Low-Profile Antenna Arrangement with Integrated Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna arrangements for RF signal transmission in vehicles and indoor applications face challenges in achieving a low profile and minimizing the number of connecting ports to reduce air drag and prevent water intrusion, while maintaining optimal RF characteristics and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile antenna arrangement with multiple radiating elements and a conductive baseplate, featuring cup-shaped antenna elements and a connector system that allows for coaxial cable integration with minimal ports, using a baseplate with recesses and channels for cable routing and mechanical support, and a connector design that ensures electrical and mechanical interconnection with reduced height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional connector with multiple sleeve-like components and pins is used to connect coaxial cable to antenna, then proper assembly and electrical connection are achieved, but the connector has minimum dimensions that increase total height and requires mount nuts on both sides of the mounting plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated connector component. The connector includes an integrated mounting element with threaded bore that directly threads into the mounting plate from one side, eliminating the need for separate mount nuts on both sides. The connector body itself serves as both the electrical connection interface and the mounting interface, merging previously separate functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner conductor is received within the connector body, which in turn is mounted within the mounting plate opening. The connector body contains the electrical connection features (sleeve, contact element) nested within its structure. This nesting allows the connector to achieve proper assembly capability while minimizing overall height by utilizing vertical stacking rather than horizontal extension.
2Reliability
If antenna arrangement is positioned on vehicle roof with multiple connecting ports, then RF signal transmission is enabled, but water intrusion risk increases and air drag increases due to higher profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection and mounting functions from separate components and integrates them into a single connector unit. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete ports needed in the vehicle roof, as the integrated connector can establish both mechanical and electrical connections through a single opening. Fewer ports mean reduced water intrusion risk while maintaining RF signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection, mechanical mounting, and sealing functions. The integrated mounting element with threaded bore provides structural attachment, while the connector body provides electrical contact, and the overall design allows for weather sealing. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces the number of separate ports required.
3Reliability
If conventional connector design with multiple components is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (mounting nut, connector body, electrical contacts) into a single integrated connector component. The connector includes an integrated mounting element with threaded bore for structural attachment, a connector body housing, and electrical contact elements (sleeve and contact element) all combined into one piece. This consolidation maintains reliable electrical connection while significantly reducing the number of discrete parts and assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement includes a baseplate with a top surface defining a top level and a bottom surface defining a bottom level. First and second cup-shaped antenna radiating elements that have an apex arranged nearby to the top level of the baseplate and opposite to the apex an opening that is arranged distal to the top level of the baseplate. The antenna radiating elements are arranged above the baseplate and are spaced apart by a spacing and electrically interconnected to the baseplate. The first antenna radiating element is electrically interconnected to an inner conductor of a first coaxial cable, the inner conductor being arranged in the region of the apex above the bottom level. The second antenna radiating element is electrically interconnected to an inner conductor of a second coaxial cable, said inner conductor being arranged in the region of the apex above said bottom level.