Slot antenna built into vehicle body panel

Abstract

Slot antennas built into metallic body panels utilize the vehicle body itself as an antenna radiator. Building the slot antennas directly into the metallic body panels converts the vehicle body from functioning as an RF shield into an RF antenna, which significantly improves mobile communication reception for a wide range of RF communication devices. Different types of slot antennas may be included for different communication channels utilized by different types of devices. Multi-band slot antennas are configured to receive multiple bands within a larger frequency channel. Dual-polarity antennas are configured to receive signals propagating in a dual-polarity mode. Multiple slot components may be configured as multi-band, dual-polarity antennas. Each slot antenna may be passive (without an RF pickup) or active with an RF pickup and coaxial cable connecting the antenna to an electronic device, such as receiver or amplifier located inside or otherwise interconnected with the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is a formal application claiming priority to US Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 100,535, filed January 7, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to vehicle communication systems, and more particularly to slot antennas embedded in vehicle body panels. Background technique [0004] Mobile computing devices capable of connecting to computer networks have become ubiquitous. The infrastructure allows a variety of mobile network devices to operate inside the moving vehicle, such as radios, mobile phones, tablets, navigation devices, automatic collision notification devices, anti-theft notification systems, etc. Metallic vehicle bodies tend to shield electromagnetic signals propagating at relevant wavelengths, which can significantly weaken or impede service inside the vehicle unless external antennas are...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While antennas mounted on the exterior of the vehicle improve reception, they add expense, require installation, affect appearance, and increase wind resistance

Aftermarket antennas can be inconvenient, often require professional installation, and may not be readily available for certain types of devices such as mobile phones and laptops

Additionally, certain types of vehicles such as convertible cars, soft top SUVs and light trucks have limited external antenna mounting options

Installing multiple external antennas for different types of network equipment presents a cluttered look that detracts from the stylish line that many car owners value

Images