Low-Profile UWB Antenna Structure for Concealed Vehicle Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra wide band (UWB) antennas have a high profile, which makes them unsuitable for vehicle designs as they detract from the external aesthetics and reduce headroom when placed in vehicles, necessitating a design that is both cost-effective and fuel-efficient while maintaining attractive styling.
Innovation Solution
The design of an ultra wide band antenna with a low profile, featuring a planar portion and a tapered side portion that wraps around the edge of the antenna body, connected to a ground plane with a cylinder, allowing for a height of approximately 1/20th of a wavelength, enabling placement in unobtrusive locations without compromising vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional UWB antenna designs (mast antennas, shark fin antennas) are used, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the antenna height (approximately 4/10 of a wavelength) detracts from vehicle external design and reduces headroom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical monopole antenna geometry to a planar inverted-F antenna configuration. The antenna body is arranged substantially parallel to the roof surface, utilizing the horizontal plane rather than vertical height. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve resonant length (0.5 to 5 times the wavelength) while maintaining an extremely low profile (1/20 of a wavelength or less), thereby resolving the contradiction between connectivity performance and aesthetic profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the UWB antenna body within a cavity formed in the vehicle roof, nesting the antenna structure within the existing vehicle architecture. The antenna is positioned between the interior trim and exterior roof panels, utilizing the available space without protruding outward. This nesting approach allows the antenna to maintain its required electrical dimensions while being concealed within the vehicle's structural layers, achieving both low profile and reliable wireless connectivity.
2Shape
If antenna height is reduced to improve aesthetics, then vehicle styling is enhanced, but antenna performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the antenna's resonant length in the horizontal dimension rather than the vertical dimension. The antenna body extends 0.5 to 5 times the wavelength parallel to the roof surface, compensating for the reduced vertical height. This allows the antenna to achieve the necessary electrical length for resonant operation while maintaining an extremely low vertical profile of 1/20 of a wavelength or less, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetic profile and functional length.
3Reliability
If shark fin antenna is placed on roof or rear deck lid, then wireless functionality is provided, but external design aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent conceals the antenna within a cavity in the vehicle roof, nesting it between the interior trim and exterior roof panels. The antenna does not protrude from the vehicle exterior, making it invisible from outside while maintaining full wireless communication functionality. This nesting approach allows the antenna to provide reliable UWB, cellular, and GPS communications without degrading the vehicle's external design aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorients the antenna from a vertical configuration (shark fin) to a horizontal planar configuration parallel to the roof surface. This dimensional change allows the antenna to be integrated flush with the roof interior surface, eliminating the visual impact of protruding antennas while maintaining communication performance through extended horizontal dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra wide band antenna includes: a first antenna body including: a first planar portion; a first tapered side portion; and a first cylinder; and a second antenna body including: a second planar portion; a second tapered side portion; and a second cylinder, and a connecting portion connecting at least one of the first planar portion and the first tapered side portion on a back side of the first antenna body to at least one of the second planar portion and the second tapered side portion on a back side of the second antenna body.