Patent Application
20130106658
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are related to antennas for applications in mobile and other applications.
The electronic age, and miniaturization of electronics, has provided the ability for mass connectivity as exemplified by the desire for mass connectivity in virtually every aspect of human life. Connectivity during transport, such as in a vehicle, is highly desirable considering the extended periods of time the average individual now spends commuting to work as well as to other activities. Multiple devices are now available in vehicles that allow individuals to “connect” with the outside world while operating a motor vehicle. Such devices include such traditional staples such as the radio but also include more complex navigational systems and other information systems. Most, if not all of these systems rely upon connections to external networks for transmission and receipt of information and, as such, require some form of antenna for connection thereto.
Traditionally motor vehicle antennas have been attached to the vehicle body (fender, roof, and window) where they have been prone to breakage, vandalism, and corrosion due to the perforation of the panel. In addition, from an aesthetics standpoint, a vehicle bristling with antennae is less than desirable and may detract from the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency by increasing the drag coefficient. One solution has been to develop hidden antenna elements such as stamped aluminum sheets or wires which are disposed in non-conductive vehicle panels such as rear spoilers or other polymer panels. Due to the dimensional complexity of these panels the stamped metal or wire assemblies typically require complex dies and cutouts for fitments such that assembly by the supplier is cost prohibitive. In addition, performance is often compromised.
In an exemplary embodiment, a configurable antenna element comprises a conductor encased in a foam substrate and a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the foam substrate for application of the configurable antenna to a surface.
The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
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The ease of installation of the configurable antenna element 18 reduces the cost of assembly of the vehicle body panel 10 and increases the reliability of the antenna reception. In addition, the configurable antenna element 18 may be shipped to the supplier of the vehicle body panel in bulk (i.e. a roll) which may be cut during assembly or it may be pre-cut and shipped thereby adding flexibility to the manufacturing process as well as allowing various features to be added to the antenna, if required, prior to assembly to the vehicle body panel 10.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present application.
