CHMSL RF Antenna Integration for Vehicle Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle designs such as hatchbacks and convertibles lack sufficient window space for integrated antennas, leading to visibility issues and increased cost, mass, and packaging problems, while window-integrated antennas are prone to RF interference from onboard sources.
Innovation Solution
A center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) assembly with an RF antenna element integrated within its housing, positioned to avoid obstructing the light path and shielded by the vehicle body structure to minimize interference, allowing for effective AM radio reception without visible antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external whip antenna is used, then the antenna can receive RF signals effectively, but it detracts from visual appearance and is prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the CHMSL assembly by integrating an antenna element into the housing structure. The antenna element is positioned within the housing interior and electrically connected to the housing, merging two separate components (antenna and lamp assembly) into a single integrated unit that provides both lighting and RF reception functions.
2Shape
If the antenna element is integrated into the window, then aerodynamic performance improves and appearance becomes cleaner, but the antenna element remains visible as a wire or conductive trace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna element from the window integration approach and relocates it to the CHMSL assembly housing. This removes the visible wire or conductive trace from the window while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of not having an external whip antenna. The antenna is now hidden within the lamp assembly housing.
3Reliability
If a window-integrated AM antenna is used, then antenna function is provided, but RF interference from onboard sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vehicle body structure and CHMSL housing as a shield to protect the antenna element from RF interference. The conductive housing and mounting structure act as a Faraday cage, converting the potentially harmful RF interference from onboard sources into a protected environment for the antenna element, thereby improving signal quality.
4Shape
If the antenna element is positioned within the CHMSL housing, then vehicle appearance is maintained and mass is reduced, but the antenna must not obstruct the light path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the antenna element in a specific location within the CHMSL housing where it does not interfere with the light path. The antenna is placed in the interior region of the housing, typically along the edges or in areas where light transmission occurs, ensuring that the antenna's presence does not compromise the optical function of the lamp assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) assembly for a vehicle includes an integrated radio frequency (RF) antenna. The CHMSL assembly has an outer lens element, a lamp assembly configured to emit light through the outer lens element, and a housing for the outer lens element and the lamp assembly. The housing is adapted for attachment to an upper rear portion of the vehicle, and the housing has an interior region defined therein. The CHMSL assembly also has an RF antenna element located within the interior region. The RF antenna element is configured and positioned such that it does not obstruct a light path from the lamp assembly to the outer lens element.