Vehicle Window Antenna Protrusions for Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of an electrically conductive transparent layer in vehicle windshields for infrared radiation reflection poses challenges in accommodating antennas due to electromagnetic interference and tolerance management issues, affecting antenna performance.

Innovation Solution

A window assembly design featuring a transparent layer with protrusions that allow an antenna element to be positioned in an outer region, providing direct electrical contact and minimizing interference, while optimizing antenna impedance matching and radiation patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transparent layer is applied over a substantial part of the windshield to maximize infrared radiation reflection efficiency, then the infrared reflection performance is improved, but the available space for antenna placement is reduced and electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared radiation reflection efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference to antenna

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent layer is segmented by creating protrusions that extend into the outer region, allowing the antenna element to be positioned in discrete zones of reduced electromagnetic interference while maintaining overall coverage for infrared reflection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer region adjacent to the periphery of the transparent layer is designed with different electromagnetic characteristics, creating a local zone with reduced interference suitable for antenna placement while the main area maintains high reflection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the antenna element is placed close to the transparent layer to minimize footprint, then the space utilization is improved, but the tolerance management becomes difficult and antenna performance is significantly impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna footprint areaVSAvoidtolerance between antenna and transparent layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions serve as intermediary structures between the transparent layer and the antenna element, providing a controlled interface that facilitates precise alignment and reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct electrical contact between the antenna element and the protrusions creates an equipotential connection that stabilizes the electrical relationship, reducing the impact of positional variations on antenna performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If the antenna element is positioned in the outer region with direct electrical contact to protrusions, then the impedance matching and radiation pattern are improved, but the structural complexity of the transparent layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna impedance matchingVSAvoidtransparent layer structure with protrusions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide direct electrical contact for DC connection, act as alignment features for the antenna element, and create the necessary electromagnetic environment for improved impedance matching and radiation pattern

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions integrate the electrical connection function and the mechanical positioning function into a single structural feature, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate connection elements and alignment features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances antenna performance by reducing electromagnetic interference, improving impedance matching, and simplifying manufacturing by allowing easier antenna connection without modifying the transparent layer, thus maintaining efficient infrared radiation reflection.

Implementation Method 1

the transparent layer reduces the amount of infrared radiation entering an interior of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the transparent layer is conductive, and therefore, has an electromagnetic impact on radio waves, such as radio waves propagating to or from the antenna(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9806398B2Window assembly with transparent layer and an antenna element

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 AGC GLASS EUROPE SA

AI summary

A window assembly includes a substrate with an electrically conductive transparent layer that defines an area having a periphery. An outer region devoid of the transparent layer is defined adjacent to and along the periphery. An elongated antenna element is disposed in the outer region. A feeding element couples to the antenna element for energizing the antenna element. The area of the transparent layer defines at least two protrusions being spaced apart from one another and extending integrally from the area and into the outer region. The antenna element abuts and is in direct electrical contact with the at least two protrusions. The feeding element couples to the antenna element at a location between the at least two protrusions or at one of the at least two protrusions.