Multiband Vehicle Rooftop Antenna Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive rooftop antennas face challenges in accommodating multiple frequency bands due to limited space within an aerodynamic radome, leading to interference and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A multiband vehicle rooftop antenna assembly is designed with strategically arranged antenna elements, including cellular, satellite, and V2X antennas, within an aerodynamically shaped radome, utilizing a base and radome structure with a ridge and tail configuration to maximize space and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple antenna elements are positioned closely within the radome to fit the aerodynamic design, then the antenna assembly maintains a compact and aerodynamic profile, but signal interference increases and antenna performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna element arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration within the radome. The antenna elements are positioned at different heights and depths, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions to achieve proper spacing while maintaining a compact external profile. This dimensional approach allows multiple antennas to coexist without interference while preserving the aerodynamic shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple antenna elements within the radome structure in a nested arrangement. The antenna elements are positioned within the interior enclosure formed by the radome and base, with each antenna element occupying a specific spatial niche. This nesting approach allows multiple functional antennas to be contained within a single aerodynamic housing without compromising their individual performance.
2Shape
If the radome dimensions are reduced to maintain aerodynamic styling, then the antenna assembly becomes more compact and aerodynamic, but the available space for antenna elements decreases making it difficult to accommodate multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different local spatial zones within the radome interior, each optimized for specific antenna elements operating at different frequency bands. The base structure provides localized mounting areas with appropriate spacing and orientation for each antenna element. This local optimization allows each antenna to achieve its required electrical length and positioning despite the overall compact radome dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension and depth within the radome to accommodate antenna elements of different lengths and orientations. By arranging antennas in three-dimensional space rather than a single plane, the design can fit multiple frequency band antennas within the constrained external dimensions while maintaining their required electrical characteristics.
3Volume of stationary object
If antenna elements are sized to fit within the radome interior enclosure, then the antenna assembly maintains a compact form factor, but the antenna elements become too small to effectively transmit and receive signals in certain frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional positioning and orientation of antenna elements to maximize their effective electrical length within the constrained radome volume. By utilizing vertical mounting, diagonal orientations, and strategic positioning near the radome boundaries, the antenna elements achieve sufficient effective length for lower frequency bands without requiring proportionally larger external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical parameters of the antenna elements including their length, width, spacing, and orientation to achieve resonant frequencies across multiple bands. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters and the dielectric environment within the radome, the antenna elements achieve effective signal transmission capability despite the limited physical space available.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiband vehicle rooftop antenna assembly includes first and second cellular antenna configured to be operable over one or more cellular frequencies. The multiband vehicle rooftop antenna assembly includes first and second satellite antennas configured to be operable over one or more satellite frequencies including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) signals. The multiband vehicle rooftop antenna assembly includes a V2X antenna configured to be operable over Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) frequencies. The first satellite antenna is located between the first cellular antenna and the second cellular antenna. The second cellular antenna is located between the first satellite antenna and the second satellite antenna.