Patent Application
20140118199
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are related to antennas and associated vehicle assemblies.
The electronic age, and miniaturization of electronics, has provided the ability for mass connectivity as exemplified by the desire for connectivity in virtually every aspect of life. Mobile connectivity, such as in an automobile or other motor 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 devices such as a radio but also include more complex navigational systems, mobile phones and other information and communication systems. Most, if not all of these systems, rely upon clear 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 a vehicle 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 its drag coefficient. One solution has been to develop hidden antenna elements such as stamped aluminum sheets or wires which are disposed in various vehicle panels. However, with the recent interest in electric and hybrid vehicles, an antenna disposed within or close to the interior of the vehicle may have its performance compromised by Electro-Magnetic Currents (“EMC”) emitted by the drive systems of these vehicles which can very easily interfere with the various bandwidths (especially AM 540 to 1800 Khz and FM 88 to 108 MHZ both analog and digital content in these bandwidths). Therefore it is desirable to design antennae as well as the host vehicles to avoid these difficulties.
In an exemplary embodiment, an applique antenna for an automobile comprises a body panel having a body panel outer surface and a body panel cavity. An applique is configured to be received in the body panel cavity and to continue the styling lines of the body panel outer surface with a flush fit. A cavity is defined between the body panel cavity and the applique and an antenna structure is disposed within the cavity and decoupled from the body panel cavity by the applique.
In another exemplary embodiment, an automobile having a rear deck lid comprises a deck lid cavity formed in a deck lid outer surface along a rearmost edge thereof. An applique is configured to be received in the deck lid cavity and to continue the styling lines of the deck lid outer surface with a flush fit that is virtually undetectable from the exterior of the automobile. A cavity is defined between the deck lid cavity and the applique and an antenna structure is disposed within the cavity and decoupled from the deck lid outer surface by attachment to the applique.
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, it application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, and referring to
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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.
