Windscreen Antenna Disc Printed Conductive Paste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GNSS antennas in vehicles face challenges such as aesthetic drawbacks, wind noise, vulnerability to damage, and interference from electrical devices, particularly when integrated into vehicle interiors, and are hindered by conductive layers that block electromagnetic radiation.
Innovation Solution
An antenna pane is developed with an electrically conductive paste printed and fired onto the inner surface of a pane, featuring a dielectric support element and an electrically conductive base plate, allowing for a thin, aesthetically inconspicuous integration with improved reception and transmission properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GNSS antennas are arranged on the vehicle body outside the vehicle interior, then the antenna function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is deteriorated and wind noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is merged with the vehicle pane (windshield or window) itself. The electrically conductive paste is printed directly on the inner surface of the pane, and the dielectric support element is integrated into the pane structure, combining the antenna function with the existing pane component to eliminate separate external antennas while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is nested within the vehicle interior space by integrating it into the pane. The antenna structure with its conductive paste and dielectric support element is positioned between the interior and exterior environments, effectively nesting the antenna function within the existing pane structure rather than adding external components.
2Ease of manufacture
If GNSS antennas are placed inside the vehicle interior under the dashboard or windshield, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but EMC problems arise from electrical devices and the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is positioned at a specific location on the pane surface with optimized local properties. The dielectric support element provides localized electrical isolation and the conductive paste is arranged in a specific pattern to achieve good reception while minimizing interference from surrounding electrical devices and the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric support element acts as an intermediary between the antenna structure and the pane, providing electrical isolation and reducing EMC interference from surrounding electrical devices. The dielectric material mediates the electromagnetic field to minimize harmful interactions with other vehicle components.
3Loss of energy
If electrically conductive layers such as infrared-reflecting layers or low-E layers are used in the pane, then thermal insulation is improved, but the transmission of electromagnetic radiation is blocked and GNSS signal reception is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The pane structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: the outer pane with thermal insulation layers, and the inner pane with the antenna structure. This segmentation allows the thermal insulation layers to perform their function while the antenna structure on the inner pane surface maintains signal reception capability without being blocked by the conductive thermal insulation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is positioned on the inner surface of the inner pane, utilizing the dimensional space available between the interior environment and the outer pane with thermal layers. This dimensional arrangement allows electromagnetic signals to reach the antenna structure from the exterior without being blocked by the thermal insulation layers on the outer pane.
4Reliability
If a planar metallic antenna structure on a ceramic carrier is used, then the antenna function is achieved, but the antenna thickness increases and housing mounting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical antenna structure on a ceramic carrier is replaced with a printed antenna structure made of electrically conductive paste applied directly to the pane surface. This substitution eliminates the need for thick ceramic carriers and complex mechanical mounting housings, reducing overall antenna thickness while maintaining antenna function.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure parameters are changed from a thick ceramic carrier-based metallic structure to a thin printed paste structure. The conductive paste layer thickness is significantly reduced compared to ceramic carriers, and the dielectric support element provides the necessary electrical properties with minimal thickness, eliminating the need for bulky housing mounting.
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 enables a stable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing integration of GNSS antennas within vehicle panes, minimizing interference and enhancing signal reception while being easy to manufacture and conceal.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna structure made of an electrically conductive paste which is printed and fired on the inside surface (IV) of the inner pane
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric support element which is connected via an outside surface (V) to the inside Surface (IV) of the inner pane
Implementation Method 3
a base plate on an inner surface (VI) of the carrier element, the base plate being arranged at least in the region of the orthogonal projection of the antenna structure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
The present invention relates to a windscreen antenna (100), at least comprising: - an inner panel (1) having an internal surface (IV), - an antenna structure (4) consisting of an electrically conductive paste burned into the internal surface (IV) of the inner panel (1), and - a dielectric support element (9) which is connected by means of an external surface (V) to the internal surface (IV) of the inner panel (1) and has an electrically conductive base plate (5) on an internal surface (VI), wherein the base plate (5) is arranged at least in the region of the orthogonal projection of the antenna structure (4) relative to the inner panel (1).