Vehicle AM Antenna Array with Filtered Ground Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrangements in motor vehicles often fail to provide optimal AM reception, especially in regions with weak signal strength and specific market requirements, due to suboptimal antenna properties and interference from vehicle electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
The antenna arrangement includes an AM antenna adjacent to an electrically conductive component connected to the vehicle's ground via a filter element, which suppresses signal frequencies and prevents parasitic capacitance, allowing for improved AM reception by making the vehicle ground 'invisible' to the AM antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AM antenna is installed in conventional locations (rear window, side window, or spoiler), then the vehicle design is maintained, but the AM reception quality deteriorates, especially in regions with weak signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TV antenna as an intermediary element that is electrically connected to ground through a filter. This intermediary structure creates a controlled electrical path that prevents parasitic capacitance from forming between the AM antenna and vehicle ground, thereby improving AM reception without changing the physical antenna location or design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filter elements are added to suppress interference frequencies, then electromagnetic compatibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TV antenna structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a TV receiving antenna, provides a controlled ground connection path through the filter, and simultaneously serves as an interference suppression mechanism for the AM antenna. This multi-functionality allows interference suppression without adding separate dedicated filter components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the TV antenna, filter element, and ground connection into an integrated assembly where the antenna amplifier is integrated into the housing of the filter element. This merging of components reduces overall system complexity while achieving both TV reception and AM interference suppression
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the additional component (TV antenna) is connected directly to ground, then electromagnetic shielding improves, but parasitic capacitance increases which deteriorates AM reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (impedance) of the ground connection path by introducing a filter element with specific frequency-selective characteristics. The filter presents high impedance to AM frequencies while maintaining the ground connection, thereby reducing parasitic capacitance effects on AM reception while maintaining electromagnetic shielding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances AM reception in long, medium, and short wave ranges, providing better signal quality and flexibility to meet customer and market-specific requirements, while minimizing interference and maintaining vehicle design compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The filter element suppresses signal frequencies in at least one frequency range to be received by the AM antenna
Implementation Method 2
prevents parasitic capacitance, allowing for improved AM reception by making the vehicle ground 'invisible' to the AM antenna
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna array for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one AM antenna for receiving at least long wave, medium wave, and/or short wave signals, and at least one electrically conductive component that adjoins the AM antenna and is connected to a frame potential and/or supply potential of the motor vehicle via at least one filter element which allows signal frequencies to be suppressed in at least one frequency range to be received by the AM antenna.