Through Glass Antenna Coupler for V2X Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DSRC systems in vehicles face performance limitations due to internal antenna interference from vehicle pillars and roof structures, and drilling holes for external antenna connections is undesirable for sealing, aesthetics, and cable losses.
Innovation Solution
A through-the-glass coupling system using stub/monopole antennas mounted on the exterior of windshields, with internal and external couplers aligned to transmit RF signals without drilling holes, utilizing a coaxial cable for signal transmission and including design elements like circuit boards, dielectric substrates, and amplifiers to enhance communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a roof mounted antenna is used for DSRC systems, then communication robustness is improved, but the vehicle structure must be modified by drilling holes for cable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a through-glass coupler assembly as an intermediary device that enables RF signal transmission through the windshield glass without requiring holes or modifications to the vehicle structure. The coupler assembly includes internal and external couplers with conductive plates and dielectric layers that create a transmission path through the glass, serving as a mediator between the interior and exterior antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling and cable routing system with an electromagnetic field-based solution. Instead of physically drilling holes and running cables through the vehicle structure, the system uses RF fields to transmit signals through the glass via the through-glass coupler assembly, eliminating the need for mechanical modifications to the vehicle body.
2Ease of operation
If internal antenna is mounted within the vehicle, then installation is simplified, but antenna performance deteriorates due to vehicle pillars and roof interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the antenna system from a three-dimensional space within the vehicle interior to a two-dimensional plane on the exterior surface of the windshield. By mounting the antenna on the outside of the glass and using the through-glass coupler for signal transmission, the system eliminates interference from vehicle pillars and roof structures while maintaining installation simplicity through integrated coupler designs.
3Reliability
If holes are drilled for external antenna connections, then antenna performance is improved, but cable losses increase and aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The through-glass coupler assembly serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for traditional cable connections through drilled holes. The internal and external couplers create a direct electromagnetic coupling path through the glass, eliminating long cable runs and associated losses while maintaining aesthetic appearance by avoiding visible holes or external cable routing.
4Reliability
If holes are drilled for external antenna connections, then antenna performance is improved, but sealing and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling and cable penetration system with an electromagnetic field-based transmission system. The through-glass coupler assembly uses capacitive and inductive coupling between internal and external couplers to transmit RF signals through the glass without physical openings, thereby maintaining the vehicle's sealing integrity and aesthetic appearance while achieving external antenna performance.
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
This solution provides robust Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication without drilling holes, reducing cable losses and interference, while maintaining aesthetics and improving communication range and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The internal and external couplers may be align with one another and used to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals though the windshield
Implementation Method 2
The coupler assembly may include a connector to which a transmission medium (e.g. coaxial cable) may be connected to carry electromagnetic signals between coupler and the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system for radio frequency transmission through a window is provided. The system may include a first wireless coupler, a second wireless coupler, and one or more antennas. The first wireless coupler may be attached to a first side of the window and configured to transmit or receive radio frequency signals. The second wireless coupler attached to a second side of the window and aligned with the first wireless coupler. The first wireless coupler may be configured to transmit or receive the radio frequency signals from the first wireless coupler to the second wireless coupler through the window. The one or more antennas may be electrically connected to the second wireless coupler. One or more radios may transmit or receive the radio frequency signals to or from the one or more antennas.