Transparent Antenna Edge Decoupling via Insulating Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent, electrically conductive layers in laminated safety glass panes for vehicles suffer from high-frequency electrical coupling with the vehicle body, leading to compromised antenna performance and thermal comfort issues, especially when wide peripheral edge deletions are used to mitigate this coupling, which also affects the optical appearance and driver visibility.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, planar antenna with an electrically insulating substrate and a narrow, electrically insulating peripheral edge region, allowing for effective decoupling and easy coverage with an opaque edge strip, maintaining visibility and thermal comfort while maintaining excellent antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transparent electrically conductive layer is extended close to the edge of the pane, then the antenna function is improved, but high-frequency electrical coupling with the vehicle body occurs which impairs antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent electrically conductive layer is segmented into a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer separated by an electrically insulating layer. This segmentation allows the antenna function to be maintained while preventing high-frequency electrical coupling with the vehicle body, as the insulating layer acts as an electrical barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrically insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second electrically conductive layers. This intermediary layer prevents direct electrical contact and high-frequency coupling between the conductive layers and the vehicle body, while still allowing the antenna function to operate effectively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the transparent electrically conductive layer is removed in the edge region over a width of several centimeters to reduce coupling, then high-frequency coupling is reduced, but a visually unacceptable transition appears between coated and uncoated surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the conductive layer over a wide area, the invention segments it into two layers separated by an insulating layer. This allows the conductive functionality to be maintained across the entire surface including edges, eliminating the need for wide clear zones and thus avoiding visual transitions or opaque edge strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter configuration by introducing an insulating layer with specific electrical properties between conductive layers, rather than changing the physical presence/absence of the conductive layer itself. This maintains visual uniformity while achieving electrical decoupling.
3Shape
If a wide circumferential opaque edge strip is applied to conceal the edge deletion, then the visual transition is covered, but the driver's field of vision is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the conductive layer into two layers separated by an insulating layer eliminates the need for wide edge deletions or opaque edge strips. The entire surface including edges can remain coated and transparent, maintaining full driver visibility while achieving electrical decoupling through the insulating layer.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a narrow electrically insulating peripheral edge region is used, then decoupling effectiveness is maintained, but the antenna area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating layer acts as a mediator that provides effective electrical decoupling without requiring a wide peripheral region. The insulating layer's electrical properties enable decoupling with minimal width, preserving maximum antenna area while preventing high-frequency coupling.
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 solution provides a transparent, functional, and decorative antenna with improved high-frequency decoupling, maintaining optical transparency and thermal comfort, and allowing for easy integration in various applications without restricting the driver's field of vision.
Implementation Method 1
transparent, planar antenna (A) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
electrically insulating, peripheral edge region (1.1a)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transparent, flat antenna (A) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, comprising at least one transparent, electrically insulating substrate (1) comprising an electrically insulating, circumferential edge area (1.1a) in the surface thereof (1.1), - a transparent, electrically conductive coating (2) covering large areas of the surface (1.1) of the substrate (1) up to the edge area (1.1a) and formed by at least two flat segments (2.1 n), wherein n = 1 or a whole number n > 1, comprising or made of at least one electrically conductive material (2.2), and insulated from each other by at least one linear, electrically insulating area (2.3) and at least one connection (3) for galvanically, capacitatively, or inductively decoupling the antenna signal from at least one flat segment (2.1 n); to a method for the production thereof, and to the use thereof as a transparent built-in part.