ETC Terminal Integrated Rear View Mirror Antenna Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) terminals in vehicles is limited by space constraints and can obstruct the driver's view when mounted on the windshield, while existing solutions compromise communication efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A combination ETC terminal and rear view mirror design where the ETC module and RF antenna are integrated within a housing fastened to the windshield, with a wire connecting them internally to minimize signal attenuation and maintain an attractive external appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ETC terminal is installed in front of the driver's seat, then the ETC terminal is easily accessible, but the installation space is limited due to various portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ETC terminal with the rear view mirror into a single integrated unit. The housing of the rear view mirror contains both the mirror and the ETC terminal components, allowing the ETC functionality to be accessed through the mirror location rather than requiring separate installation space in front of the driver's seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear view mirror housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the rear viewing function and simultaneously houses the ETC terminal components (RF antenna, ETC module, speaker). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate installation locations for both functions.
2Reliability
If the ETC terminal is mounted to the front windshield, then communication is unimpeded, but the driver's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The ETC terminal components are merged into the rear view mirror housing, which is positioned in the upper central area of the windshield. This location allows the RF antenna to maintain good communication performance with tollgates while the mirror structure itself does not significantly obstruct the driver's forward view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the RF antenna at the upper end of the stay, extending it away from the windshield surface in a direction perpendicular to the windshield plane. This dimensional extension improves RF signal transmission and reception without requiring the main housing to be positioned in a location that would obstruct the driver's view.
3Ease of operation
If the wire connecting ETC module and RF antenna is long, then the components can be positioned optimally, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides flexibility in wire routing by allowing the wire to pass through the interior of the stay and the housing, with the length adjusted to be less than 50 cm. The support part with through-hole guides the wire through optimal paths, dynamically adapting the wire route to achieve both compact positioning and minimal signal loss.
4Ease of manufacture
If various components are exposed to the outside, then installation and maintenance are easier, but the external appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
All ETC terminal components (ETC module, RF antenna, speaker, wires) are merged into the housing of the rear view mirror. The housing serves as a protective enclosure that hides these components from external view, maintaining a clean and attractive appearance while still allowing for installation and maintenance access when needed.
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
Enables uninterrupted RF signal transmission and reception at high speeds, ensuring accurate toll collection and data processing while maintaining a clear driver's view and aesthetically pleasing interior design.
Implementation Method 1
an RF antenna fastened to an upper end of the stay for transmitting and receiving RF signals to and from an RF module disposed outside the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A combination Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) terminal and rear view mirror for vehicles is disclosed. The rear view mirror includes a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna, and an ETC module. The RF antenna is fastened to the upper end of a stay in order to transmit and receive RF signals to and from an RF module, which is provided in a tollgate gantry. The ETC module is connected with the RF antenna using a wire, and is mounted in a housing. Thus, the uninterrupted transmission and reception of RF signals between the ECT terminal and the RF module can be stably performed even when a vehicle passes through a tollgate at a high speed.