ANTENNA ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to antenna assemblies for vehicles.Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication systems for vehicles, a modem for the vehicle is typically placed a great distance away from an antenna in order to prevent electro-magnetic signals from the modem from interfering with the antenna. This often requires a long coaxial cable wired throughout the vehicle.

[0003] General definitions for terms utilized in the pertinent art are set forth below.

[0004] BLUETOOTH technology is a standard short range radio link that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 gigahertz band.

[0005] Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") is a spread spectrum communication system used in second generation and third generation cellular networks, and is described in U.S. Patent Number 4901307.

[0006] GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications is a second generation digital cellular network.

[0007] The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UMTS") is a wireless standard.

[0008] Long Term Evolution ("LTE") is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals and is based on the GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSPA communication network technologies.

[0009] LTE Frequency Bands include 698-798MHz (Band 12, 13, 14, 17); 791-960MHz (Band 5, 6, 8, 18,19,20); 1710-2170MHz (Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 23, 25, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39); 1427-1660.5MH (Band 11, 21, 24); 2300-2700MHz (Band 7, 38, 40, 41); 3400-3800MHz (Band 22, 42, 43).

[0010] Antenna impedance and the quality of the impedance match are most commonly characterized by either return loss or Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.

[0011] Surface Mount Technology ("SMT") is a process for manufacturing electronic circuits wherein the components are mounted or placed directly onto a surface of a printed circuit board ("PCB").

[0012] The APPLE IPHONE ®< 5 LTE Bands include: LTE700 / 1700 / 2100 (698-806 MHz / 1710-1785 MHz / 1920-2170 MHz); LTE 850 / 1800 / 2100 (824-894 MHz / 1710-1880 MHz / 1920-2170 MHz); and LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 (698-806 MHz / 824-894 MHz / 1710-1880 MHz / 1850-1990 MHz / 1920 / 2170).

[0013] The SAMSUNG GALAXY ®< SIII LTE Bands include: LTE 800 / 1800 / 2600 (806-869 MHz / 1710-1880 MHz / 2496-2690 MHz.

[0014] The NOKIA LUMIA ®< 920 LTE Bands: LTE 700 / 1700 / 2100 (698-806 MHz / 1710-1785 MHz / 1920-2170 MHz); LTE 800 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 (806-869 MHz / 880-960 MHz / 1710-1880 MHz / 1920-2170 MHz / 2496-2690 MHz).

[0015] The long coaxial cable that connects a modem to an antenna on a vehicle leads to signal losses due to the length of the coaxial cable. Thus, there is a need for placement of a modem in proximity of an antenna for a vehicle system.

[0016] Prior art document US 2010 / 283684 A1 discloses a Global Positioning System (GPS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), wireless local area network (WLAN) antenna, including a dielectric board including a ground plane; a first antenna trace line disposed on a first portion of the dielectric board and in electrical contact with the dielectric board, the first antenna trace line including at least one first meandered trace for transmitting and receive a WLAN radio frequency signal; a second antenna trace line disposed on a second portion of the dielectric board and in electrical contact with the dielectric board, the second antenna trace line including at least one second meandered trace for transmitting and receiving a GSM radio frequency signal; a GPS antenna for receiving radio frequency signals from at least one global positioning satellite; and a vehicle mountable housing for enclosing the dielectric board, the first antenna trace line, the second antenna trace line, and the GPS antenna.

[0017] Prior art document WO 2017 / 076750 A1 discloses a telematics device has an antenna unit housing enclosing various antennas and an electronic control circuit, There is a link to an external power supply. The housing encloses multiple substrates in a multi-tier arrangement, including at least one antenna substrate supporting antennas and a control substrate supporting an electronic control circuit for the antennas. There is also a base plate and a domed plastics cover sealed to the base plate. The base plate is of metal material, for heat conduction out of the housing. The cover and the base plate are joined at their edges by a peripheral rim which interconnects them to seal the housing, and internally contributes to support of the control board, and also conducts heat to its outer surface.Summary Of The Invention

[0018] The invention is defined by the features of the appended claims. One aspect of the present invention is an antenna assembly comprising a base composed of a metal material, the base comprising a body an interior surface, a sidewall and a plurality of heat dissipation elements extending from the interior surface; a modem disposed within the base and directly contacting the plurality of heat dissipation elements, the modem comprising at least one of a communication chip, a Global Navigation Satellite System "GNSS" reception component, a security access module, and a mobile phone communication component; a top lid for the base, the top lid comprising a bottom surface and at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface of the top lid; a housing covering the top lid and the base; wherein the top lid and the base act as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem allowing the modem to be placed in proximity to the at least one antenna element without interference from electro-magnetic signals from the at least one antenna element.

[0019] The present invention eliminates the signal loss over the cables connecting the modem to the antenna since the modem and antenna are in relative proximity.

[0020] The present invention also replaces several coaxial cables with a single cable.Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a base portion of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the base portion of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a housing for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle with a partial cut-away view. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a top lid for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modem for an antenna assembly for a vehicle. FIG. 9 is block diagram of an antenna assembly connect to an internal modem of a vehicle. FIG. 10 is block diagram of an antenna assembly connect to an internal modem of a vehicle. FIG. 11 is an illustration of a vehicle with an antenna assembly. FIG. 12 is an illustration of a vehicle with an antenna assembly connect to an internal modem of a vehicle. Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention

[0022] An antenna assembly 25 is shown in FIG. 1. The antenna assembly 25 preferably comprises a base 60, a modem 50, a top lid 40 and a housing 30. Alternatively, the antenna assembly comprises a base 60, a modem 50, router (not shown), a top lid 40 and a housing 30. The base 60 is preferably composed of an aluminum material. The modem 50 is disposed on the base 60. The top lid 40 is to cover the base 60 and modem 50, and the top lid 40 preferably comprises at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. A radiofrequency cable 70 is attached to the modem 50 and secured to the base 60 by bolt 71. The housing 30 covers the top lid 40 and the base 60. The top lid 40 acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem 50 to maintain the electro-magnetic signals inside of the base 60 to prevent interference with the antenna signals.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 60 includes a body 61 with an interior surface 62. A side wall 63 defines an interior compartment 65 in which a first plurality of heat dissipation elements 66a-66e and a second plurality of heat dissipation elements 67a-67e. An aperture 64 extends through the body 61 for access by at least one cable. The base 60 is preferably composed of a die-cast aluminum material to prevent electro-magnetic signals from the modem 50 from interfering with the antennas on the top lid 40. In this manner, the modem 50 is capable of being placed in proximity to the antennas on the top lid 50 without interference from electro-magnetic signals with the antennas on the top lid 40.

[0024] The first plurality of heat dissipation elements 66a-66e and the second plurality of heat dissipation elements 67a-67e dissipate heat that is generated by the operation of the modem 50.

[0025] The sidewall 63, in addition to acting as electro-magnetic barrier, also provides a structure for placement of the top lid 40 thereon.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the base 60 preferably has a height H2 ranging from 1.27 cm to 2.54 cm a height, H1, ranging from 0.127 cm to 0.381 cm, and a height, H3, ranging from 0.381 cm to 0.762 cm. The base preferably has a width ranging from 6.35 cm to 8.85 cm, and a length, L1, ranging from 15.24 cm to 20.32 cm. The aperture 64 is preferably from 2.54 to 3.175 cm across.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the top lid 40 comprises a first antenna element 42, a second antenna element 43 and a third antenna element 41. Preferably the first antenna element 42 is a multi-band antenna for cellular communications such as disclosed in Thill, U.S. Patent Number 10109918 for a Multi-Element Antenna For Multiple bands Of Operation And Method Therefor. Alternatively, the first antenna element 42 is a multi-band antenna for cellular communications such as disclosed in He, U.S. Patent Number 9362621 for a Multi-Band LTE Antenna. Alternatively, the first antenna element is a 5G Sub 6GHz antenna or a mmWave antenna.

[0028] Preferably, the second antenna element 43 is selected from the group of antennas consisting of a WiFi 2G antenna, a WiFi 5G antenna, a DECT antenna, a ZigBee antenna, and a Zwave antenna. The WiFi 2G antennas are preferably 2400-2690 MegaHertz. The WiFi 5G antenna is preferably a 5.8 GigaHertz antenna. Alternatively, the second antenna element 43 operates at 5.15GHz or at 5.85GHz. Other possible frequencies for the second antenna element 43 include 5150MHz, 5200 MHz, 5300 MHz, 5400 MHz, 5500 MHz, 5600 MHz, 5700 MHz, 5850 MHz, and 2.4GHz. The second antenna element 43 preferably operates on an 802.11 communication protocol. Most preferably, the second antenna element 43 operates on an 802.11n communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element 43 operates on an 802.11b communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element 43 operates on an 802.11g communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element 43 operates on an 802.11a communication protocol. Alternatively, the second antenna element 43 operates on an 802.11ac communication protocol.

[0029] The third antenna element 41 is preferably a GPS / GLONASS module.

[0030] Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other antenna types may be used for the first antenna element 42, the second antenna element 43 and / or the third antenna element 41 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0031] The top lid 40 is preferably composed of an aluminum material, at least on a bottom surface. Alternatively, the top lid 40 is composed of materials that can act as a barrier to electro-magnetic signals.

[0032] The modem 50 preferably includes at least one of a computation component, a communication chip 55, a switch, an antenna switch circuit, a GNSS reception component 56, a security access module 53, a mobile phone communication component 54, and a power supply source. The computation component preferably includes a CPU 51, a memory 52, and an interface (I / F) component. The modem 50 preferably operates for cellular protocols including 3G, 4G, 4G HPUE and 5G technology. HPUE is High Power User Equipment, and is more specifically a special class of user equipment for a cellular network, such as a LTE cellular network.

[0033] Preferably, the housing 30 is composed of a polypropylene material. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the housing 30 preferably has a height, H4, ranging from 50 to 90 millimeters (mm), more preferably from 60 to 80mm, and most preferably from 65 to 75mm. The housing 30 preferably has a length, L2, ranging from 100 to 250mm, more preferably from 150 to 200mm, and most preferably from 160 to 190mm. The housing 30 preferably has a width, W1 ranging from 50 to 100mm, more preferably from 60 to 90mm, and most preferably from 65 to 85mm. An internal width W2 is preferably 70 to 80mm. A width W3 is preferably 10 to 15mm. The housing 30 has a sidewall 32, a crown 33 and a rear wall 31. The walls of the housing 30 preferably have a thickness ranging from 2 to 7mm, and most preferably are 5mm.

[0034] Another embodiment of the invention is set forth in FIGS. 9-12. The antenna assembly system is used as a remote modem plus an antenna plus a serial communication system for upgrading existing installed routers to 5G sub 6GHz, or adding a failover modem. To upgrade an existing router to 5G with a new internal modem, a technician must: remove the router from the vehicle; take the router apart to remove the modem; install a new modem; install the router in the vehicle; and test the router to verify the new modem is working properly.

[0035] To upgrade an existing router to 5G using an antenna assembly of the present invention, a technician must, leveraging the already-installed coax cables (as shown in FIG. 9): loosen the existing antenna on a vehicle roof; cut the coax cables; add a coax connector to two of the cables; use one coax cable for powering the antenna assembly and for serial Ethernet communications; use the second coax cable for GPS / GNSS; connect a coax-to-Ethernet combiner and power injector to the router's spare Ethernet WAN port to 12V power (it combines Ethernet and power and conveys them over coax) and to an ignition sense; configure the router to use the Ethernet port as the WAN if it is not already configured; test the router to verify it is communicating over the new modem; remove the existing antenna and cables; disconnect the coax cables from the router; remove the antenna from the roof of the vehicle; install the new antenna and connect the coax cables to the router; connect the injector module to the router Ethernet, vehicle power and ignition sense; connect the combiner module Ethernet connector to the router; configure the router to use the Ethernet port as the WAN if it is not already configured; and test the router to verify it is communicating over the new modem.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates the removal of the existing antenna 900 of a vehicle, and the installation of an antenna assembly 25 of the present invention. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the connections between the antenna assembly and the existing router 125 of the vehicle 1100. The antenna assembly 25 preferably comprises a base 60, a modem 50, a CPU 51, a combiner 92, a power regulator 94, and a plurality of antenna elements 31,32, 43 and 44 within a housing 30. Four coaxial cables 131, 132, 133 and 135 are connected from the antenna assembly 25 to connectors on the vehicle. The coaxial cable 135 is connected to an injector 105, the coaxial cables 132 and 133 are connected to WiFi connectors 161 and 162 of a router 125. The coaxial cable 131 is connected to a GPS / GNSS connector 160 of the router 125. The injector 105 comprises a reset button 95, a SIM card 96, a USB connection 97 and a power-conditioning unit. The router 125 preferably comprises a modem 130, an Ethernet or USB WAN connector 170, LTE connectors 163 and 164, an ignition sense and 12Volt connector 171 which an ignition sense cable 185 and 12Volt cable 190 connect thereto.

[0037] Using the present invention, there is no need to remove, open the existing router, remove and replace modem module, close the router, re-install the router, test the router and modem.

[0038] Using the present invention, installation is quicker and a lower risk (no static discharge accidental damage to the router or modem due to opening the router).

[0039] Signal loss is typically higher at 5G mid-band frequencies than traditional cellular, and those losses are mitigated if not eliminated by the present invention. Using the modem that is embedded in the antenna housing avoids cable loss and thereby extends coverage range.

[0040] A user of the antenna assembly of the present invention can continue to use the software they have been using with their existing router.

[0041] The combiner 92 preferably inputs a wide area network connection from the router for send and receive data to / from Internet, and an ignition sense to put the unit to sleep and draw minimal power when the ignition is off. The combiner 92 also inputs twelve volts to power the antenna assembly 25, which allows the combiner 92 to perform power regulation and surge protection, and pass the power up to the modem 50 in the antenna housing 60. The combiner 92 also inputs a SIM card for a carrier (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) subscriber identity module remoted from the modem 50 so that it can be easily accessed in the trunk of the vehicle 1100. All of the above are combined and sent up to the antenna assembly 25 over the existing coaxial cable, or over the Ethernet plus other wires.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly (25) comprising: a base (60) composed of a metal material, the base (60) comprising a body (61), an interior surface (62), a sidewall (63) and a plurality of heat dissipation elements (67a-67e) extending from the interior surface (62); a modem (50) disposed within the base (60) and directly contacting the plurality of heat dissipation elements (67a-67e), the modem (50) comprising at least one of a communication chip (55), a Global Navigation Satellite System "GNSS" reception component (56), a security access module (53), and a mobile phone communication component (54); a top lid (40) for the base (60), the top lid (40) comprising a bottom surface and at least one antenna element (41, 42, 43) disposed on an exterior surface of the top lid (40); a housing (30) covering the top lid (40) and the base (60); wherein the top lid (40) and the base (60) act as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem (50) allowing the modem (50) to be placed in proximity to the at least one antenna element (41, 42, 43) without interference from electro-magnetic signals from the at least one antenna element (41, 42, 43).

2. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the base (60) is composed of a die-cast aluminum material.

3. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the top lid (40) comprises a base circuit board.

4. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the top lid (40) comprises a cell circuit board.

5. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the top lid (40) comprises a WiFi circuit board.

6. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the top lid (40) comprises a GPS / GLONASS module.

7. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the base (60) has a width ranging from 6.35 cm to 8.89 cm, and a length ranging from 15.24 cm to 20.32 cm.

8. The antenna assembly (25) according to claim 1 wherein the base (60) has a height ranging from 1.27 cm to 2.54 cm.