Hiding the Antenna: Good for Range Rover Sport
LG Electronics proclaimed that they devised a transparent antenna which will be introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024.
LG Electronics and Saint-Gobain Sekurit have unveiled a new invention that could revolutionize the car antenna. The technology, which can be applied directly to vehicle glass like the windshield or sunroof, was created through a collaboration between the two firms. According to the pair, this film is anticipated to be a “transformative telecommunications technology.” In simpler terms, it could potentially be a game-changer for the automotive industry.
It’s clear this is likely to have a big impact on the motor industry in general, and there are plenty of reasons for this. This fresh release opens up far more avenues for interconnectivity than the customary shark fin antennae and also allows for car manufacturers to perfect the aerodynamics of their autos. For the likes of a Range Rover with its dual antenna caps which can look quite peculiar, this advancement could be revolutionary.
LG’s transparent antenna means manufacturers no longer need to sacrifice aesthetics when planning upcoming automobile designs. Since air drag reduces the distance achievable by electric cars, designers are challenged to shape car bodies as aerodynamic and smooth as possible with minimal protuberances.
This is why the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan presents itself in the shape of a halved boiled egg, and Audi initiated selling the e-tron without its usual side mirrors (All US models however retained standard side mirors). Even the groundbreaking Tesla Cybertruck flaunts an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.335 – but this figure unfortunately falls short of qualifying it to be listed among the top ten most aerodynamic cars.
Essentially, LG is presenting car manufacturers with an advanced third-party antenna that has total wind immunity, simplifying the process of making streamlined cars.
LG has asserted that expansions in the scope of the antenna film ensure dependable telecommunications operations. Moreover, it is also versatile enough to manage both diminished capacity or a boost in network activity. A commonplace vehicle such as the Toyota Prius can easily benefit from this improved reception connection as it supports links to the Global Navigation Satellite System as well as, Wi-Fi networks.
In more advanced models such as the BMW 7 Series, streaming live sports can be displayed on the huge Theater Screen. To supply 5G coverage, a specific antenna film is employed by BMW; this takes the form of a traditional shark fin.
“We are delighted to showcase our smart glass with LG’s cutting-edge transparent antenna technology,” Thibaut Heitz, Innovation and R&D Director of Saint-Gobain Sekurit, declared. “By joining forces with LG, a leader in vehicle component solutions, we are forging ahead with the development of vehicle telecommunications. We both share the same goal of delivering an unparalleled in-car experience, and bringing the future of mobility to life.”