Cylindrical Antenna Assembly with Integrated Clip Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helix antennas for automotive applications are cumbersome and costly due to the need for multiple components to connect antenna elements to feed points, which increases assembly time and bulk.
Innovation Solution
A compact multiband antenna assembly with a cylindrical antenna carrier and clip terminals that directly connect to a host circuit board, eliminating the need for intermediate components and allowing for a cost-effective, reliable assembly with controlled radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional helix antennas use multiple components (crimped terminals, separated circuit board, insert pins) to connect antenna elements to feed points, then the antenna can be assembled, but the assembly complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the feed points directly into the antenna element structure, eliminating the need for separate crimped terminals and intermediate circuit boards. The antenna elements are designed with built-in feed access points that allow direct connection to the host circuit board through vias, merging multiple previously separate components into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the intermediate separated circuit board from the assembly, extracting this unnecessary component. The antenna elements are directly mounted to the host circuit board through vias, eliminating the intermediate connection layer and reducing the overall component count while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional helix antennas use multiple components and intermediate circuit boards, then the antenna can be connected to host circuit board, but the overall size and bulk of the antenna assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate separated circuit board from the antenna assembly, directly mounting the antenna elements to the host circuit board through vias. This elimination of the intermediate layer significantly reduces the overall volume and bulk of the antenna assembly while maintaining full connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the antenna elements are directly integrated into the host circuit board structure through vias, with the feed points embedded within the antenna element geometry. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions of the antenna assembly by eliminating protruding connectors and intermediate boards.
3Reliability
If conventional helix antennas use crimped terminals and multiple connection components, then the antenna elements can be electrically connected, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional parts and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed points directly into the antenna element structure, eliminating the need for separate crimped terminals. The antenna elements are designed with integrated feed access that connects directly to vias on the host circuit board, reducing part count and assembly steps while maintaining reliable electrical connections through direct soldering or conductive adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are designed to be self-contained with built-in feed points that require no additional terminal components. The structure serves its own connection function, eliminating the need for separate crimping operations and intermediate circuit boards, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection reliability.
4Productivity
If conventional helix antennas use multiple components for connection, then the antenna can be assembled, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate separated circuit board and eliminates the multi-step assembly process involving crimped terminals and insert pins. The antenna elements are directly mounted to the host circuit board through vias in a single assembly operation, significantly reducing assembly time and the number of assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple assembly operations into a single step by integrating the feed points directly into the antenna element structure. The direct via connection allows the antenna elements to be mounted and electrically connected simultaneously, eliminating sequential assembly steps and improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes an antenna carrier having a cylindrical body with a side wall extending between a top and a bottom and extensions extending from the side wall at the bottom at different radial positions. An antenna is coupled to the body having a film supporting first and second antenna elements having first and second feed lines and first and second antenna lines. The feed lines extend along corresponding extensions and the antenna lines wrap helically around the side wall. The antenna assembly includes clip terminals coupled to the extensions being electrically coupled to corresponding feed lines. The clip terminals have terminating ends configured to be electrically terminated to host conductors.