Windshield Integrated Antenna System for Multi-Band Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The automotive industry faces challenges in designing antennas that can accommodate multiple communication channels without protruding from the vehicle's exterior or interior, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and requiring minimal modification to existing glazing structures and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A windshield configuration that integrates a circularly polarized antenna, an unidirectional antenna, and a wideband antenna, each designed to operate within specific frequency bands and provide unidirectional radiation, thereby supporting various communication channels such as 5G, Wi-Fi, and DSRC without visible protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are integrated on the vehicle for various communication channels, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional antenna system where a single integrated antenna structure supports multiple communication standards including DSRC, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The antenna achieves this through multiple radiating elements with different geometries (circular, rectangular, triangular) that can operate across wide frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated glazing-mounted structure. The antenna system merges DSRC, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities into one unified device that can be mounted on the vehicle glazing, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are mounted on the vehicle exterior, then communication capability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the antenna mounting from traditional exterior protruding positions to a flat two-dimensional surface integration on the vehicle glazing. The antenna elements are patterned directly on the glass surface using conductive materials, effectively moving the antenna from a three-dimensional protruding structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration that aligns with the aerodynamic surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical antenna structures (protruding elements, wires, and housings) with a printed circuit board-based antenna system. Conductive traces and patterns are deposited directly on the glazing surface through printing or lamination processes, eliminating the need for mechanical mounting structures that would disrupt airflow.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If antennas are integrated in the glazing, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate functional layers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The conductive antenna patterns are created on separate transparent or semi-transparent substrates that are then laminated between the glazing layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized and manufactured using standard processes before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin flexible or rigid transparent substrates to carry the antenna conductors. These thin film structures can be laminated between the glazing layers without requiring complex integration processes. The flexible nature of these substrates allows them to conform to the glazing surface and be installed using standard automotive lamination equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If antennas protrude from the vehicle, then communication capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the antenna from a three-dimensional protruding structure to a two-dimensional planar pattern integrated on the glazing surface. This dimensional change allows the antenna to be invisible or minimally visible from the exterior, maintaining the smooth aerodynamic surface while providing full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs transparent or translucent materials for the antenna substrate and conductive elements that match the appearance of the surrounding glazing. The antenna patterns can be made visually imperceptible or blend seamlessly with the vehicle's aesthetic design, eliminating the visual disruption caused by traditional protruding antennas.
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 integrated antenna system on the windshield enables efficient communication across multiple frequency bands, including 5G, Wi-Fi, and DSRC, while maintaining the vehicle's aerodynamic and aesthetic qualities, and requiring minimal modifications to existing manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a circularly polarized antenna disposed on the outer surface of the inner transparent ply
Implementation Method 2
an unidirectional antenna disposed on the inner surface of the outer transparent ply and the outer surface of the inner transparent ply
Implementation Method 3
a wideband antenna disposed on the outer surface of the inner transparent ply
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield having an outer transparent ply that defines an inner surface and an outer surface oppositely disposed from the inner surface, an inner transparent ply that defines an outer surface and an inner surface oppositely disposed from the outer surface, an interlayer disposed between the inner surface of the outer transparent ply and the inner surface of the inner transparent ply, a circularly polarized antenna disposed on the outer surface of the inner transparent ply, an unidirectional antenna disposed on the inner surface of the outer transparent ply and the outer surface of the inner transparent ply, and a wideband antenna disposed on the outer surface of the inner transparent ply.