Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
First Claim
1. An antenna system for an automobile passenger compartment, nonmetallic trim members covering metallic portions of the passenger compartment and window openings in the passenger compartment above a generally horizontal belt line for the passenger compartment;
- an electronic circuit means responsive to an RF signal and connected electrically to the antenna system for energizing an RF output driver circuit;
the antenna system comprising an electrically conductive wire defined by a generally transparent film that includes indium-tin oxide;
the film being applied to an outer surface of a nonmetallic trim member whereby an RF signal for the antenna system is not attenuated by constituent elements of the trim members;
the electrically conductive wire being located above the belt line whereby the RF signal for the antenna system is transmitted through the window openings without reflection or shielding by the metallic portions of the passenger compartment.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle antenna mounted on the surface of a molded interior trim part. The trim part is positioned above a windowsill level in the vehicle passenger compartment, the position of the antenna being in straight-line orientation with respect to a signal-generating device, such as a transmitter for a remote entry system. The strategic location of the antenna with respect to the trim part permits antennas of any suitable size, including a relatively large antenna, whereby sensitivity of the antenna is improved.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An antenna system for an automobile passenger compartment, nonmetallic trim members covering metallic portions of the passenger compartment and window openings in the passenger compartment above a generally horizontal belt line for the passenger compartment;
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an electronic circuit means responsive to an RF signal and connected electrically to the antenna system for energizing an RF output driver circuit;
the antenna system comprising an electrically conductive wire defined by a generally transparent film that includes indium-tin oxide;
the film being applied to an outer surface of a nonmetallic trim member whereby an RF signal for the antenna system is not attenuated by constituent elements of the trim members;
the electrically conductive wire being located above the belt line whereby the RF signal for the antenna system is transmitted through the window openings without reflection or shielding by the metallic portions of the passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification