Low-Profile Automotive Antenna Layout for Multi-Band Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive antenna systems are bulky, costly, and visually unappealing due to the need for multiple antennas for different wireless services, often resulting in poor performance and damage susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-profile multi-band antenna system featuring a disk-shaped dielectric substrate with a MIMO radiator body and radiator ring, providing both terrestrial and satellite signal reception in a single unit, with a disk shape that is 6 inches in diameter and less than 1 inch thick, allowing for flush mounting and reduced coaxial cable usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are deployed for different wireless services, then each antenna can be optimized for its specific frequency band and signal properties, but the vehicle will have increased parts cost, manufacturing/assembly cost, packaging cost, and visual appearance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements for different wireless services (cellular, Wi-Fi, UWB, V2V/V2X, GNSS, terrestrial radio, SDARS) into a single integrated antenna system. This merging approach reduces the total number of separate antenna components while maintaining the ability to provide optimized signal reception for each service through distinct radiating elements within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless communication services simultaneously. The single antenna structure incorporates multiple radiating elements that can operate across different frequency bands, allowing one antenna system to perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple separate antennas.
2Reliability
If masts or shark fin antennas are used, then antenna performance can be maintained, but they are subject to breaking off or damage and can detract from the visual appearance of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a low-profile, planar antenna design that lies flat against the vehicle surface rather than protruding as traditional masts or shark fin antennas. This thin-film approach eliminates the mechanical vulnerability of protruding elements while maintaining effective radiating surfaces for signal transmission and reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a three-dimensional protruding structure (masts/shark fins) to a two-dimensional planar configuration. This dimensional change allows the antenna to maintain its radiating functionality while eliminating the height-related vulnerability to damage, as the low-profile design presents minimal exposure to external forces.
3Shape
If on-glass antennas are used, then the antenna conforms to the vehicle surface, but they provide limited performance with poor directionality and are not capable of being used for all various radio services
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple distinct radiating elements, each optimized for specific frequency bands and wireless services. This segmentation allows different portions of the antenna to handle different signal types (terrestrial, satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi, etc.), thereby achieving comprehensive service coverage while maintaining the low-profile conformal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the antenna structure are designed with locally optimized properties to serve specific functions. Certain areas are configured for horizontal radiation patterns to support terrestrial services, while other regions provide vertical or circularly polarized patterns for satellite services, ensuring each locale of the antenna delivers appropriate performance for its designated 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 system achieves high directivity and polarization for various wireless services, reducing the number of required coaxial cables and enhancing signal coverage while maintaining a sleek appearance, thereby addressing the issues of cost, performance, and damage susceptibility.
Implementation Method 1
the MIMO radiator body and the radiator ring provide a substantially horizontally-directed radiation pattern (e.g., for terrestrial signals)
Implementation Method 2
at least one low-profile radiator is disposed over the central shelf providing a substantially circularly polarized or vertically-directed radiation pattern for receiving signals radiated from a satellite
Data Source
AI summary
A multiband antenna comprises a dielectric substrate with a first surface defining an annular ledge and a central recess with a plurality of pockets. A MIMO radiator body is disposed in the central recess having a first surface defining a plurality of lobes which are disposed in respective ones of the plurality of pockets and having a second surface defining an outer rim and a central shelf A radiator ring is disposed at the annular ledge so that the radiator ring and the outer rim converge along an annular gap therebetween. A plurality of MIMO feed lines provide external connection to respective lobes. The MIMO radiator body and the radiator ring provide a substantially horizontally-directed radiation pattern (e.g., for terrestrial signals). At least one low-profile radiator on the central shelf provides a substantially circularly polarized or vertically-directed radiation pattern for receiving signals radiated from a satellite.