Vehicle Glass Antenna Feed Structure for Low-Loss High-Frequency Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with metal surfaces face challenges in receiving and transmitting high-frequency signals due to signal shielding, and existing antenna solutions are prone to corrosion, aesthetic issues, noise, wind resistance, and vandalism, with previous integration methods impairing signal quality at high frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A glass pane for vehicles with an integrated antenna structure and connection system where a flexible film with conductor layers is wrapped around the glass pane, allowing for improved signal transmission by reducing disruptive influences in the fastening area, using materials like polyimide and metals for conductivity, and incorporating plated-through holes for potential equality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antennas are mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then signal reception is improved, but corrosion susceptibility and aesthetic appearance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal receptionVSAvoidcorrosion susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna structure with the glass pane itself, integrating the conductor layers and antenna elements directly into the laminated glass assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate external antenna mounts while protecting the conductive elements from corrosion by embedding them within the glass layers or on protective films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure is nested within the multi-layer glass pane construction. The conductor layers are positioned between or on the glass layers, with the antenna elements embedded in the laminated structure, effectively hiding the antenna components within the glass assembly while maintaining signal reception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If antennas are mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then signal reception is improved, but visual appearance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal receptionVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is merged with the glass pane, making it invisible or minimally visible. The conductor layers and antenna elements are integrated into the glass assembly, eliminating separate external antenna components that would detract from the vehicle's aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna elements are nested within the glass pane structure, hidden between or on the glass layers. This nesting approach allows the antenna to maintain signal reception functionality while being concealed within the transparent or translucent glass, preserving the visual appearance of the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If adhesive is used in the mounting area for fastening the glass pane, then mechanical bonding is improved, but signal transmission at high frequencies worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical bondingVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes the adhesive from the critical signal transmission areas where the conductor layers are positioned. By eliminating adhesive in these zones, signal transmission at high frequencies is preserved while mechanical bonding is maintained through alternative means such as mechanical fasteners or adhesive applied only to non-critical bonding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different areas: adhesive is applied to mounting areas for mechanical bonding, while conductor layers in signal transmission areas are kept free of adhesive to maintain electrical performance. This local differentiation allows both mechanical strength and signal transmission to be optimized in their respective zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the antenna structure is integrated into the glass pane, then aesthetic appearance and protection are improved, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from vandalism and corrosionVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is merged with the antenna and glass pane assembly. Electrical contacts are integrated directly into the conductor layers of the glass pane, eliminating separate connection components. This merging simplifies the overall connection system while maintaining the protective benefits of integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass pane assembly with integrated antenna provides its own connection interface through the conductor layers. The structure is self-contained, with electrical contacts built into the glass assembly itself, reducing the need for external connection components and simplifying installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces signal attenuation and maintains aesthetic and mechanical integrity, enabling effective reception of high-frequency signals such as GPS and mobile communications without increasing wind resistance or visibility issues.

Implementation Method 1

a film (F) with two conductor layers (LS1, LS2) is applied to a first glass layer (GS2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

incorporating plated-through holes for potential equality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction through plated holes: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the film is flexible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial flexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3900106B1Glass pane for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP3900106B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3900106B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3900106B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a glass pane for a vehicle, having a first glass layer (GS2), wherein a film (F) having two conductor layers (LS1, LS2) is applied to the first glass layer (GS2), wherein an antenna structure is provided by means of at least one of the two conductor layers (LS1), wherein a connecting structure (GCPW) to the antenna structure is provided by means of the two conductor layers, wherein the connecting structure has a central conductor (ML) which is flanked by two lateral conductors (L1, L2), wherein the central conductor (ML) and the two flanking lateral conductors (L1, L2) are located in one of the two conductor layers (LS1), wherein, in the other of the two conductor layers (LS2), a conductor (GL) is provided which is arranged substantially parallel to the central conductor (ML) and the two flanking lateral conductors (L1, L2), wherein the two flanking lateral conductors (L1, L2) and the conductor (GL) have substantially the same potential. The invention also relates to the use of the glass pane according to the invention.