Antenna Bracket Adjuster for Cover Member Reflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna devices installed in vehicles face degradation of reception characteristics due to reflected electromagnetic waves from cover members, leading to restricted directional transmission and potential output gain loss due to multiple reflections and coupling loop interference.

Innovation Solution

The antenna device incorporates a bracket with an adjustment unit that closely contacts the cover member, adjusting the pass characteristics of electromagnetic waves to inhibit reflections and multiple reflections, allowing for flexible positioning and improved transmittance by setting the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the adjustment unit to satisfy specific wavelength conditions, thereby reducing reflectance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna device transmits electromagnetic waves through the cover member, then the electromagnetic waves can pass through the insulator, but a portion of the electromagnetic waves is reflected by the inner wall of the cover member causing noise and multiple reflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception characteristicsVSAvoidreflected waves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjuster as an intermediary component between the antenna and the cover member. This adjuster is configured to control the traveling distance of electromagnetic waves, thereby managing the phase and amplitude of reflected waves to reduce their harmful effects on reception characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of electromagnetic wave propagation by controlling the traveling distance through the adjuster. By adjusting the path length to specific values (e.g., odd multiples of quarter wavelengths), the phase of reflected waves is modified to minimize interference and multiple reflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna surface is disposed to be opposed to the cover member, then the antenna can transmit electromagnetic waves, but the position for disposing the antenna device is restricted depending on the shape of the cover member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoiddisposal restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjuster serves as a flexible intermediary component that can be configured in various positions and orientations. This allows the antenna device to be disposed in different locations on the cover member without requiring the antenna surface to be directly opposed to the cover member, thereby increasing positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If the electromagnetic waves are transmitted through the cover member, then the transmittance depends on the dielectric constant and thickness, but output gain may lower due to mutual phase cancellation by multiple reflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput gainVSAvoidphase cancellation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the traveling distance parameter of electromagnetic waves through the adjuster to prevent phase cancellation. By setting the path length to specific values, the phase relationship between directly transmitted waves and reflected waves is optimized to maintain high output gain and prevent energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjuster provides a means to control and optimize the electromagnetic wave path based on the interaction between the antenna and cover member. This feedback mechanism allows for adjustment of the wave traveling distance to minimize phase cancellation effects and maximize output gain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 the antenna device's ability to maintain high gain and improve detection precision by reducing interference from reflected waves, allowing for efficient transmission and reception in desired directions regardless of the cover member's shape.

Implementation Method 1

a portion of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the antenna device is reflected by an inner wall of the cover member and becomes a cause of noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the traveling distance of the electromagnetic wave that passes from an end surface of the adjustment unit to an end surface of the cover member effectively becomes λ0/2×n

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3540851B1Antenna device
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3540851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna device, transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic wave via a cover member arranged to cover a front region of an outside of a device, includes: a circuit board; an antenna disposed in the circuit board, transmitting the electromagnetic wave toward the front region, and receiving the electromagnetic wave from the front region; a housing having an opening in a front surface for passage of the electromagnetic wave and housing the circuit board for transmission and reception of the electromagnetic wave via the opening; and a bracket retaining the housing and fixing the housing to the cover member in a front direction of the opening. The bracket has a sheet-shaped or plate-shaped adjuster that is disposed to cover a region in the front direction of the opening and closely contact with an inner surface of the cover member and adjusts pass characteristics of the electromagnetic wave in the cover member.