3D Conformal MIMO Antenna for Vehicular Multiband Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a compact multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assembly that achieves optimal gain, matching, and mutual de-coupling between antenna elements is challenging, particularly for systems like LTE, Wi-Fi, and DSRC, where space constraints limit performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assembly featuring 3D conformal antennas on an inner radome or antenna carrier, using materials like flex film and laser direct structuring, which are shaped to conform to the vehicle's surface, along with a water-sealed outer radome for protection and aesthetic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements are installed in a compact multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assembly, then the antenna can operate across multiple frequency bands (LTE, Wi-Fi, DSRC), but the space constraints prevent optimal gain, matching, and mutual de-coupling between antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna elements to three-dimensional conformal antenna structures that follow the curvature of the vehicle surface. This dimensional change allows antenna elements to be spatially separated in multiple directions, improving mutual de-coupling and performance while maintaining compact footprint for multiband MIMO operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested radome structure where an inner radome containing antenna elements is positioned within an outer radome. This nested configuration allows multiple antenna elements to be compactly arranged in three-dimensional space while maintaining optimal spacing for gain, matching, and mutual de-coupling across multiple frequency bands
2Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are positioned closer together to reduce assembly size, then the antenna assembly becomes more compact, but mutual de-coupling between antenna elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional conformal antenna structures that extend in multiple spatial dimensions rather than being confined to a single plane. This allows antenna elements to maintain adequate separation distances for mutual de-coupling while the overall assembly remains compact due to efficient three-dimensional space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved radome surfaces and conformal antenna elements that follow the curvature of the vehicle roof. This curved geometry naturally provides spatial separation between antenna elements in multiple directions, improving mutual de-coupling while maintaining a compact, aerodynamic assembly suitable for vehicular applications
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, a multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assembly generally includes a chassis and an outer cover or radome. The outer cover is coupled to the chassis such that an interior enclosure is collectively defined by the outer cover and the chassis. An antenna carrier or inner radome is within the interior closure. The antenna carrier has inner and outer surfaces spaced apart from the chassis and the outer cover. One or more antenna elements are along and/or in conformance with the outer surface of the antenna carrier so as to generally follow the contour of a corresponding portion of the antenna carrier.