Speaker-Integrated Antenna Layout to Cut Vehicle Installation Labor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multiple WiFi/LTE antennas in vehicles for internet connectivity increases vehicle costs due to additional labor required, necessitating new techniques to minimize labor and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of antennas within audio speakers, utilizing a speaker frame that supports a speaker cone and a speaker dust cap, with antenna elements disposed concentrically within the speaker cone, and a coaxial cable connecting the antenna elements to the ground and feed of the coaxial cable, forming specific radiating arm configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple WiFi/LTE antennas are installed in vehicles to provide internet connectivity, then internet connectivity is improved, but installation labor and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna assembly with the speaker unit into a single integrated component. The antenna elements are positioned within the speaker cone structure, allowing the antenna to be installed simultaneously with the speaker during vehicle audio system installation. This merging eliminates separate antenna installation labor while maintaining WiFi/LTE connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker unit serves multiple functions: audio reproduction through the speaker cone and wireless communication through the integrated antenna elements. By making the speaker assembly universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated antenna installations, reducing labor costs while providing both audio and internet connectivity functions.
2Reliability
If multiple WiFi/LTE antennas are installed in vehicles to provide internet connectivity, then internet connectivity is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is merged with the speaker unit, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be installed. This integration simplifies the installation process and reduces labor costs, thereby lowering the overall installation cost while maintaining reliable internet connectivity through the antenna elements.
3Reliability
If antennas are placed in specific locations within the vehicle interior, then antenna performance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are integrated into the speaker cone structure, which is a standard component already present in most vehicle audio systems. This merging allows the antenna to be installed in a conventional speaker mounting location, eliminating the need for specialized antenna installation positions and reducing installation complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker unit itself provides the mounting structure and positioning for the antenna elements. The antenna assembly leverages the existing speaker cone geometry and mounting hardware, allowing the speaker installation process to automatically accommodate the antenna without requiring separate positioning operations or specialized installation knowledge.
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
Reduces installation labor and costs by integrating antennas within audio speakers, ensuring effective antenna performance while minimizing additional labor and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna element that is connected with a ground of a coaxial cable, the first antenna element having: a first radiating arm; a second radiating arm; and a third radiating arm; and a second antenna element that is connected with a feed of the coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
An audio speaker with an integrated antenna is disclosed. In one embodiment, the audio speaker includes a speaker frame that supports a speaker cone and a speaker dust cap and an antenna subassembly is disposed concentrically within the speaker cone. In one variant, the antenna subassembly further includes a first antenna element that is connected with a ground of a coaxial cable and a second antenna element that is connected with a feed of the coaxial cable. In some variants, the antenna subassembly is attached directly to the speaker frame. The antenna subassembly may include an antenna substrate that is coupled with an antenna cover. A coaxial cable is received within the antenna cover and is attached to the antenna substrate.