., about 0 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 6 mm, etc.).

[0074] Air gap 956 is typically defined between layer 914 and enclosure or housing 912. Thus, enclosure or housing 912 is spaced apart from layer 914 by air gap 956. For example, air gap 956 may have a thickness ranging from about 0 mm to about 6 mm (e.g., about 0 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 6 mm, etc.).

[0075] Figure 9 An antenna assembly 1060 including an integrated solar umbrella 1064 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more antennas 1068 (e.g., MIMO antennas, etc.) may be integrated with and supported by the solar umbrella 1064. In this exemplary embodiment, four MIMO antennas 1068 are supported by the solar umbrella 1064. In other exemplary embodiments, there may be more or fewer than four antennas, other antennas besides MIMO antennas, and / or antennas spaced apart in different ways to optimize antenna performance.

[0076] The solar umbrella 1064 can be configured to reflect incident waves having wavelengths within the solar and / or IR spectra and their associated energy flux. The solar umbrella 1064 can be configured to maximize the reflection of the energy flux associated with waves having wavelengths within the solar and / or IR spectra, while the body 102 remains transparent in the RF wavelength range.

[0077] For example, solar umbrella 1064 may (e.g., may include material stacking, etc.) be similar to or substantially equivalent to Figure 1 The multilayer RF transparent IR reflective body 102 shown and described herein. As another example, the solar umbrella 1064 may include thermoplastics (e.g., polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC-ABS) thermoplastics, rigid polymers, semi-rigid polymers, or other non-conductive materials that do not block RF signals.

[0078] The solar umbrella 1064 may include a semi-flexible solar reflector that conforms to non-flat surfaces, such as vehicle roofs or other mounting locations. For example, the solar umbrella 1064 may be flexible enough to attach to a vehicle roof without any gaps between the roof and the solar umbrella 1064, regardless of the curvature of the vehicle roof. The solar umbrella 1064 may also be rigid enough to hold itself in place and against the roof. Alternatively, the solar umbrella 1064 may be bonded to the roof using an adhesive. The solar umbrella 1064 may be configured to provide or improve overall appearance quality (e.g., A-1 rating, etc.).

[0079] exist Figure 9 The image also shows a relatively rigid mating component 1072 supported by a solar umbrella 1064. The mating component 1072 has sufficient rigidity for the antenna connector on the TCU main PCBA.

[0080] The present disclosure described herein describes a number of features through its preferred and exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments, modifications, and variations will arise by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A solar energy reduction device for reducing the effects of solar heat buildup in an electronic device and / or an internal compartment of the electronic device, the solar energy reduction device comprising a body including one or more layers positionable relative to the electronic device and / or the internal compartment, and configured to reflect and / or block solar energy and associated infrared energy when the electronic device is located within the internal compartment, while allowing radio frequency signals to enter / exit the electronic device through the body, wherein, The one or more layers of the body include: Substrate; A reflective coating along the upper surface of the substrate; Thermal insulation layer; and One or more dielectric layers, comprising one or more low-emissivity materials, are located between the lower surface of the substrate and the upper surface of the thermal insulation layer. The one or more layers of the body further include: A patterned radio frequency transparent solar reflector, situated above the reflective coating, comprises a pattern of inverted intersecting isosceles right-angled triangular reflectors spaced apart by areas without reflectors, and is configured to provide an optimal area for solar reflection while also providing an optimal number of unique polarization planes, including vertical polarization, horizontal polarization, vertical-horizontal polarization, and horizontal-vertical polarization. The pattern of the reflector and the area without the reflector are defined by a conductive coating and a non-conductive coating, the conductive coating being patterned to optimize radio frequency transmittance and light and infrared reflectance.

2. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein, The body comprises a multilayer radio frequency transparent infrared reflective body configured to reflect incident waves and their associated energy flux in the solar and / or infrared spectrum, while remaining transparent to allow radio frequency signals to pass through.

3. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more layers of the body comprise an alternating stack of one or more λ / 4 high refractive index layers and one or more λ / 4 low refractive index layers.

4. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more layers of the body include a patterned radio frequency transparent solar reflective layer located above the reflective coating along the upper surface of the substrate, the patterned radio frequency transparent solar reflector including a pattern of reflectors spaced apart from each other by regions without reflectors.

5. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate is configured to be formed into a non-planar three-dimensional structure, thereby allowing the substrate to be shaped to maximize the region surrounding the incident energy; and / or The substrate is configured with a broadband distribution of different apertures, the apertures being on the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the incident energy, in order to achieve good broadband infrared reflection within the wavelength of the incident energy; and / or The substrate is configured to have a color, which provides the substrate with low infrared absorption and high infrared reflectivity.

6. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more layers of the body define one or more locations for one or more integrated radio frequency antenna elements, and / or one or more locations for one or more connectors.

7. The solar energy attenuation device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more layers of the body are configured to block wavelengths from 100 nanometers to 10,000 nanometers in the ultraviolet to near-infrared range, while allowing transmission of wavelengths from 3 centimeters to 5 meters; and / or The one or more layers of the body are configured to block the re-radiation spectrum of long-wave infrared wavelengths from 10,000 to 100,000 micrometers.

8. A system comprising a solar energy reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an electronic device located in an internal compartment, the solar energy reduction device being operable to block solar energy from being absorbed by the electronic device and to thermally insulate the electronic device from long-wave emission components, thereby allowing a reduction in the operating temperature of the electronic device.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The body of the solar energy reduction device is integrated with the electronic device and is an integral part of the electronic device; or the body of the solar energy reduction device is a separate component from the electronic device and is configured to be directly applied to or adjacent to the electronic device within the internal compartment; and / or The electronic device includes one or more of the following: electronic control module, electronic control unit, vehicle telematics control unit, antenna, antenna array, vehicle antenna assembly, radome, or cell tower.

10. A vehicle comprising a solar energy mitigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a roof, the roof comprising a radio frequency transparent portion, an internal compartment located below the radio frequency transparent portion, and a telematics control unit within the internal compartment below the radio frequency transparent portion, wherein: The radio frequency transparent portion is configured to allow radio frequency signals to enter and exit the internal compartment through the radio frequency transparent portion to enter / exit the telematics control unit; as well as One or more layers of the body of the solar energy reduction device are disposed along the upper part of the internal compartment between the radio frequency transparent portion and the telematics control unit, thereby enabling the one or more layers of the body to operate for suppressing solar radiation from entering the internal compartment.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more layers of the body of the solar energy reduction device include a solar reflector, which is configured to define an incident plane to reflect solar radiation.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The solar reflector is configured to extend across substantially the entire upper portion of the internal compartment; and / or The solar reflector is configured such that its occupied space or surface area is equal to or greater than the occupied space or surface area of ​​the top of the telematics control unit.

13. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The solar reflector includes one or more coatings having high reflectivity, low emissivity, low absorption, low transmission, and radio frequency transparency; and / or The solar reflector comprises multiple layers of different materials to withstand visible light, near-infrared and long-wave infrared or radiant heat; and / or The solar reflector includes a highly reflective coating having a thickness in the range of 380 micrometers to 500 micrometers and comprising microspheres with a spherical size in the range of 12 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

14. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The solar energy reduction device also includes a protective cover along the outer surface of the telematics control unit, the protective cover being configured to protect the telematics control unit from solar energy and long-wave infrared energy that is re-radiated as heat from one or more other heat sources.

15. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The remote information processing control unit includes a housing, and the solar energy reduction device further includes: Light-colored reflective material along the exterior of the telematics control unit is used to reduce the absorption of solar energy or energy from the environment; and / or The dark energy-absorbing material located inside the housing of the remote information processing control unit is used to absorb energy from the electronic devices inside the housing of the remote information processing control unit.

16. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The heat sink is located below the remote information processing control unit; and / or The main body of the solar energy reduction device is separated from the radio frequency transparent portion of the vehicle roof by an air gap; and / or The main body of the solar energy reduction device is separated from the remote information processing and control unit by an air gap.

17. An antenna assembly comprising one or more antennas and a solar energy attenuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The one or more layers of the body of the solar energy reduction device include a solar umbrella integrated with the antenna assembly and configured to support the one or more antennas. The solar umbrella is configured to reflect incident waves having wavelengths within the solar and / or infrared spectrum and their associated energy flux, while remaining transparent to allow radio frequency signals to pass through.

18. The antenna assembly of claim 17, wherein, The solar umbrella can conform to and attach to a non-flat roof surface, with virtually no gap between the roof and the solar umbrella.

Images