Description:
AN ANTENNA ORIENTATION AUTO CORRECTION ASSEMBLY FOR AN AUTO CORRECTION OF A VEHICLE ANTENNA ORIENTATION
[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a counterweight in an antenna assembly in a vehicle, in particular, the present subject matter relates to a counterweight for an auto correction of an antenna orientation in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[0002] In the current scenario, the Directional (GPS/GNSS) antenna position is fixed in the vehicle, or it can be changed using an electric motor mechanism in the antenna. There is no mechanical concept for Directional antenna auto-alignment as per the change in the vehicle’s position with respect to the water line (WL direction). If the Directional antenna’s top surface is not towards or parallel to the sky due to a change in vehicle orientation due to road conditions/slop, it can result in mis-orientation of the GNSS signal visibility cone.
[0003] If the vehicle orientation changes in any direction (other than horizontally facing the sky) due to changes in the road conditions or slope, then the distance between the Directional antenna and the satellites visible will change, which may lead to degradation in the Directional signal received. Additionally, reflection waves may impact the antenna performance.
[0004] In case of a vehicle collision, the Directional antenna orientation can be changed, which can lead to an invalid GNSS location, creating issues in arranging help for the vehicle user.
[0005] Without a valid GNSS Location, the overall functionality of the Telematics service will be hampered via:
a. The Telematics Application will not display the correct/accurate location of the vehicle, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
b. In the event of Safety Hazards like Vehicle Intrusion and Emergency Calls, the current actual location of the vehicle will not be shared with emergency services like Ambulance creating delays/problems in recovering the vehicle/and arranging help for the end user.

[0006] Also, if the mis-orientation happens due to deformation in the mounting mechanism then there is no way to correct the orientation without a vehicle-level inspection by a trained service professional which is time-consuming, cost extensive process.
[0007] Further, GNSS antennas are directional antennas and have stringent requirements in terms of orientation while mounting devices containing GNSS antenna. The best reception is observed when the antenna perfectly faces the sky. Reception quality degrades if the orientation is not facing the sky. Also, in case of vehicle collision antenna orientation can be changed and sky view degrades the GNSS signal quality.
[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates a line diagram 100 depicting an antenna 102 attached to a fixed mounting of a vehicle, in accordance with an existing prior art. The antenna 102 may not be able to be corrected when the vehicle is tilting in one direction or moving uphill/downhill.
[0009] Fig. 2 illustrates a line diagram 200 depicting a signal reception cone in a sky facing orientation and in an orientation where signal reception cone may not be in an ideal orientation facing sky, in accordance with an existing prior art. That may cause interference and a reduction in signal being received.
[0010] Thus, there is a need for a solution to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed below.
[0012] It is a general or primary object of the present subject matter to provide a counterweight that rotates the antenna in order to correct an orientation of an antenna.
[0013] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide the counterweight that keeps the antenna in the vehicle in a sky facing orientation.
[0014] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide the counterweight that provides a best signal reception to the antenna.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a counterweight assembly for an auto correction of an antenna orientation in a vehicle. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly includes a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a base plate with a top surface and a bottom surface, having an antenna mounted on the top surface in a sky facing orientation. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight detachably attached to the bottom surface of the base plate, configured to provide a balance to the antenna when the vehicle is moving and draw the antenna in a first direction opposite to a second direction in which the antenna is rotating due to a moment of the vehicle in one or more of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction to automatically correct the antenna orientation.
[0017] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight includes a base section with a first opening configured to be attached to the base plate, wherein the first opening receives a stud attached with the base plate for attaching the counterweight with the base plate, and a tip section having a second opening for receiving one of a first magnet and a first metallic part. The one of the first magnet and the first metallic part is detachably attached to the tip section via the second opening.
[0018] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight assembly includes a nut configured to be placed on the stud to fix the counterweight at a desired position below the baseplate.
[0019] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight assembly includes a circular base plate including a plurality of stoppers extending in a vertical orientation from the circular base plate around the counterweight configured to limit a rotation of the antenna in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, an elastomer wound around each stopper amongst the plurality of stoppers, and one of a second magnet and a second metallic part fixed to a center of the circular base plate. The second magnet is of an opposite polarity to that of a first magnet attached to the counterweight.
[0020] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the antenna orientation auto correction assembly includes a magnetic arrangement configured to reduce one or more vibrations caused at the antenna when the vehicle is moving by generating a magnetic field at the tip section, based on the tip section comprising one of the first magnet, when the one of the second magnet and the second metallic part is attached to the circular base plate, and the first metallic part magnet when the second magnet is attached to the circular base plate.
[0021] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight works in combination with a plurality of bearings to allow a rotation of the antenna in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The counterweight draws the antenna in the first direction and the plurality of bearings allow the antenna to rotate in the first direction.
[0022] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the antenna rotates in the horizontal direction when the vehicle is tilted in one of a left direction and a right direction and the antenna moves in the vertical direction when the vehicle is moving in one of an uphill direction and a downhill direction.
[0023] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight draws the antenna in the left direction when the vehicle tilts towards the right direction, the counterweight draws the antenna in the right direction when the vehicle tilts towards the left direction, the counterweight draws the antenna in the downhill direction when the vehicle moves in the uphill direction, and the counterweight draws the antenna in the uphill direction when the vehicle moves in the downhill direction.
[0024] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the correct orientation of the antenna is a sky facing orientation for a best signal reception.
[0025] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the counterweight is of a shape from one of a conical shape, and a hemispherical shape, wherein the counterweight of the conical shape corresponds to a first volume less than a second volume associated with the counterweight of the hemispherical shape for a same Center of Gravity (CoG) point, and the counterweight of the conical shape corresponds to a less air resistance as compared with the counterweight of the hemispherical shape.
[0026] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a line diagram depicting an antenna attached to a fixed mounting of a vehicle, in accordance with an existing prior art;
[0029] Fig. 2 illustrates a line diagram depicting a signal reception cone in a sky facing orientation and in an orientation where signal reception cone may not be in an ideal orientation facing sky, in accordance with an existing prior art;
[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates a line diagram depicting a antenna orientation auto correction assembly in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0031] Fig. 4a illustrates a line diagram depicting the counterweight assembly incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0032] Fig. 4b illustrates a line diagram depicting a side view of the counterweight assembly incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0033] Fig. 4c illustrates a line diagram depicting a front view of the counterweight assembly incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates a line diagram depicting the base plate fixed with an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0035] Fig. 6a illustrates a line diagram depicting an orientation of the counterweight assembly when a vehicle is moving in an uphill direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0036] Fig. 6b illustrates a line diagram depicting an orientation of the counterweight assembly when the vehicle is tilting towards a right direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0037] Fig. 7 illustrates a line diagram depicting the counterweight assembly mounted on a dashboard mounting of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0039] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a line diagram 300 depicting an antenna orientation auto correction assembly 301 in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly 301 may include a counterweight assembly 302 configured to automatically correct an orientation of an antenna 304 when the vehicle moves in any direction. The antenna 304 may be one of a direction Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The antenna 304 may interchangeably be referred as one of the GPS antenna and the GNSS antenna. The antenna 304 may be configured to receive signals the provide a path for the vehicle to travel towards a desired location of a driver. The counterweight assembly 302 may be configured to provide a mechanism for a directional antenna auto-alignment in the vehicle in a 2-dimensional space using mechanical components and a gravitational force associated with the mechanical components. The counterweight assembly 302 may be configured to ensure that the antenna 304 always faces sky for a best signal reception. The counterweight assembly 302 may be configured to employ a number of dampening mechanisms for dampening minor vibrations and major movements of the antenna 304. The number of dampening mechanisms may be based on gravity and a magnetic field. The minor vibrations and major movements may be caused due to small and big potholes through which the vehicle moves.
[0041] Continuing with the above embodiment, the counterweight assembly 302 may include a base plate 306, a counterweight 308, and a circular base plate 310.Moving forward, the base plate 306 may include a top surface 306a, and a bottom surface 306b. The antenna 304 may be mounted on the top surface 306a of the base plate 306 in a sky facing orientation.
[0042] Furthermore, the counterweight 308 may be detachably attached to the bottom surface 306b of the base plate 306. The counterweight 308 may be a static part and may not be susceptible to wear and tear. The counterweight 308 may be attached to the base plate 306 via a stud 312 such that the counterweight 308 always stays in one position. Using this adjustable structure, it may be possible to achieve varying levels of stability with the same design (by changing the number of threads) for different types of vehicles like off-roaders, non-off-roaders, or the like.
[0043] The counterweight 308 may be configured to provide a balance to the antenna 304 when the vehicle is moving. The counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in a first direction opposite to a second direction. The second direction may be a direction in which the antenna 304 may be rotating due to a moment of the vehicle in one or more of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The counterweight 308 may be of a shape from a number of shapes. Examples of the number of shapes may include, but are not limited to, a conical shape, and a hemispherical shape. Furthermore, the counterweight 308 may be made up of a non-metallic material. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 308 of the conical shape may be of a first volume that may be less than a second volume associated with the counterweight 308 of the hemispherical shape for a same Center of Gravity (CoG) point. The counterweight 308 of the conical shape may have a less air resistance as compared with the counterweight 308 of the hemispherical shape. The counterweight 308 of the conical shape may have a focused center of mass. Furthermore, the counterweight 308 of the hemispherical shape may be suitable in scenarios where the counterweight 308 may encounter space constraints. The counterweight 308 of the conical shape may have a higher height than the counterweight 308 of the hemispherical shape for an equal volume and a similar CoG.
[0044] To that understanding, the counterweight 308 may include a base section 308a with a first opening 308b. The first opening 308b may be configured to be attached to the base plate 306. The first opening 308b may be configured to receive the stud 312 attached with the base plate 306 for attaching the counterweight 308 with the baseplate 306. A nut 314 may be configured to be placed on the stud 312 to fix the counterweight 308 at a desired position below the baseplate 306. The counterweight 308 may further include a tip section 308c having a second opening 308d. The tip section 308c may be opposite to the base section 308a. The tip section 308c may be located at a lowest point of the counterweight 308 while the counterweight 308 is hanging off the bottom surface 306b of the base plate 306. The second opening 308d may be configured to receive one of a first magnet and a first metallic part 308e. The one of the first magnet and the first metallic part 308e may be detachably attached to the tip section 308c via the second opening 308d.
[0045] The circular base plate 310 may be made up of non-metallic material. The circular base plate 310 include one of a second magnet and a second metallic part 316. The one of second magnet and the second metallic part 316 may be fixed to a center of the circular base plate 310 The second magnet 316 may be of an opposite polarity to that of the first magnet 308e attached to the counterweight 308. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the first magnet 308e may be attached to the tip section 308c when the one of the second magnet and the second metallic part 316 is attached to the circular base plate 310, and the first metallic part 308e may be attached to the tip section 308c when the second magnet 316 is attached to the circular base plate 310 to create a magnetic arrangement that reduces one or more vibrations caused at the antenna 304 when the vehicle is moving, The magnetic arrangement may generate a magnetic field at the tip section 308c to dampen the one or more vibrations.
[0046] Continuing with the above embodiment, the antenna 304 may be configured to rotate in the horizontal direction when the vehicle is tilted in one of a left direction and a right direction. Similarly, the antenna 304 may be configured to move in the vertical direction when the vehicle is moving in one of an uphill direction and a downhill direction.
[0047] In continuation with the above embodiment, the antenna 304 may be configured to rotate in the right direction when the vehicle tilts towards the right direction, the antenna 304 may be configured to rotate in the left direction when the vehicle tilts towards the left direction. To that understanding, the antenna 304 may be configured to move in the uphill direction when the vehicle moves in the uphill direction, and the antenna 304 may be configured to move in the downhill direction when the vehicle moves in the downhill direction. Further, the counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in the left direction when the vehicle tilts towards the right direction, and the counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in the right direction when the vehicle tilts towards the left direction. Moving forward, the counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in the downhill direction when the vehicle moves in the uphill direction, and the counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in the uphill direction when the vehicle moves in the downhill direction.
[0048] Fig. 4a illustrates a line diagram 400a depicting the counterweight assembly 302 incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly may include a number of bearings working in combination with the counterweight 308 for correcting an orientation of an antenna. To that understanding, the counterweight 308 may be configured to work in a combination with a number of bearings to allow a rotation of the antenna in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The counterweight 308 may be configured to draw the antenna 304 in the first direction and the number of bearings may be configured to allow the antenna 304 to rotate in the first direction.
[0049] Further, the circular base plate 310 may include a number of stoppers 402, an elastomer 403 wound around each stopper amongst the number of stoppers 402, and one of a second magnet and a second metallic part 316. The number of stoppers 402 may be extending in a vertical orientation from the circular base plate 310 around the counterweight 308. The number of stoppers 402 may be configured to limit a rotation of the antenna 304 in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the number of stoppers 402 may be four where each stopper may be placed in an equidistant manner with respect to one another around the counterweight 308. The elastomer 403 may be configured to avoid one or more of a noise generation and a wear/tear while limiting to a movement of a base plate.
[0050] Fig. 4b illustrates a line diagram 400b depicting a side view of the counterweight assembly 302 incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0051] Fig. 4c illustrates a line diagram 400c depicting a front view of the counterweight assembly 302 incorporated within an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0052] Fig. 5 illustrates a line diagram 500 depicting the base plate 310 fixed with an antenna orientation auto correction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The base plate 310 may be fixed with a main body of the antenna orientation auto correction assembly. The number of stoppers 402 may be extending in a vertical orientation from the circular base plate 310 around a counterweight. The number of stoppers 402 may be configured to limit a rotation of the antenna 304 in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the number of stoppers 402 may be four where each stopper may be placed in an equidistant manner with respect to one another around the counterweight. The second magnet 316 may be of an opposite polarity to that of a first magnet attached to the counterweight.
[0053] Fig. 6a illustrates a line diagram 600a depicting an orientation of the counterweight assembly 302 when a vehicle is moving in an uphill direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The antenna 304 may be fixed at the base plate 306 and a second pair of bearings 602a from a number of bearings 602 may be configured to allow the antenna 304 to rotate in a vertical direction. When the vehicle is moving in the uphill direction, the antenna 304 may get aligned with ground due to a gravitational draw associated with the counterweight 308 and may receive a best signal reception through a vehicle windshield. The base plate 306 and the antenna 304 may move in a downhill direction and counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in an opposite direction, that is, the counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in the downhill direction while vehicle is moving in the uphill direction to keep the antenna 304 in an ideal sky facing orientation.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present subject matter where it may be determined that the vehicle is moving towards the downhill direction, the antenna 304 may automatically move towards the downhill direction and the counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in the opposite direction to keep the antenna 304 in an ideal sky facing orientation.
[0055] Fig. 6b illustrates a line diagram 600b depicting an orientation of the counterweight assembly 302 when the vehicle is tilting towards a right direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The antenna 304 may align in a horizontal direction based on a first pair of bearings 602b from the number of bearings 602 placed on an X-axis with respect to the antenna 304. The antenna 304 may get aligned with the ground due to the gravitational draw and may get the best reception through the vehicle windshield.
[0056] The base plate 306 and the antenna 304 may move in the left direction and the counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in an opposite direction, that is, the counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in the right direction while vehicle is tilting in the left direction to keep the antenna 304 in an ideal sky facing orientation.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present subject matter where it may be determined that the vehicle is tilting towards the right direction, the antenna 304 may automatically move towards the right direction and the counterweight 308 may draw the antenna 304 in the opposite direction to keep the antenna 304 in an ideal sky facing orientation.
[0058] Fig. 7 illustrates a line diagram 700 depicting the counterweight assembly 302 mounted on a dashboard mounting of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0059] While the detailed description describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. An antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) for an auto correction of an antenna orientation in a vehicle comprising:
a counterweight assembly (302) comprising:
a base plate (306) with a top surface (306a) and a bottom surface (306b), having an antenna (304) mounted on the top surface (306a) in a sky facing orientation; and
a counterweight (308) detachably attached to the bottom surface (306b) of the base plate (306), configured to provide a balance to the antenna (304) when the vehicle is moving and draw the antenna (304) in a first direction opposite to a second direction in which the antenna (304) is rotating due to a moment of the vehicle in one or more of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction to automatically correct the antenna orientation.

2. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counterweight (308) comprises:
a base section (308a) with a first opening (308b) configured to be attached to the base plate (306), wherein the first opening (308b) receives a stud (312) attached with the base plate (306) for attaching the counterweight (308) with the base plate (306); and
a tip section (308c) having a second opening (308d) for receiving one of a first magnet and a first metallic part (308e), wherein the one of the first magnet and the first metallic part (308e) is detachably attached to the tip section (308c) via the second opening (308d).

3. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a nut (314) configured to be placed on the stud (312) to fix the counterweight (308) at a desired position below the base plate (306).

4. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
a circular base plate (310) comprising:
a plurality of stoppers (402) extending in a vertical orientation from the circular base plate (310) around the counterweight (308) configured to limit a rotation of the antenna (304) in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction;
an elastomer (403) wound around each stopper amongst the plurality of stoppers (402);
one of a second magnet and a second metallic part (316) fixed to a center of the circular base plate (310), wherein the second magnet (316) is of an opposite polarity to that of a first magnet (308e) attached to the counterweight (308).
5. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 2 or 4, further comprising:
a magnetic arrangement configured to reduce one or more vibrations caused at the antenna (304) when the vehicle is moving by generating a magnetic field at the tip section (308c), based on the tip section (308c) comprising one of:
the first magnet (308e), when the one of the second magnet and the second metallic part (316) is attached to the circular base plate (310); and
the first metallic part magnet (308e) when the second magnet (316) is attached to the circular base plate (310).

6. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counterweight (308) works in combination with a plurality of bearings to allow a rotation of the antenna (304) in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, further wherein the counterweight (308) draws the antenna (304) in the first direction and the plurality of bearings allow the antenna (304) to rotate in the first direction.

7. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein the antenna (304) rotates in the horizontal direction when the vehicle is tilted in one of a left direction and a right direction and the antenna (304) moves in the vertical direction when the vehicle is moving in one of an uphill direction and a downhill direction.

8. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the counterweight (308) draws the antenna (304) in the left direction when the vehicle tilts towards the right direction, the counterweight (308) draws the antenna (304) in the right direction when the vehicle tilts towards the left direction, the counterweight (308) draws the antenna (304) in the downhill direction when the vehicle moves in the uphill direction, and the counterweight (308) draws the antenna (304) in the uphill direction when the vehicle moves in the downhill direction.

9. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the correct orientation of the antenna (304) is a sky facing orientation for a best signal reception.

10. The antenna orientation auto correction assembly (301) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counterweight (308) is of a shape from one of a conical shape, and a hemispherical shape, wherein the counterweight (308) of the conical shape corresponds to a first volume less than a second volume associated with the counterweight (308) of the hemispherical shape for a same Center of Gravity (CoG) point, and the counterweight (308) of the conical shape corresponds to a less air resistance as compared with the counterweight (308) of the hemispherical shape.