Vehicle Antenna Assembly With Shielded Modem and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The long coaxial cable connecting a modem to an antenna in vehicles leads to signal losses due to cable length, necessitating the modem's proximity to the antenna to prevent electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly with a base, modem, and heat dissipation elements, where the modem is housed within an electro-magnetic barrier, allowing proximity to antennas while dissipating heat, and a sleep sense command activates the assembly based on vehicle ignition or USB port voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the modem is placed far from the antenna to prevent electromagnetic interference, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but signal loss increases due to long coaxial cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the modem and antenna into a single integrated housing structure, eliminating the need for long coaxial cables. The modem is positioned within 6 inches of the antenna elements, merging previously separate components to reduce signal loss while managing electromagnetic interference through internal shielding and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic barrier (shielding structure) as an intermediary between the modem and antenna elements. This barrier allows the components to be placed in close proximity while preventing harmful electromagnetic interference, thus resolving the contradiction between proximity and interference protection.
2Loss of energy
If the modem is placed near the antenna to reduce signal loss, then signal loss is reduced, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic barrier acts as a mediator that enables close placement of the modem and antenna while blocking harmful electromagnetic interference. The shielding structure allows the components to be integrated within the same housing without suffering from interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies electromagnetic shielding selectively in specific zones around the modem and antenna elements. The housing includes conductive shields and grounded surfaces positioned strategically to protect sensitive areas while maintaining signal transmission paths, thus reducing interference locally without affecting overall system performance.
3Device complexity
If the modem is integrated within the antenna housing, then installation complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The internal housing is divided into separate compartments and zones: one for the modem and another for the antenna elements. This segmentation allows the modem to be positioned close to the antenna for simplified installation while providing thermal management space and heat dissipation pathways for the high-power modem component.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation function is extracted as a separate consideration from the integration benefit. The patent incorporates dedicated heat sinks, ventilation openings, and thermally conductive materials in the housing structure to actively manage heat from the modem, separating the thermal management function from the structural integration function.
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 signal loss by placing the modem near the antennas, minimizing electromagnetic interference, and optimizing heat dissipation, thus extending coverage range and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a base comprising an interior surface, a sidewall and a plurality of heat dissipation elements outward from the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
The top lid and base act as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method (1700) and system (1500) for activating and deactivating a communication module (1560) for an apparatus (1100) is disclosed herein. The method (1700) includes monitoring a power activity state for the apparatus (1100), monitoring a power activity state for a router (1530) for the apparatus (1100), and maintaining an activation state for the communication module (1560) as long as the power activity state of the apparatus or the router (1530) is active. An antenna assembly (25) comprising a modem (50) and at least one antenna element (41) is preferably part of the system (1500).