Vehicle Antenna Ground Plane Relocation for Composite Body Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle antenna systems face challenges in compatibility with diverse vehicle designs, particularly when using composite or transparent materials for body panels and large opening portions, which can interfere with antenna placement and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic device featuring radomes with patch antennas oriented along specific axes, utilizing a conductive ground plane for signal transmission and reception, allowing for flexible placement and decorrelation of antennas to enhance data throughput and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle body panels are formed from composite or transparent materials to save weight and allow complex designs, then weight reduction and design flexibility are improved, but antenna ground plane compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate functional components: the antenna element and the ground plane are positioned on different surfaces (roof and rear window respectively). This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific material substrate, resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and antenna compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-surface antenna configuration to a multi-surface spatial arrangement. By placing the antenna element on the roof and the ground plane on the rear window, it utilizes multiple dimensional spaces within the vehicle structure, enabling compatibility with composite and transparent materials while maintaining electromagnetic performance
2Ease of operation
If large opening portions such as sunroofs are provided to improve passenger comfort and vehicle aesthetics, then passenger comfort and aesthetic appeal are improved, but roof-mounted antenna functionality deteriorates due to fouling of rearward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ground plane component from the roof surface and relocates it to the rear window. This extraction removes the conflict between the antenna system and the sunroof opening mechanism, as the ground plane is now positioned in a location that does not interfere with sunroof operation while still providing the necessary electromagnetic reference plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the rear window as an intermediary surface to host the ground plane. This intermediary location serves as a compromise that maintains antenna functionality without interfering with the sunroof mechanism, as the ground plane is positioned away from the roof opening path
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 compatible and efficient antenna system that improves data communication capabilities while minimizing the impact on vehicle design, allowing for various antenna placements and reducing the antenna's footprint, thus supporting advanced communication standards like 4G LTE.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second antenna elements extend upwardly from the conductive layer and the conductive layer provides a common ground plane for the first and second antenna elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an aerodynamic device for a vehicle, comprising one or more antenna elements arranged to extend from a surface of the aerodynamic device.