Vehicle Window Transponder Reflector for Longer-Range Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window transponders face challenges with low signal strength and unreliable communication due to radio-technical issues like reflection, absorption, and shielding, leading to insufficient reading and writing results in identification systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window with a transponder and a reflector, where the transponder is integrated with a control unit and antenna on a substrate attached to the glass, and a transparent, electrically conductive coating serves as a reflector to enhance antenna gain by bundling radiation, increasing signal strength and sensitivity for detection from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transponder is attached to the vehicle windshield, then identification communication is enabled, but signal strength is insufficient due to reflection, absorption, and shielding
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary element between the transponder antenna and the external environment. The reflector is positioned behind the antenna and configured to reflect electromagnetic waves back toward the antenna, creating a resonant cavity that enhances signal strength and reduces signal loss from reflection and absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical properties of the windshield glass are modified by applying a conductive coating or inserting a conductive layer. This changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the glass from insulating to conductive, enabling the glass to function as part of the antenna system and improving signal coupling while reducing harmful reflections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a reflector is added to increase antenna gain, then signal strength and detection range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle windshield serves multiple functions: it remains the protective glass panel while simultaneously acting as the antenna substrate and, when equipped with conductive coating, as part of the radiating structure. The reflector is positioned to also serve as the mounting surface for the transponder electronics, combining multiple functions into single elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder electronics, antenna, and reflector are integrated into a single assembly unit that is mounted as one component on the windshield. The conductive coating on the glass is applied during the glass manufacturing process, merging the antenna function with the structural glass element rather than adding separate components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transponder components are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, then antenna gain can be increased, but the components become exposed to environmental damage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder electronics are nested within a housing that is mounted on the interior side of the windshield, while the antenna elements extend through the conductive glass to the exterior. The reflector is positioned behind the antenna, creating a nested configuration where sensitive components are protected inside while the radiating elements remain exposed for optimal performance.
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 significantly improves communication quality by increasing the antenna gain and range of the transponder, allowing it to be detected from further distances by external reading devices, while maintaining a thin and transparent substrate for minimal visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle windshield has at least one reflector associated with the transponder, spaced apart from the transponder and designed to increase the antenna gain. The reflector is configured as a transparent, electrically conductive coating and/or a metallic ring.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle window (1) comprising a) a first glass pane (7), and b) a transponder (2) having an antenna (4) and a control unit (3) for communication with a reader, wherein the control unit comprises a memory (3) for storing identification data. The invention is characterised by a reflector (5), which is associated with and spaced apart from the transponder (2), for increasing an antenna gain of the antenna (4), wherein the reflector (5) is designed as a transparent, electrically conductive coating (5.1) and/or as a metallic ring (5.3).