BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to antenna assemblies.

Antenna assemblies are used in many applications, including automotive applications. For example, antenna assemblies may be used for Bluetooth conductivity, Wi-Fi conductivity or other types of wireless communication within a vehicle. There is a need for compact multiband antennas that provide controlled radiation patterns with uniform antenna coverage. Some known antenna assemblies utilize a helix antenna having four antenna elements arranged in a helical antenna pattern to provide a compact multiband antenna having controlled radiation patterns with uniform antenna coverage. However, conventional helix antennas are not without disadvantages. For instance, connecting the four antenna elements to the feed points is quite challenging and typically requires additional components, such as crimped terminals, to connect the antenna feeds to a separated circuit board and to then use the separated circuit board to connect the antenna to a host circuit board through insert pins or a cable. The multiple components add cost to the antenna due to the additional parts and the additional assembly time. Additionally, the multiple components add bulk and size to the antenna assembly.

A need remains for a reliable and cost effective antenna assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an antenna assembly is provided. The antenna assembly includes an antenna carrier having a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a side wall that extends between a top and a bottom. The antenna carrier has a first extension extending from the side wall at the bottom at a first radial position and a second extension extending from the side wall at the bottom at a second radial position. An antenna is coupled to the body of the antenna carrier. The antenna has a film supporting a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The first antenna element has a first feed line and a first antenna line extending from the first feed line. The first feed line extends along the first extension. The first antenna element wraps helically around the side wall. The second antenna element has a second feed line and a second antenna line extending from the second feed line. The second feed line extends along the second extension. The second antenna line wraps helically around the side wall. The antenna assembly includes a first clip terminal coupled to the first extension and is electrically coupled to the first feed line. The first clip terminal has a first terminating end that is configured to be electrically terminated to a first host conductor. A second clip terminal is coupled to the second extension and is electrically coupled to the second feed line. The second clip terminal has a second terminating end that is configured to be electrically terminated to a second host conductor.

In another embodiment, an antenna assembly is provided. The antenna assembly includes an antenna carrier having a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a side wall that extends between a top and a bottom. An antenna is coupled to the body of the antenna carrier. The antenna has a film supporting a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The film has a top and a bottom. The film has a first edge and a second edge extending between the top and the bottom. The film has a first feed tab extending from the bottom. The film has a second feed tab extending from the bottom at a spaced apart location from the first feed tab. The first antenna element has a first feed line and a first antenna line. The first feed line extends along the first feed tab. The first antenna element extends from the first feed line non-orthogonal to the bottom. The second antenna element has a second feed line and a second antenna line. The second feed line extends along the second feed tab. The second antenna line extends from the second feed line non-orthogonal to the bottom. The antenna is coupled to the side wall such that the top and the bottom of the antenna extend parallel to the top and the bottom of the antenna carrier. The first and second antenna elements wrap helically around the antenna carrier.

In a further embodiment, an antenna assembly is provided. The antenna assembly includes an antenna carrier that has a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a side wall extending between a top and a bottom. The side wall forms a cavity in the body. An antenna is coupled to the body of the antenna carrier. The antenna has a film supporting a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The first antenna element has a first feed line and a first antenna line extending from the first feed line. The first antenna element wraps helically around the side wall. The second antenna element has a second feed line and a second antenna line extending from the second feed line. The second antenna line wraps helically around the side wall. The antenna assembly includes a dielectric insert removably received in the cavity. The first and second antenna lines wrap helically around the dielectric insert.

