Antenna Feed Voltage Control Without a Local Compensator Regulator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna devices require a higher feed voltage due to cable losses, necessitating a voltage regulator in the compensator apparatus, which consumes space and generates heat.

Innovation Solution

A feed apparatus captures the actual input voltage at the compensator terminal, compares it to a target voltage, and adjusts the output voltage provided by a transceiver regulator to match the target, eliminating the need for a voltage regulator in the compensator apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage regulator is arranged in the compensator apparatus to regulate the voltage down to the required operating voltage, then the required operating voltage can be provided, but additional installation space is required and heat is emitted during voltage regulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator is extracted from the compensator apparatus and relocated to the transceiver apparatus. This removes the source of heat generation and space consumption from the compensator, allowing it to be mounted in locations with limited space such as behind the front grille or in the bumper area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A feed apparatus acts as an intermediary between the transceiver apparatus and the compensator apparatus. It captures the actual input voltage at the compensator terminal, compares it to a target voltage, and provides feedback to adjust the output voltage from the transceiver regulator, enabling remote voltage regulation without a local regulator in the compensator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a voltage regulator is arranged in the compensator apparatus to regulate the voltage down to the required operating voltage, then the required operating voltage can be provided, but heat is emitted during voltage regulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator is extracted from the compensator apparatus and relocated to the transceiver apparatus. This removes the source of heat generation from the compensator, allowing it to be mounted in locations with limited space such as behind the front grille or in the bumper area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A feed apparatus acts as an intermediary between the transceiver apparatus and the compensator apparatus. It captures the actual input voltage at the compensator terminal, compares it to a target voltage, and provides feedback to adjust the output voltage from the transceiver regulator, enabling remote voltage regulation without a local regulator in the compensator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a higher feed voltage is provided by the transceiver apparatus to compensate for cable losses, then the required operating voltage can be achieved at the compensator apparatus, but a voltage regulator is required which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supplyVSAvoidvoltage regulation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed apparatus implements a feedback control system by capturing the actual input voltage at the compensator terminal and comparing it to a target voltage. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the output voltage from the transceiver regulator, ensuring the compensator receives the exact voltage needed without requiring a local regulator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A feed apparatus acts as an intermediary between the transceiver apparatus and the compensator apparatus. It captures the actual input voltage at the compensator terminal, compares it to a target voltage, and provides feedback to adjust the output voltage from the transceiver regulator, enabling remote voltage regulation without a local regulator in the compensator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12537291B2Antenna device, transceiver apparatus, compensator apparatus, vehicle, and method for operating an antenna device

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

An antenna device comprises a transceiver apparatus and a compensator apparatus, wherein a transceiver terminal of the transceiver apparatus is connected by a connecting apparatus to a compensator terminal of the compensator apparatus. The transceiver apparatus comprises a voltage regulator which is configured to provide an output voltage for feeding the compensator apparatus at the transceiver terminal. The antenna device further comprises a feed apparatus configured to capture an actual input voltage present at the compensator terminal, to compare the actual input voltage with a predetermined target input voltage for feeding the compensator apparatus, and to regulate the actual input voltage to the predetermined target input voltage by adjusting the output voltage provided by the voltage regulator.