Conductive Ground Bracket for Vehicle Antenna Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Long cables connecting antennas to processing units in vehicles are prone to electrical noise interference due to electromagnetic waves from other electrical systems, which degrades signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A conductive ground bracket is attached to the vehicle frame, featuring a frame engaging portion and separate electrical connector supporting portions to reduce noise by providing an intermediate ground, allowing multiple connectors to be supported and reducing packaging space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long cables are used to connect antennas to processing units, then the antennas can be positioned at various locations in the vehicle, but electrical noise from other electromagnetic waves interferes with the antenna signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate ground structure as a mediator between the antenna and processing unit. This ground structure provides a dedicated reference potential that isolates the antenna signal from other electromagnetic noise sources in the vehicle, thereby reducing electrical noise interference while maintaining signal integrity over long cable runs
2Reliability
If multiple intermediate ground points are provided to reduce noise, then signal quality improves, but the complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ground connection functions into a single integrated ground structure. This ground structure simultaneously provides multiple electrical connector supporting portions that can accommodate multiple connectors while maintaining a unified reference potential, thereby reducing the number of separate intermediate ground components needed
3Volume of moving object
If separate electrical connector supporting portions are provided on the ground bracket, then multiple connectors can be supported with reduced packaging space, but the ground bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as an electrical ground reference, a mechanical support structure for multiple connectors, and a noise shielding element. By integrating these functions into a single structure, the patent reduces packaging space without requiring proportionally increased complexity
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
The solution improves the signal-to-noise ratio of antenna signals and reduces packaging space within vehicles, while also simplifying assembly and potentially lowering costs by minimizing the number of intermediate grounds needed.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the length of the cables and the presence of other electromagnetic waves in the vehicle from other electrical systems, electrical noise can interfere with the antenna signals. To reduce noise, one or more intermediate ground points are provided between the antenna and the processing unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate ground is provided in a vehicle. The intermediate ground can be located between one or more antennas and one or more processing systems. The intermediate ground can include a vehicle frame member (e.g., part of an A-pillar) and a ground bracket attached to the vehicle frame member. The ground bracket can include a body made of a conductive material. The body can include a first end region and a second end region opposite to the first end region. The first end region can include a frame engaging portion. At least a portion of the frame engaging portion can directly contact the vehicle frame member. The second end region being configured to support a plurality of electrical connectors thereon. The body can include an anti-rotation tab extending from the frame engaging portion. The anti-rotation tab can engage the vehicle frame member.