Vehicle Antenna Splitter Layout for Multi-Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle communications relying on a single cellular network face challenges such as network coverage gaps, network congestion, and single points of failure due to dependence on a single modem or antenna, leading to delayed or failed data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system for vehicles that includes multiple modems and antennas connected via splitters, allowing communication across multiple cellular networks with hardware and communication redundancy, enabling selection between networks based on signal performance, and reducing the number of antennas needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cellular network is used for vehicle communication, then the system complexity is reduced, but network reliability deteriorates due to coverage gaps and single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication function by implementing multiple modems (first modem for first cellular network, second modem for second cellular network) that operate independently on different networks. Each modem has dedicated connection ports and can function autonomously, dividing the communication task across multiple specialized components rather than relying on a single network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential network failures in advance by establishing redundant communication paths through multiple modems and antennas before failures occur. The splitters are pre-configured to enable signal distribution across multiple modems, and the system can automatically switch to backup networks when primary networks fail, cushioning against reliability issues before they impact operation.
2Reliability
If multiple modems and antennas are implemented for network redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splitters serve multiple functions: they distribute signals from a single antenna to multiple modems, combine signals from multiple modems to a single antenna, and enable flexible configuration for different network scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple communication paths through the splitter architecture, where signals from multiple modems can be combined and transmitted through a single antenna, or a single antenna can serve multiple modems simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total number of antenna components needed while maintaining multiple active communication channels.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for each modem, then communication redundancy is improved, but the number of antennas increases leading to aesthetic and interference challenges
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna is designed to serve multiple modems simultaneously through the splitter network. A single antenna can provide communication signals to both the first modem and second modem, or serve as a backup for either modem. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated one-to-one antenna-modem pairings, reducing the total antenna count while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the antenna resources across multiple modems by using splitters to share antenna connections. Instead of requiring separate antennas for each modem, the architecture combines antenna outputs through splitters, allowing a reduced set of antennas to support multiple modems and provide the same level of communication redundancy.
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 system enhances network reliability by providing redundancy and flexibility in network selection, addressing coverage gaps and congestion while minimizing aesthetic and interference challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiating element in communication with the first connection interface and operable to transmit and/or receive radio frequency signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for providing connectivity for a vehicle include a first antenna and second antenna. Each of the first and second antenna are configured to be disposed on the vehicle, include a connection interface and a radiating element, and are operable to transmit and/or receive radio frequency signals. The systems further include at least one splitter. The first antenna is configured to be in communication with a first modem and a second modem via the at least one splitter for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals on at least one of a first cellular network and a second cellular network, different than the first cellular network. The second antenna is configured to be in communication with the first modem and the second modem via the at least one splitter for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals on at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network.