Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108), said wireless communication device (100) comprising:
one or more antennae (102),
said one or more antennae (201) being disposed on one of a top most surface of at least one structural part (104, 109, 110, 111).
2. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae (102) are mounted on said at least one structural part (104, 109, 110, 111) in a horizontal manner, said one or more antennae (102) is configured to receive at least one wireless signal and transmit wireless information to at least one user device (202).
3. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a telematics unit (112) being communicatively coupled to the one or more antennae (102) for generating wireless information, based on the wireless signal received by said one or more antennae (102).
4. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structural part (104, 109, 110, 111) includes a handle bar cover (104), a brake fluid reservoir (109), a grab rail (111), a visor (106), and a handle bar (110).
5. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said one or more antennae (102) facing upwards is mounted horizontally on a top surface of said brake fluid reservoir (109) attached to a handlebar (110).
6. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae (102) facing upwards is integrally moulded into the grab rail (111).
7. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae (102) facing upwards is mounted horizontally on at least a portion of a front visor (106).
8. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae (102) facing upwards is mounted horizontally near or on instrument cluster (204).
9. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae (102) facing upwards is mounted horizontally on an under surface (104r) under said handlebar cover (104).
10. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more antennae (102) is external active antenna.
11. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (202) includes at least one of an instrument cluster, a smartphone with a user application, a laptop, desktop, etc., in possession of the user displays data processed by said telematics unit.
12. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless signal is a GPS signal, a cellular signal (GSM/LTE, 2G, 3G, 4G,5G, CDMA), a Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi signal, Gi-Fi signal.
13. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless information includes location of the vehicle (Latitude and longitude co-ordinates of the vehicle), vehicle status information (current speed of vehicle, current navigation path, driver alertness, tilt of vehicle, odometer value, mileage, service due), vehicle alerts and notifications (SMS, Call, Theft, towing, tire pressure)
14. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more antennae unit (102) being disposed in an antenna box (205) of a predetermined size and material, where one or more flexible wire capable of carrying signals received by said one or more antennae unit (102) and supply power to the one or more antennae unit (102) to function, said one or more antennae cables being routed out of said antenna box (205) to the telematics unit (112), the one or more antennae unit (102), the antenna box (205), and the antennae cables form the one or more antennae unit (102).
15. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telematics unit (112) is also capable of communicating with vehicle devices through wired means.
16. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telematics unit (112) being any one of a standalone telematics unit in the vehicle (108) and integrated with an instrument cluster (204) of the vehicle.
17. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more antennae unit (102) are configured to be removably attached to the handlebar cover (104) through at least one mounting means (103).
18. The wireless communication device (100) for a vehicle (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telematics unit (112) being centrally located in any one of the vehicle (108) under the seat assembly (113) and in a front portion of the vehicle (108) within a front panel (FP) of the vehicle, said telematics unit (112) being in the vicinity of the one or more antennae unit (102).
19. A vehicle with a wireless communication device (100), said vehicle comprising:
a handlebar (110);
a handlebar cover (104) configured to enclose said handlebar (110);
an instrument cluster receiving portion (107) being integral to said handlebar cover (104);
a visor (106) disposed ahead of said instrument cluster receiving portion (107);
an antenna box (205) of said wireless communication device (100),
wherein, said antenna box (205) is disposed in a predetermined gap (pd) configured between said instrument cluster receiving portion (107) and said visor (106).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to one or more antenna units for a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the one or more antenna units mounted on the saddle type vehicle that are exposed for better signal reception is disclosed.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A connected vehicle is part of intelligent transportation system which is capable of connecting plurality of wireless networks to nearby devices or vehicles. The connected vehicle is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology with extensive implications. The connected vehicles connect to a network to enable communication between vehicles, mobile devices and infrastructure for the purpose of triggering important information and events. The communication as said above can enable the connected vehicles fitted with connected vehicle technology to continuously communicate their locations and to receive near real-time information that triggers an automated response. Further, these communication helps in keeping the track of the vehicles by sending vehicle data to cloud that assists in determining vehicle navigation details, driver behavioral details, vehicle performance details, vehicle location details, vehicle fault details, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication device showing wireless communication of vehicle information as well as user information between a processing unit of a vehicle and at least an antenna unit;
[0005] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates the mounting means of an antenna unit under a handle bar cover fastened with the fastening means, here screws;
[0006] Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates the sectional view of the mounting means of an antenna unit under a handle bar cover fastened with the fastening means, here screws;
[0007] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the mounting means for an antenna unit placed under a handle bar cover and fastened with the help of screws;
[0008] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates the location of the mounting means with an antenna unit from various views in a straddle type vehicle;
[0009] Fig. 6 exemplarily illustrates exemplarily illustrates the placement of antenna unit as a lid on top cover of brake fluid reservoir;
[00010] Fig. 7 exemplarily illustrates the location for placement of an antenna unit on other side of the handle bar;
[00011] Fig. 8 exemplarily illustrates the antenna unit integrally molded in a grab tail of a straddle type vehicle; and
[00012] Fig. 9 exemplarily illustrates shows a telematics unit placed under a seat cover of the vehicle where telematics unit is connected to the antenna unit which is integrally molded in the grab tail of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00013] Instrument cluster and a telematics unit which is provided in any connected vehicle acts as an intelligent device which will have required connectivity like LTE, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, etc. for sending the vehicle data to the cloud. The vehicle will also have navigation system implemented by GPS. An antenna is required to transmit and receive the required data over LTE, GPS, Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi, etc.
[00014] In existing system, the communication antennas are not positioned facing upwards towards the sky on the vehicle, however, the same is critical for good connectivity of the communication modules and their respective antennas with the cloud or various servers. The challenges in order to achieve the same being, vehicle layout constraints, the packaging of various vehicular parts and components in the vehicle, in particular packaging of these vehicular parts and components within the body panels in a scooter type vehicle. The packaging of the communication antennas amidst various vehicular parts and components and being able to be facing upwards is a tedious task involving in various undesirable design changes in the vehicle.
[00015] Further, the wireless communication connectivity also decreases due to interruptions in signals caused by various components of the vehicle present in the close vicinity of the communication antennas which acts as a hinderance or blockage to the communication system.
[00016] In some vehicles the positioning of the wireless communication modules, such as, GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and their respective antennae is in close proximity to the metal parts of vehicle causes interference in the signals transmitted or received by the antennae. Because of this, the data processed by a telematics unit or instrument cluster may not be accurate.
[00017] While implementing wireless communication unit in some vehicle, the antennae for receiving signals such as GSM, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, the telematics unit to process the data received by antennae, and sensors, such as, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a vibration detector are assembled together and mounted in the vehicle, which increases the size and weight of entire assembly.
[00018] Sometimes, the positioning of communication antennae is near tail lamp of the vehicle. An external active antenna requires additional power supply to function which is provided by the battery. In doing so, the length of transmission wire increases undesirably. The maintenance cost of the assembly also increases. Hence, it is preferred to place external active antennae around the battery to decrease the wiring harness. Additionally, mounting of communication antennae on a part of a vehicle frame is not advisable as its durability is not sufficient to withstand shocks, vibration and heat exposure. In case of positioning the communication antennas beneath a seat assembly of a saddle type vehicle, the seat assembly will act as a barrier for the antenna to receive uninterrupted signals.
[00019] Therefore, there exists a need of positioning the communication antennae facing upwards and being exposed towards the sky to increase signal strength and detection accuracy. Further, the communication antennae should be placed away from metal parts in the vehicle to reduce the interference in the signals. Such assembly of wireless communication unit will provide economic advantages in terms of decrease in length of wire used to supply power to the antenna, thus reducing the maintenance and overall cost of the unit. The communication antenna disclosed in the present invention will overcome all problems disclosed above as well as other problems of known art.
[00020] With the above objective in view, present invention discloses a vehicle with a communication antenna facing upwards towards the sky. Further, present invention discloses plurality of preferred mounting locations for mounting external antenna for effective and unperturbed signal reception and transmission for accurate location detection. Further, a wireless communication device for a vehicle is disclosed that can be arranged effectively while using mounting locations or other locations in vehicle body as disclosed by the present invention.
[00021] In an embodiment, a wireless communication device of a vehicle comprising at least an antenna and a telematics unit is disclosed. One or more antennae are mounted on one or more locations in the vehicle disclosed by the present invention. The antenna is positioned facing upwards towards the sky for receiving at least one wireless signal (GPS, GSM/LTE, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, a Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi signal, Gi-Fi signal). The wireless information received by the antenna will be sent to a telematics unit of the vehicle. The telematics unit is communicatively coupled to one or more antennae for generating wireless information. The telematics unit may be located anywhere in the vehicle and may be a standalone telematics unit or may be integrated with an instrument cluster of the vehicle. The information processed by the telematics unit is sent to a user device or sent to a server and can be retrieved from the server whenever required. Such user device may be an instrument cluster, a smartphone with a user application, a laptop, desktop, etc., which is in possession of a user. Further, the wireless information derived from the telematics unit may be about the location of the vehicle which includes latitude and longitude co-ordinates of the vehicle, vehicle status information which includes current speed of the vehicle, current navigation path, driver alertness, tilt of vehicle, odometer readings, mileage, etc., vehicle alerts and notification which includes displaying SMS, displaying and receiving calls, alerts related to servicing of the vehicle is due, alerts related to vehicle maintenance like tire pressure information. Further, wireless communication device is configured to function as an anti-theft device, wireless communication device is capable of measuring the vehicle position and transmitting this position information to the user device. Likewise, information regarding the towing of vehicle is transmitted as well.
[00022] The one or more antennae as per the present subject matter is disposed on at least one structural part. The structural part may be a handle bar cover, a brake fluid reservoir, a grab tail, a visor, and a handle bar. The one or more antennae may be mounted horizontally facing upwards towards the sky on a top cover of brake fluid reservoir attached to a handlebar. The one or more antennae may be integrally molded horizontally facing upwards towards the sky into the grab rail. The one or more antennae may be mounted horizontally facing upwards towards the sky on at least a portion of a visor. The one or more antennae are mounted horizontally facing upwards towards the sky at vicinity of or on instrument cluster. Lastly, the one or more antennae facing upwards may be mounted horizontally under a handlebar cover.
[00023] In general, antennae can be integrally placed in a telematics unit which has its own disadvantages as discussed above. According to an aspect of the present subject matter of the present invention, the one or more antennae are placed separately from a telematics unit to avoid those disadvantages. The one or more antennae are external active antennae which requires constant power supply to carry out its normal functionality. Such power is derived from the battery and supply lines are put inside the vehicle to route the wires. It is advisable to place the wires around battery to prevent rise in manufacturing cost and maintenance cost on the user occurred due to wiring harness.
[00024] In an embodiment, the one or more antennae in the wireless communication device for the vehicle is disposed in an antenna box of a predetermined size. The one or more antennae cables are coming out of the antenna box which is capable of carrying signals received by the one or more antennae to the instrument cluster or the telematics unit. The antenna cables originating from the one or more antennae are electrically and communicatively coupling the one or more antennae to a processing unit or to the telematics unit. The telematics unit processes the information received by the one or more antennae and send it back through the cables for transmission of the information to the user device or any server. In addition, the telematics unit is capable of communicating within the vehicle devices using wired means. Further, the one or more antennae cables may be used to supply power to the one or more antennae. The telematics unit may be centrally located in the vehicle under the seat assembly or in the front portion of the vehicle within the front panel of the vehicle for it to be closer to the one or more antennae to reduce the length of the one or more antennae cables connecting them.
[00025] In an embodiment, an ISG controller is located under a frame down tube and in between frame and an engine, in front of a cylinder head. The ISG controller is disposed below a main frame and above a front fender in the vehicle.
[00026] The above-mentioned one or more antennae with or without the antenna box may be removably attached to the vehicular part using at least one of the mounting means. The mounting means includes fixing screws in fastening holes, application of adhesives, Velcro, snap-fit mechanism, threaded mechanism, etc.
[00027] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication device 100 showing wireless communication of vehicle information as well as user information between a processing unit 101 of a vehicle and one or more antennae unit 102. The one or more antennae unit 102 comprises one or more antennae capable of transmitting and receiving GPS, GSM/LTE, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, a Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi signal, Gi-Fi signal etc. The processing unit 101 is configured to process the data from the one or more antennae unit 102 and sends the data back to the one or more antennae unit 102 for transmitting data to user device (not shown). The vehicular data is generated by one or more vehicular components 114 including speed sensors (not shown), one or more accelerometer, one or more level sensors (not shown), one or more vibration detectors (not shown), one or more gyroscope, one or more temperature sensors (not shown), and one or more pressure sensors (not shown) mounted on one of a body of the vehicle or the instrument cluster. The vehicular sensor data comprises at least one of the indicator statuses, speed of the vehicle, energy levels of the vehicle, location of the vehicle, vibration of the vehicle, acceleration of the vehicle, tilt of the vehicle, data on ambient conditions temperature, air pressure of wheels, and gear position.
[00028] The user device 202 is, for example, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, an Ultrabook®, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a touch centric device, etc., or any other mobile device configured for a wireless network. In an embodiment, the instrument cluster integrated with telematics unit is connected with antenna unit 102 on a vehicle which enables wireless communication of vehicle information. The one or more antennae unit 102 transmits the vehicular data to the user device 202.
[00029] In an embodiment, all the data being transmitted and received is stored in a memory block 201. Further, various vehicular components including, emergency block 203, like SOS button, ignition control 204, and battery 205 are communicatively connected to the processing unit 101.
[00030] Figure 2 illustrates the mounting means 103 for one or more antennae unit 102 under a handle bar cover 104 fastened with the help of screws 105. Here, the one or more antenna unit 102 is detachably mounted to the handlebar cover 104 through a mounting means 103. The placement of the one or more antennae unit 102 is achieved such that the one or more antennae unit 102 are facing upwards towards the sky to receive clear signal reception and for better connectivity while also being protected from mud, water, accidental damage, scratch, etc. Also, the one or more antennae unit 102 is placed forwardly to the instrument cluster receiving portion 107. The mounting means 103 includes detachable attachment of the one or more antennae unit 102 to the handlebar cover 104 with through various fixing mechanisms for e.g., adhesives, Velcro, snap fitting, threaded mechanism and is not limited in scope.
[00031] In an embodiment, a visor 106 is disposed forwardly to the instrument cluster receiving portion 107. A portion of the visor 106 and the instrument cluster receiving portion 107 are disposed with a predetermined gap pd therebetween, wherein the predetermined gap includes a portion of the handlebar cover 104 that is disposed ahead of the instrument cluster receiving portion 107. The predetermined gap pd on the handlebar cover 104 is configured to be a substantially flat surface. The one or more antennae unit 102 is mounted beneath the cover surface and in the region of the predetermined gap. An undersurface of the predetermined gap is configured to detachably attached at least a portion of the one or more antennae unit 102.
[00032] According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more antennae unit 102 is enclosed by an antennae box 205. The antennae box as per an embodiment is rectangular in shape and is made of a sturdy material. The antennae box 205 is configured such that, the outside of the antennae box 205 is configured to enable horizontal mounting of the antennae box 205 to a structural part 104, 109, 110, 111 (not shown) of the vehicle, such that the one or more antennae unit 102 are always disposed horizontal and are facing upwards for effective transmission and reception of the signals. The antennal box 205 is preferably mounted on one of a top most surface of at least one of the structural part 104, 109, 110, 111 of the vehicle. Such that, the top most surface of the structural part 104, 109, 110, 111 is always exposed without being interfered by any other vehicular component/part.
[00033] Figure 3 is sectional view of the mounting means 103 placed under a handle bar cover 104 fastened with the help of mounting means 103, for example, screws. The mounting bosses 105 are extending downwardly from a portion of an under surface 104r of the handlebar cover 104. The predetermined gap (as shown in figure 2) in the handlebar cover 104 is configured such that, any other vehicular parts/components or wiring harnesses connecting various other components are routed to be away from the predetermined gap. As a result, the one or more antennae unit 102 mounted underneath the predetermined gap is exposed directly without any interference. Further, the mounting means 103 is configured such that, a horizontal mounting of the one or more antennae unit 102 with the under surface 104r is achieved, this way any angular positioning of the one or more antennae unit 102 is prevented. As a result of the horizonal mounting of the one or more antennae unit 102, the signals from the communication networks are effectively being transmitted and received without any interference.
[00034] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, the antenna box 205 is mounted on an instrument cluster 204 of the vehicle.
[00035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the mounting means 103 for the one or more antenna unit 102 placed underneath the handle bar cover 104 and fastened with the help of screws 102m. The mounting means 103 can be fastened to the handlebar cover 104 with the help of various fixing mechanism for e.g., adhesives, Velcro, snap fitting, threaded mechanism and is not limited in scope.
[00036] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates the location of the mounting means 103 with an antenna unit 102 from various views in a straddle type vehicle 108.
[00037] Figure 6 exemplarily illustrates the placement of one or more antennae unit 102 as a lid 115 on top of brake fluid reservoir 109 according to a second embodiment of the present subject matter. Likewise, a similar antenna mounting means can be put on the other side of the handle bar 110 to place antenna unit 102. The one or more antennae unit 102 is exposed without any interference from the surrounding parts. Further, horizontal mounting of the one or more antennae unit 102 is achieved in this present embodiment.
[00038] Figure 7 discloses a third embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein, the location of lid 115 for placement of an antenna unit 102 on other side of the handle bar 110.
[00039] Figure 8 illustrates the antenna unit 102 integrally molded in a grab rail 111 of a straddle type vehicle 108. The one or more antennae unit 102 is fixed facing upwards towards the sky for good connectivity and better signal reception.
[00040] Figure 9 illustrates a telematics unit 112 placed under a seat assembly 113. The telematics unit 112 is connected to the antenna unit 102 which is integrally molded in the grab tail 111 of the vehicle 108. The telematics unit 112 being centrally located in any one of the vehicle 108 under the seat assembly 113 and in a front portion of the vehicle 108 within a front panel FP of the vehicle, said telematics unit 112 being in the vicinity of the one or more antennae unit 102.
[00041] Althcough the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - wireless communication device
101 - processing unit
102 – one or more antennae unit
103 - mounting means
104 - handle bar cover
104r- Undersurface of handlebar cover
105 - fastening means (screws)
107 - instrument cluster
108 - straddle type vehicle
109 - brake fluid reservoir
110 - handle bar
111 - grab rail
112 - telematics unit
113 - seat cover
114 - one or more accelerometer/gyro meter
115 - lid of brake fluid reservoir
104, 109, 110, 111- structural part
104r- under surface
202- user device
204- instrument cluster
205- antenna box
FP - front panel