Low-Profile Multi-Band Vehicle Antenna With Integrated De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-band GNSS antennas are thick in size or limited to a narrower band, causing performance degradation, especially in automotive applications where space is constrained, and face challenges in maintaining functionality under adverse weather conditions like snow and ice accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna system with a thin profile, utilizing a reflector spaced less than a quarter wavelength from the circuit board, integrated heating elements, and a diplexer with separate feeds for different frequency bands to enhance gain and reject multipath signals, while incorporating a capacitively coupled metallic element for snow and ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing multi-band GNSS antennas are designed to receive signals at multiple frequencies, then positional accuracy is enhanced, but the antenna thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent radiating elements, each optimized for specific frequency bands. The antenna component includes multiple slots or radiating structures that can be independently tuned to different GNSS frequencies (L1, L2, L5 bands), allowing multi-band operation without increasing overall thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical stacked configurations to a planar or low-profile configuration by utilizing the circuit board surface area. Multiple radiating elements are arranged in a two-dimensional layout on the circuit board, with spacing controlled to achieve desired frequency responses without requiring thick vertical stacking
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing multi-band GNSS antennas are designed for wide frequency reception, then multi-band signal reception is achieved, but the antenna structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna component is designed as a multi-functional element that can simultaneously support multiple frequency bands through its geometric configuration. The slots or radiating structures are shaped and positioned to resonate at multiple frequencies, allowing a single antenna component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas or complex fed networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes geometric parameters of the antenna slots or radiating elements (such as length, width, spacing, and curvature) as tuning variables to achieve multi-band resonance. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters, the antenna can be optimized for specific frequency bands without requiring complex additional structures
3Reliability
If heating elements are integrated into the antenna system for snow and ice removal, then reliability under adverse weather conditions is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing antenna structure by integrating heating elements into the antenna component or mounting structure. The heating elements are positioned to directly heat snow and ice accumulations on the antenna surface, eliminating the need for separate heating systems and reducing overall energy consumption compared to external heating solutions
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 antenna system maintains high performance with wide frequency reception, enhances gain, and effectively removes snow and ice, ensuring reliable operation under adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna system includes a reflector to reflect antenna radiation to an upper hemisphere
Implementation Method 2
The antenna system can include a heating element to remove snow and/or ice from a surface over the antenna component
Implementation Method 3
a capacitively coupled metallic element positioned in a glass layer over the antenna component, such that the antenna component can transmit and receive signals from the GNSS system
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band antenna system is provided. The antenna system can be placed under and embedded within a glass exterior surface of a vehicle. Such an antenna system can include a capacitively coupled metallic element on or adjacent to the glass exterior surface, which can serve as both a parasitic element to enhance gain and as a heating element to melt snow and/or ice accumulation over the glass area that covers the antenna. In certain applications, the antenna's structure itself can be used as a heater to improve performance in adverse weather conditions while the heating elements are positioned away from the thermally sensitive electronics. The antenna system with integrated heating can include a spiral antenna.