Vehicle Window Antenna with Segmented Transparent Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window assemblies with clear films or coatings for vehicle windshields lack robust and efficient antenna performance due to insufficient control over electromagnetic interference, antenna radiation patterns, and impedance characteristics, and require costly modifications for antenna purposes.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly with a transparent layer made of metal compounds that is electrically conductive, featuring a periphery with a first antenna segment extending along one edge and a second segment crossing into the transparent layer, allowing for improved antenna impedance matching and radiation pattern alteration without modifying the transparent layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional clear films or coatings are applied over a substantial part of the windshield for heat reflection, then infrared radiation reflection efficiency is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to insufficient control over electromagnetic interference and radiation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple discrete elements positioned at specific locations on the windshield, with each element having controlled electrical connection to the transparent conductive layer through gaps and overlaps, enabling independent optimization of each antenna element's performance while maintaining overall heat reflection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layer has varying properties at different locations: in antenna regions, it has specific sheet resistance and continuity characteristics optimized for antenna operation, while in non-antenna regions, it maintains full coverage for heat reflection, creating local quality variations that satisfy both functions
2Reliability
If conventional clear films or coatings are modified with deletions, voids, or slits for antenna purposes, then antenna performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements utilize the dynamic property of the transparent conductive layer's electrical continuity, where the layer's conductivity varies spatially to provide both antenna functionality and heat reflection, eliminating the need for static structural modifications like deletions or voids
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet resistance and electrical continuity of the transparent conductive layer are adjusted as parameters to achieve both antenna performance and heat reflection functionality without modifying the physical structure through deletions or voids, allowing continuous manufacturing
3Loss of energy
If the transparent layer is made electrically conductive with metal compounds for heat reflection, then infrared radiation reflection is improved, but antenna impedance control and radiation pattern control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conductive layer is pre-configured with specific sheet resistance values and electrical continuity characteristics in antenna regions before antenna elements are applied, creating predetermined impedance conditions that facilitate subsequent antenna element integration and radiation pattern control
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layer serves as an intermediary element between the antenna elements and the windshield substrate, providing controlled electrical connection and impedance matching that enables both heat reflection and antenna functionality to coexist
4Reliability
If antenna elements are integrated with the transparent conductive layer, then antenna performance is improved, but the footprint of antenna elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements utilize the third dimension by extending partially behind the transparent conductive layer and partially in front of it, creating a three-dimensional antenna structure that achieves enhanced performance without increasing the two-dimensional footprint on the windshield surface
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 robust and efficient antenna performance by minimizing the antenna footprint and enhancing impedance matching and radiation patterns, while maintaining the transparent layer's functionality for heat reflection and potential defogging or defrosting.
Implementation Method 1
the clear films or coatings reflect infrared radiation from sunlight. In so doing, the clear films or coatings reduce the amount of infrared radiation entering an interior of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A feeding element is coupled to the first antenna segment and is configured to energize the antenna element and the transparent layer such that the antenna element and the transparent layer collectively transmit and/or receive radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly includes an electrically conductive transparent layer and an antenna element disposed on a substrate. The transparent layer has an area defining a periphery with a plurality of edges. An outer region devoid of the transparent layer is defined adjacent the transparent layer along the periphery. The antenna element includes a first antenna segment and a second antenna segment. The first antenna segment is elongated and disposed in the outer region and spaced from the periphery and extends solely along one edge of the periphery. The second antenna segment extends integrally from the first antenna segment towards the transparent layer such that the second antenna segment crosses a periphery of the transparent layer. A feeding element is coupled to the first antenna segment to energize the antenna element and the transparent layer such that the antenna element and the transparent layer collectively transmit and/or receive radio frequency signals.