Vehicle PCB Antenna Layout for Wide Smartphone Communication Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle chargers face challenges in effectively communicating with smartphones that have additional antennas due to limited coverage, requiring complex and expensive solutions with multiple antennas and large space, while maintaining compact dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A communicating device with a control printed circuit board and two antennas, each comprising groups of windings arranged symmetrically around the board, connected in series and in phase opposition, to provide wide coverage without increasing dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single planar communication antenna is used in the center of the charging support, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the coverage is insufficient for smartphones with additional end antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The communication antenna is segmented into multiple independent antennas (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, and fourth antenna) positioned at different locations on the charging support. Each antenna serves a specific zone, collectively providing comprehensive coverage for all smartphone antennas including end antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single planar antenna to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple antennas at different positions and orientations. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions enables coverage of smartphones with various antenna configurations including vertical end antennas.
2Area of stationary object
If three antennas (one central horizontal and two vertical end antennas) are used to increase coverage, then the communication coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring three matching circuits and three switching circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric antenna configuration where antennas have different orientations and positions optimized for their specific functions. The first and second antennas are arranged to cover one end of the smartphone, while the third and fourth antennas cover the other end, creating an asymmetric but efficient coverage pattern that reduces the need for multiple switching circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna in the patent is designed to serve multiple purposes: providing communication coverage for specific zones while also contributing to overall magnetic field generation. This multi-functionality allows the antenna system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring a proportional increase in matching and switching circuits.
3Area of stationary object
If the dimensions of the charging support are increased to provide better coverage, then the communication coverage is improved, but the volume and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning specific antennas at strategic locations on the charging support to provide targeted coverage for different zones. The first and second antennas are positioned to cover one end area, while the third and fourth antennas cover the opposite end, creating localized high-quality coverage zones that collectively provide comprehensive coverage without increasing overall charger dimensions.
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 ensures all smartphone antennas are within communication range, reducing complexity and cost by using fewer matching and switching circuits, and maintaining compact dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna, called external antenna, comprising two groups of windings each arranged around one of the ends of the control printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A communicating device for a motor vehicle, including a control printed circuit board, a first antenna, called “external” antenna, including two groups of windings each arranged around one of the ends of the control printed circuit board, symmetrically with respect to an orthogonal plane, a second antenna, called “internal” antenna, including two groups of windings each arranged around the control printed circuit board between the windings of the first antenna and symmetrically with respect to the orthogonal median plane.