Antenna Adapter Mounting OEM Shark Fin Roof Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching auxiliary communications antennas to vehicles, such as magnetic bases and permanent non-magnetic installations, face issues with wind noise, water leakage, and irreversible modifications, especially with the increasing use of non-ferromagnetic materials in vehicle construction.
Innovation Solution
An antenna adapter is designed to be mounted on the vehicle roof, utilizing a spacer that matches the OEM shark fin antenna, with a mounting aperture for an NMO mount and a recess for routing the antenna cable, providing a leakproof seal using a threaded fastener that sandwiches the adapter between the OEM antenna and the vehicle roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic base or clamp is used to attach an auxiliary antenna, then the antenna can be easily installed, but wind noise and water leakage occur through the door or window seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that mounts to the existing OEM antenna structure. This adapter provides a sealed mounting interface for the auxiliary antenna, eliminating the need to route cables through door or window seals, thereby preventing wind noise and water leakage while maintaining ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to nest onto the existing OEM antenna structure, with the auxiliary antenna then mounting to the adapter. This nested configuration allows the cable to be routed through the OEM antenna's existing seal, preventing wind noise and water leakage while maintaining ease of installation
2Reliability
If permanent non-magnetic antenna installations are used, then the antenna can be securely mounted, but irreversible modifications to the vehicle are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the adapter that mounts to the OEM antenna, and the auxiliary antenna that mounts to the adapter. This segmentation allows the auxiliary antenna to be installed and removed without modifying the vehicle, maintaining resale value while providing secure mounting through the multi-component design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary that provides a secure mounting interface between the OEM antenna and the auxiliary antenna, eliminating the need for irreversible modifications to the vehicle while maintaining mounting security
3Reliability
If the adapter is mounted using a threaded fastener, then a leakproof seal is achieved, but the fastener must be longer than the OEM fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the mounting solution in the dimensional direction by using a longer threaded fastener that passes through the adapter and OEM antenna assembly. This dimensional extension allows the fastener to engage with the vehicle roof and create a leakproof seal that accommodates the additional adapter component
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna adapter which can be mounted to the roof of a vehicle equipped with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) roof-mounted “shark fin” antenna comprises a spacer having a generally oblong body that is at least as large as the footprint of the OEM antenna with a mounting surface that extends beyond the footprint of the OEM antenna. The mounting surface is adapted to receive an antenna base while the underside of the adapter includes an oblong recess for routing an antenna cable from the antenna base to the interior of the vehicle. The adapter is mounted to the vehicle roof using a threaded fastener that is longer than the OEM fastener. The adapter is sandwiched between the OEM antenna and the vehicle roof to provide a leakproof seal.