Satellite Antenna Nesting in Vehicle Roof Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite antennas mounted on vehicle exteriors are large, unsightly, and exposed to harsh weather conditions, leading to increased costs and interference with roof storage, while also causing wind resistance and noise.
Innovation Solution
A satellite antenna is mounted within the vehicle body beneath the roof, using satellite transmissive materials to minimize intrusion into the passenger compartment and protect the antenna from the elements, with options for placement in the passenger compartment or trunk, and the use of satellite transmissive panels to ensure signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then the antenna can receive satellite signals, but the antenna becomes large and unsightly, increases wind resistance, and interferes with roof storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the satellite antenna within the vehicle's roof structure, nesting it inside the vehicle body rather than mounting it externally. The antenna is positioned in the roof cavity above the headliner, making it invisible from the outside while maintaining signal reception capability through the use of satellite signal transmissive materials in the roof panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a satellite signal transmissive panel or roof section that allows satellite signals to pass through while maintaining the exterior aesthetic. This thin film or panel approach enables the antenna to be hidden inside the vehicle while still receiving signals effectively, as the transmissive material does not significantly block the satellite signal.
2Reliability
If the antenna is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then the antenna can receive satellite signals, but the antenna is exposed to extreme weather conditions including precipitation, wind, and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite antenna is nested within the protected interior space of the vehicle roof, shielding it from direct exposure to precipitation, wind, ice, and other harsh weather conditions. The antenna operates in a controlled environment while still receiving satellite signals through the transmissive roof panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite signal transmissive panel acts as an intermediary between the protected antenna interior and the external satellite signal source. This mediator allows the antenna to remain protected from weather while maintaining effective signal reception, as the transmissive material permits signal passage without compromising the protective barrier.
3Reliability
If the antenna is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then the antenna can receive satellite signals, but the antenna increases wind resistance and causes wind noise
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the antenna within the vehicle's roof structure, the patent eliminates the external antenna surface that would otherwise create wind resistance and noise. The antenna is completely enclosed within the vehicle body, so air flow passes over the smooth exterior surface without interacting with antenna components, thereby eliminating wind-related interference and noise.
4Reliability
If the antenna is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, then the antenna can receive satellite signals, but the antenna interferes with rooftop luggage storage and roof racks
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the internal roof cavity, utilizing the space above the headliner that would otherwise be unused. This internal placement frees up the entire roof surface area for luggage storage and roof rack installations, as the antenna does not occupy any external roof space or interfere with storage capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a trunk. The vehicle body has a deck lid covering the trunk. A satellite antenna is mounted within the trunk and is coupled to the deck lid. The deck lid includes a panel for transmitting a satellite signal therethrough and forms an entire exterior surface of the deck lid.