Docking system for use with a vehicle

Abstract

A system for a vehicle includes a dock and a housing configured to removably connect to the dock. The dock includes a base configured to mount to the roof of the vehicle. The base includes a recess and a conduit communicating with the interior of the vehicle. A first connector interface of the dock includes a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle. The housing is configured to removably connect to the dock and is sized to be received in the recess of the base. The housing includes a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas and a second connector interface including a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 435,474, filed December 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0002] One embodiment relates to a system for a vehicle including a dock and a housing configured to removably connect to the dock. The dock includes a base configured to mount to the roof of the vehicle. The base includes a recess and a conduit communicating with the interior of the vehicle. A first connector interface of the dock includes a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle. The housing is configured to removably connect to the dock and is sized to be received in the recess of the base. The housing includes a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas and a second connector interface including a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors.

[0003] Another embodiment relates to a system for a vehicle including a dock and a housing configured to removably connect to the dock. The dock includes a base configured to mount to the roof of the vehicle. The base includes a recess and a conduit communicating with the interior of the vehicle. The dock's first connector interface includes a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle. The housing is configured to removably connect to the dock and is sized to be received in the recess of the base. The housing includes a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas and a second connector interface including a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors. The second module interface is supported by the base and configured to receive and electrically couple a second add-on module via a coupling device that passes through the roof. The second add-on module is located inside the vehicle and includes a second electronics module and one or more second antennas.

[0004] The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description particularly depict illustrative embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] Throughout the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a docking system for use with a vehicle according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows details of the dock of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows details of the removable housing of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows details of the dock of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows details of the removable housing of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows details of the dock and removable housing of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of a docking system for use with a vehicle according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the removable housing of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a view of the dock of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the docking system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments.

[0006] The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure bearing the same number. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a docking system for use with a vehicle. The docking system of the present disclosure includes a dock having a base that can be secured to a surface of the vehicle and a housing configured to detachably connect to the dock. For example, the base may be secured to the roof of the vehicle, and the housing may be attached to and detached from the base as needed or desired. The housing is configured to support an electronics module coupled to one or more antennas. The one or more antennas may include one or more cellular (e.g., 4G, 5G, 6G, FR1, FR2), Wi-Fi, GPS, and / or satellite communication antennas. In some embodiments, the docking system may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may include one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

[0008] The docking system of the present disclosure offers numerous advantages over conventional systems. Conventional rooftop electronics systems are typically monolithic structures mounted on the roof of a vehicle, making them very difficult and expensive to repair and / or retrofit. For example, labor, time, and materials are required to remove the conventional electronics system from the vehicle roof and install a repaired or retrofitted replacement system. Replacement procedures can cause damage to the vehicle's roof, interior, and / or electrical connections.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are defined in the claims. However, the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0010] Example Ex1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a dock having a base configured to mount to the roof of the vehicle, the base having a recess and a conduit communicating with the interior of the vehicle. The dock comprises a first connector interface having a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle. A housing configured to removably connect to the dock, the housing being sized to be received in the recess of the base and comprising: a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas; and a second connector interface having a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors.

[0011] Example Ex2. The system of Ex1, comprising an attachment device configured to slidably attach the housing to the dock.

[0012] Example Ex3. The system of Ex1, comprising a mounting device configured to rotatably mount the housing to the dock.

[0013] Example Ex4. A system as described in Ex1, comprising an attachment device configured to attach the housing to the dock, the attachment device comprising a cam lever disposed on a first wall of the base and configured to engage a cam contact located on a rear surface of the housing, and a guide groove on a front surface of the housing opposite the rear surface, the guide groove configured to receive an edge extending from a second wall of the base opposite the first wall.

[0014] Example Ex5. The actuation of the cam lever against the cam contact engages the guide groove with the edge of the base, a system as described in Ex4.

[0015] Example Ex6. The mounting device is a system as described in Ex4, with a push-out spring disposed in a second wall of the base opposite the first wall.

[0016] Example Ex7. The system of one or more of Ex2 to Ex6, wherein the attachment device is configured to matingly engage the first connector interface with the second connector interface.

[0017] Example Ex8. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the first and second electrical connectors comprise power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors.

[0018] Example Ex9. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the base is configured to act as a heat sink for a first electronics module of the housing.

[0019] Example Ex10. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the enclosure comprises a heat sink.

[0020] Example Ex11. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the base comprises a second module interface configured to receive and electrically couple a second add-on module via a coupling device that passes through the roof, the second add-on module being located inside the vehicle proximate the base and comprising a second electronics module and one or more second antennas.

[0021] Example Ex12. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the housing comprises a third module interface configured to receive and electrically couple to a third additional module comprising a third electronics module and one or more third antennas.

[0022] Example Ex13. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the base comprises a fourth electronics module coupled to one or more fourth antennas.

[0023] Example Ex14. A system according to one or more of Ex1 to Ex13, comprising one or more sensors.

[0024] Example Ex15. The system of Ex14, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

[0025] Example Ex16. The system of one or more of Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the one or more antennas comprise one or more cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite communication antennas.

[0026] Example Ex17. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a dock having a base configured for mounting to the roof of the vehicle, the base having a recess and a conduit communicating with the interior of the vehicle. The dock comprises a first connector interface having a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed to pass through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle. A housing configured for removably connecting to the dock, the housing being sized to be received in the recess of the base and comprising: a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas; and a second connector interface having a plurality of second electrical connectors configured for removably connecting to the first electrical connectors. The second module interface is supported by the base and configured to receive and electrically couple a second add-on module via a coupling device passing through the roof, the second add-on module being located inside the vehicle and comprising a second electronics module and one or more second antennas.

[0027] Example Ex18. The coupling device is the system described in Ex17 with a snap-type fastening device.

[0028] Example Ex19. The system of Ex17, comprising a mounting device configured to slidably mount the housing to the dock.

[0029] Example Ex20. The system of Ex17, comprising a mounting device configured to rotatably mount the housing to the dock.

[0030] Example Ex21. The system of Ex19 or Ex20, wherein the attachment device is configured to matingly engage the first connector interface with the second connector interface.

[0031] Example Ex22. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex21, wherein the first and second electrical connectors comprise power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors.

[0032] Example Ex23. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex22, wherein the base is configured to act as a heat sink for a first electronics module of the enclosure.

[0033] Example Ex24. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex23, wherein the enclosure comprises a heat sink.

[0034] Example Ex25. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex24, wherein the housing comprises a third module interface configured to receive and electrically couple to a third additional module comprising a third electronics module and one or more third antennas.

[0035] Example Ex26. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex25, wherein the base comprises a fourth electronics module coupled to one or more fourth antennas.

[0036] Example Ex27. A system according to one or more of Ex17 to Ex26, comprising one or more sensors.

[0037] Example Ex28. The system of Ex27, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

[0038] Example Ex29. The system of one or more of Ex17 to Ex28, wherein the one or more antennas comprise one or more cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite communication antennas.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a docking system 100 for use with a vehicle according to various embodiments. The docking system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a dock 101 to which a removable housing 104 can be attached and detached. FIGS. 2-6 show different views showing details of the dock 101 and removable housing 104 shown in FIG. 1. The dock 101 includes a base 102 configured for attachment to the roof or other surface of a vehicle. For example, the dock 101 may be configured for attachment to the roof of an automobile.

[0040] The base 102 includes a recess 103 configured to receive the housing 104. The base 102 also includes a conduit 120 (shown in FIG. 6 ) configured to provide access to the interior of the vehicle. For example, the conduit 120 may include a hollow member extending from the base 102 and protruding through a hole provided in the roof of the vehicle. The conduit 120 provides a path for cables extending between the docking system 100 and electrical conductors disposed within the interior of the vehicle (e.g., to couple to the vehicle's electronics). The dock 101 also includes a first connector interface 113 comprising a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) disposed to pass through the conduit 120 and enter the interior of the vehicle. The base 102 may include a cable tray 110 that provides space to accommodate the electrical conductors passing through the conduit 120.

[0041] The housing 104 is configured to removably connect to the dock 101 and is sized to be received in the recess 103 of the base 102. The housing 104 may include a first electronics module coupled to one or more first antennas (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11 ). For example, the housing 104 may include a radome. The housing 104 also includes a second connector interface 114 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 11 ) that includes a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors of the first connector interface 113. Typically, the connector interfaces 113, 114 include power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors. The housing 104 may include a heat sink 118, for example, in the form of heat sink fins extending along the sides of the housing 104. Additionally or alternatively, the base 102 may function as a heat sink for the first electronics module disposed in the housing 104.

[0042] The docking system 100 may include a mounting device configured to slidably or rotatably mount the housing 104 to the base 102. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the housing 104 includes a guide groove 122 provided on a front surface 119 of the housing 104 (shown in FIGS. 5-6 ). The base 102 includes a lip 105 extending from a second wall 126 of the base 102. In some implementations, the mounting device may include a cam lever 108 disposed on a first wall 124 of the base 102 and a cam contact 116 located on a rear surface 117 of the housing 104. The cam lever 108 is actuated by rotating the cam lever 108, for example, in a clockwise direction (e.g., using a screwdriver).

[0043] The cam lever 108 is configured to engage the cam contact 116 after positioning the housing 104 within the recess 103 of the base 102. As previously described, the housing 104 includes a guide groove 122 provided on a front surface 119 of the housing 104. The base 102 includes a lip 105 extending from a second wall 126 of the base 102. The guide groove 122 is configured to receive the lip 105 in response to rotation of the cam lever 108 relative to the cam contact 116. Actuation of the cam lever 108 secures the housing 104 within the recess 103 of the base 102. The front surface 119 of the housing 104 is secured in position by capturing the lip 105 within the guide groove 122. The rear surface 117 of the housing is secured in position by actuating the cam lever 108 relative to the cam contact 116.

[0044] When the housing 104 moves toward the second wall 126 of the base 102 due to the cam action between the cam lever 108 and the cam contact 116, the first connector interface 113 of the housing 104 mates and engages with the second connector interface 114 of the base 102, electrically coupling them. At the same time, the front surface 119 of the housing 104 engages and compresses the push-out spring 112 disposed on the second wall 126 of the base 102. With the housing 104 secured to the base 102, the push-out spring is held in a compressed state. To remove the housing 104 from the base 102, the cam lever 108 is actuated by rotating the cam lever 108 in a counterclockwise direction. Under the force of the push-out spring 112, the edge 105 of the base 102 releases the guide groove of the housing 104, disconnecting the connector interfaces 113, 114 and positioning the housing 104 within the base 102 for manual removal.

[0045] 7 and 8 illustrate a docking system 200 for use with a vehicle according to various embodiments. The docking system 200 includes a dock 201 to which a removable housing 204 can be attached and detached. FIGS. 9-11 show different views of the details of the dock 201 and removable housing 204 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The dock 201 includes a base 202 configured for attachment to the roof of a vehicle or other surface. For example, the dock 201 may be configured to attach to the roof of an automobile via adhesive pads 251.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7-11 , the base 202 includes a recess 203 configured to receive the housing 204. The base 202 also includes a conduit 220 (shown in FIG. 8 ) configured to provide access to the interior of the vehicle. For example, the conduit 220 may include a hollow member extending from the base 202 and protruding through a hole provided in the roof of the vehicle. The conduit 220 also extends through a hole 253 provided in an adhesive pad 251 that adhesively secures the dock 201 to a surface (e.g., the roof) of the vehicle. The conduit 220 provides a path for a cable 271 extending between the docking system 200 and an electrical conductor located inside the vehicle (e.g., for coupling to the vehicle's electronics). The conduit 220 may be configured to be threaded to receive a locking nut 261 to facilitate installation.

[0047] Dock 201 also includes a first connector interface 213 disposed on base 202 and comprising a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors 271 disposed through conduit 220 and into the interior of the vehicle. Electrical conductors 271 include connectors configured to mate with connectors of corresponding conductors within the vehicle. Conductors 271 provide electrical coupling between docking system 200 and the vehicle's electronics.

[0048] The housing 204 is configured to removably connect to the dock 201 and is sized to be received in the recess 203 of the base 202. Referring to FIG. 11 , the housing 204 is configured to house one or more antennas and an electronics module 230 coupled to the second connector interface 214. The electronics module 230 may include a multi-layer motherboard on which numerous components are mounted, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The one or more antennas may include one or more cellular antennas 232 and / or one or more Wi-Fi antennas 233. The one or more antennas may also include a GPS antenna and / or a satellite communication antenna. A radome 206 may be disposed over (or house) the electronics module 230 and the antennas 232, 233.

[0049] The second connector interface 214 of the housing 204 includes a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connectors of the first connector interface 213 of the dock 201. Typically, the connector interfaces 213, 214 include power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors. The housing 204 may include a heat sink 234 thermally coupled to the electronics module 230. The housing 204 may also include a heat sink 218, for example, in the form of heat sink fins extending along the sides of the housing 204. Additionally or alternatively, the base 202 may function as a heat sink for the electronics module 230 disposed in the housing 204.

[0050] The docking system 200 may include an attachment device configured to slidably or rotatably attach the housing 204 to the base 202. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11 , the base 202 includes a latch retainer 241 that mechanically engages and cooperates with a latching device 208 of the housing 204 to removably connect the housing 204 to the base 202. FIG. 7 shows the latching device 208 in a latched orientation (e.g., a left / counterclockwise position) relative to the latch retainer 241, providing secure fixation of the housing 204 to the base 202. Manually moving the latching device 208 in an unlatched direction (e.g., a right / clockwise position) relative to the latch retainer 241 provides for separation of the housing 204 from the base 202.

[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. The docking system 300 shown in FIG. 12 includes a dock 301 having a base 302 configured to be secured to a surface (e.g., roof) of a vehicle. The docking system 300 also includes a housing 304 that houses various electronics and components. The docking system 300 further includes a connector interface 312 that provides electrical coupling (e.g., power, data, RF) between the base 302 and the housing 304. The base 302 includes a first connector interface 313, and the housing 304 includes a second connector interface 314, which in combination define the connector interface 312.

[0052] The housing 304 houses an electronics module 320 coupled to one or more antennas 330a, such as one or more cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite communication antennas. The electronics module 320 may include a multi-layer motherboard on which numerous components are mounted, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 320 is communicatively coupled to a second connector interface 314 of the housing 304. In some implementations, the one or more antennas 330b may be coupled to the second connector interface 314 (e.g., rather than the electronics module 320). The electronics module 320 and the one or more antennas 330b may be communicatively coupled to a cable harness 371 (e.g., shown in FIG. 8 ) via the connector interface 312.

[0053] The electronics module 320 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 322, such as one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor. The sensor data may be used to evaluate the operating status of the docking system 300. For example, a temperature sensor may be used to monitor the operating temperature of key components of the docking system 300 (e.g., the electronics module 320). An accelerometer or gyroscope may be used to monitor physical forces acting on sensitive components of the docking system 300. Sensors such as cameras, radar, and lidar can provide meaningful data for evaluating driver behavior and analyzing accidents. The sensor data may be transmitted via the docking system 300 to the cloud and / or a smartphone / tablet in or near the vehicle.

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. The docking system 400 shown in FIG. 13 includes the structure and components of the docking system 300 shown in FIG. 12 , but includes additional features. The docking system 400 includes a dock 401 having a base 402 configured to be secured to a surface (e.g., roof) of a vehicle. The docking system 400 also includes a housing 404 that houses various electronics and components, and a connector interface 412 that provides electrical coupling (e.g., power, data, RF) between the base 402 and the housing 404. The base 402 includes a first connector interface 413, and the housing 404 includes a second connector interface 414, which in combination define the connector interface 412.

[0055] The housing 404 houses an electronics module 420 coupled to one or more antennas 430a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 420 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 422, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 420 may include a multi-layer motherboard on which numerous components are mounted, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 420 is communicatively coupled to a second connector interface 414 of the housing 404. In some implementations, one or more antennas 430b may be coupled to the second connector interface 414. The electronics module 420 and one or more antennas 430b may be communicatively coupled to a cable harness 471 via the connector interface 412.

[0056] In the implementation shown in FIG. 13 , the base 402 includes an additional electronics module 430. The electronics module 430 may include a multi-layer motherboard populated with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 430 may be coupled to one or more antennas 440 a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 430 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 432, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 430 is communicatively coupled to a cable harness 471. In some implementations, one or more antennas 440 b of the base 402 may be coupled to the cable harness 417. In some implementations, the electronics module 430 of the base 402 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 420 of the housing 404 via a connector interface 412.

[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. The docking system 500 shown in FIG. 14 includes the structure and components of the docking system 400 shown in FIG. 13 , but includes additional features. The docking system 500 includes a dock 501 having a base 502 configured to be secured to a surface (e.g., roof) of a vehicle. The docking system 500 also includes a housing 504 that houses various electronics and components, and a connector interface 512 that provides electrical coupling (e.g., power, data, RF) between the base 502 and the housing 504. The base 502 includes a first connector interface 513, and the housing 504 includes a second connector interface 514, which in combination define the connector interface 512.

[0058] The housing 504 houses an electronics module 520 coupled to one or more antennas 530a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 520 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 522, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 520 may include a multi-layer motherboard on which numerous components are mounted, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 520 is communicatively coupled to a second connector interface 514 of the housing 504. In some implementations, one or more antennas 530b may be coupled to the second connector interface 514. The electronics module 520 and the one or more antennas 530b may be communicatively coupled to a cable harness 571 via the connector interface 512.

[0059] The base 502 includes an additional electronics module 530. The electronics module 530 may include a multi-layer motherboard populated with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 530 may be coupled to one or more antennas 540a, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 530 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 532, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 530 is communicatively coupled to a cable harness 571. In various implementations, the one or more antennas 540b of the base 502 may be coupled to the cable harness 517. In some implementations, the electronics module 530 of the base 502 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 520 of the housing 504 via a connector interface 512.

[0060] 14 includes an add-on module 550 configured to couple to the housing 504 and the housing's electronics 520 via a connector interface 552. The connector interface 552 comprises a third connector interface 553 of the add-on module 550 and a fourth connector interface 554 of the housing 504. The third connector interface 553 comprises an electrical connector configured to removably connect to a corresponding electrical connector of the fourth connector interface 554.

[0061] The add-on module 550 includes an electronics module 560 that may be coupled to one or more antennas 570a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 560 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 562, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 560 may include a multi-layer motherboard populated with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 560 is communicatively coupled to the housing electronics 520 via connector interface 552. The add-on module 550 may include one or more antennas 570b that may be coupled to the housing electronics 520 via connector interface 552 or to a cable harness 571 via connector interface 512. In some implementations, the electronics module 530 of the base 502 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 560 of the add-on module 550 via connector interfaces 512 and 552.

[0062] FIG. 15 illustrates a docking system according to various embodiments. The docking system 600 shown in FIG. 15 includes the structure and components of the docking system 500 shown in FIG. 14 , but includes additional features. The docking system 600 includes a dock 601 having a base 602 configured to be secured to a surface (e.g., roof) of a vehicle. The docking system 600 also includes a housing 604 that houses various electronics and components, and a connector interface 612 that provides electrical coupling (e.g., power, data, RF) between the base 602 and the housing 604. The base 602 includes a first connector interface 613, and the housing 604 includes a second connector interface 614, which in combination define the connector interface 612.

[0063] The housing 604 houses an electronics module 620 coupled to one or more antennas 630a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 620 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 622, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 620 may include a multi-layer motherboard on which numerous components are mounted, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 620 is communicatively coupled to a second connector interface 614 of the housing 604. In some implementations, one or more antennas 630b may be coupled to the second connector interface 614. The electronics module 620 and one or more antennas 630b may be communicatively coupled to a cable harness 671 via the connector interface 612.

[0064] The base 602 includes an additional electronics module 630. The electronics module 630 may include a multi-layer motherboard populated with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 630 may be coupled to one or more antennas 640a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 630 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 632, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 630 is communicatively coupled to a cable harness 671. In various implementations, one or more antennas 640b of the base 602 may be coupled to the cable harness 617. In some implementations, the electronics module 630 of the base 602 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 620 of the housing 604 via a connector interface 612.

[0065] Docking system 600 includes an add-on module 650 configured to couple to housing 604 and housing electronics 620 via a connector interface 652. Connector interface 652 comprises a third connector interface 653 of add-on module 650 and a fourth connector interface 654 of housing 604. Third connector interface 653 comprises an electrical connector configured to removably connect to a corresponding electrical connector of fourth connector interface 654.

[0066] The add-on module 650 includes an electronics module 660 that may be coupled to one or more antennas 670a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 660 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 662, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 660 may include a multi-layer motherboard populated with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 660 is communicatively coupled to the housing electronics 620 via connector interface 652. The add-on module 650 may include one or more antennas 670b that may be coupled to the housing electronics 620 via connector interface 652 or to a cable harness 671 via connector interface 612. In some implementations, the electronics module 630 of the base 602 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 660 of the add-on module 650 via connector interfaces 612 and 652.

[0067] 15 includes an interior module 700 configured for use within a vehicle. The interior module 700 is configured to electrically couple to the base 602 and the base electronics 630 via a connector interface 716. The connector interface 716 includes a fifth connector interface 713 of the interior module 700 and a sixth connector interface 615 of the base 602. The fifth connector interface 713 may include an electrical connector configured to removably connect to a corresponding electrical connector of the sixth connector interface 615. The connector interface 716 may include an SMP connector (e.g., a snap-on or push-on SMP connector) or an SMA connector for coupling RF conductors.

[0068] The interior module 700 is configured to mechanically couple to the base 602 via a coupling arrangement 718, which may incorporate a connector interface 716. For example, the interior module 700 and the base 602 may be mechanically connected via the coupling arrangement 718 that passes through the vehicle roof 680. In some implementations, the coupling arrangement 718 comprises a snap-type fastener or an interference fit arrangement (e.g., a press fit or a friction fit). For example, the coupling arrangement 718 may include a number of corresponding male and female members that may together facilitate a snap-type or interference fit connection (through the roof 680). Other coupling arrangements are contemplated, including components that include bolts, screws, and / or other fasteners.

[0069] The internal module 700 includes an electronics module 710 that may be coupled to one or more antennas 720a, such as any of the antennas described above. The electronics module 710 may include or be coupled to one or more sensors 712, such as any of the sensors described above. The electronics module 710 may include a multi-layer motherboard with numerous components, including passive and active components, surface-mounted components, power modules, one or more controllers and / or processors, connectors, and ports, among other components. The electronics module 710 is communicatively coupled to the base electronics module 630 via a connector interface 716. The internal module 700 may include one or more antennas 720b that may be coupled to the base electronics module 630 or the cable harness 671 via the connector interface 716. In some implementations, the electronics module 710 of the internal module 700 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 620 of the housing 604 via the connector interfaces 716 and 612. In some implementations, the electronics module 710 of the internal module 700 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics module 660 of the additional module 650 via connector interfaces 716 , 612 and 652 .

[0070] Reference is now made to the accompanying set of drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, and at least one skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations of the embodiments described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, aspects of the embodiments described herein may be combined with each other in various ways. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed embodiments may be implemented in ways other than as specifically described herein. For example, a docking system may be installed on a surface of a vehicle (e.g., a trunk) rather than on the roof of the vehicle.

[0071] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent that they directly contradict this disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing shapes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims may be understood as modified by either the term "exactly" or "about." Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein, or within, for example, typical experimental error.

[0072] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range, where the term "up to" or "less than or equal to" a number (e.g., up to 50) includes that number (e.g., 50), and the term "greater than or equal to" a number (e.g., 5 or greater) includes that number (e.g., 5).

[0073] The terms "coupled" or "connected" refer to elements that are attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between the two attaching elements). Both terms may be modified to "operably" and "operably," which may be used interchangeably, describing that the coupling or connection is configured to allow the components to interact to perform at least some functions (e.g., a radio chip may be operably coupled to an antenna element to provide radio frequency electrical signals for wireless communication).

[0074] Directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "side," and "end" are used to describe the relative positions of components and are not meant to limit the orientation of the embodiments under consideration. For example, embodiments described as having "top" and "bottom" also include embodiments rotated in various directions unless otherwise specified.

[0075] References such as "one embodiment," "embodiment," "certain embodiments," or "some embodiments" mean that the particular feature, configuration, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As such, the appearances of such phrases in various places do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0076] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present disclosure that offer certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not advantageous, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments with plural referents unless expressly stated otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0078] As used herein, the terms "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," and the like are used in an open sense and generally mean "including," but not limited to. Terms such as "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like will be understood to be encompassed by terms such as "comprising." The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of at least two of the listed elements.

[0079] The phrases "at least one," "comprising at least one," and "one or more," followed by a list, refer to any one item of the list and any combination of two or more items of the list.

Claims

1. 1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a base configured for attachment to a roof of the vehicle, the base including a recess and a conduit communicating with an interior of the vehicle; a first connector interface comprising a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle; a housing configured to removably connect to the dock, the housing being sized to be received in the recess of the base; a first electronics module coupled to the one or more first antennas; a second connector interface including a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connector; a housing comprising: A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , comprising a mounting device configured to slidably mount the housing to the dock.

3. The system of claim 1 , comprising a mounting device configured to rotatably mount the housing to the dock.

4. a mounting device configured to mount the housing to the dock, the mounting device comprising: a cam lever disposed on a first wall portion of the base and configured to engage a cam contact portion located on a rear surface of the housing; a guide groove on a front surface of the housing opposite the rear surface, the guide groove configured to receive an edge extending from a second wall of the base opposite the first wall; The system of claim 1 , comprising:

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein actuation of the cam lever against the cam contact causes the guide groove to engage the edge of the base.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the mounting device comprises a push-out spring disposed on the second wall of the base opposite the first wall.

7. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the attachment device is configured to matingly engage the first connector interface with the second connector interface.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector comprise power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base is configured to act as a heat sink for the first electronics module of the housing.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a heat sink.

11. the base includes a second module interface configured to receive and electrically couple a second add-on module via a coupling device that passes through the roof; 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second additional module is located in the interior of the vehicle adjacent the base and comprises a second electronics module and one or more second antennas.

12. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a third module interface configured to receive and electrically couple a third additional module comprising a third electronics module and one or more third antennas.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a fourth electronics module coupled to one or more fourth antennas.

14. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more antennas comprise one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite communication antennas.

17. 1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a base configured for attachment to a roof of the vehicle, the base including a recess and a conduit communicating with an interior of the vehicle; a first connector interface comprising a plurality of first electrical connectors configured to couple to respective electrical conductors disposed through the conduit and into the interior of the vehicle; a housing configured to removably connect to the dock, the housing being sized to be received in the recess of the base; a first electronics module coupled to the one or more first antennas; a second connector interface including a plurality of second electrical connectors configured to removably connect to the first electrical connector; a second module interface supported by the base and configured to receive and electrically couple a second add-on module via a coupling device passing through the roof; The second additional module is located within the interior of the vehicle and comprises a second electronics module and one or more second antennas.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the coupling device comprises a snap fastener.

19. The system of claim 17 , comprising a mounting device configured to slidably mount the housing to the dock.

20. The system of claim 17 , comprising a mounting device configured to rotatably mount the housing to the dock.

21. 21. The system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the attachment device is configured to matingly engage the first connector interface with the second connector interface.

22. 21. The system of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector comprise power, data, and radio frequency (RF) connectors.

23. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the base is configured to act as a heat sink for the first electronics module of the housing.

24. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a heat sink.

25. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a third module interface configured to receive and electrically couple a third additional module comprising a third electronics module and one or more third antennas.

26. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the base comprises a fourth electronics module coupled to one or more fourth antennas.

27. 21. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, comprising one or more sensors.

28. 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

29. 21. The system of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the one or more antennas comprise one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite communication antennas.

Images