Electronic module attachment system for vehicle exterior trim component

Inventors: Nemer Nemer (Dearborn, MI); Aimée Kilbourn (Gaylord, MI); Edward M. Wilson (Livonia, MI)

Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC

H01Q1/3275 B60R11/02 B60R13/04 B60R2011/004

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12676404
App. No.: 18/675,639
Granted: Jul 7, 2026
Kind: B2

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Abstract

An electronic module attachment system for an exterior trim component on a vehicle having an upper container housing configured to couple to an upper surface of the exterior trim component to define an upper compartment. At least one electronic module is located in the upper compartment and an upper first seal for sealing the upper compartment relative to the upper surface of the exterior trim component. A lower container housing is configured to couple to a lower surface of the exterior trim component to define a lower compartment. Electrical circuitry is located in the lower compartment and a lower seal for sealing the lower container housing to the lower surface of the exterior trim component to seal the lower compartment.

Claims (37)

1 . An electronic module system for a vehicle, the electronic module system comprising:

an exterior trim component of the vehicle;

an upper container housing configured to couple to an upper surface of the exterior trim component to define an upper compartment;

at least one electronic module located in the upper compartment;

an upper first seal for sealing the upper compartment relative to the upper surface of the exterior trim component;

a lower container housing configured to couple to a lower surface of the exterior trim component to define a lower compartment;

electrical circuitry located in the lower compartment; and

a lower seal for sealing the lower container housing to the lower surface of the exterior trim component to seal the lower compartment.

2 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of lower fasteners fastening the lower container housing to the lower surface of the exterior trim component.

3 . The electronic module system of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of lower fasteners comprise a plurality of screws or bolts.

4 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , wherein the lower container housing is adhered or welded to the lower surface of the exterior trim component.

5 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , further comprising an upper fastener for fastening the upper container housing to the upper surface of the exterior trim component.

6 . The electronic module system of claim 5 , wherein the upper fastener extends through an opening in the exterior trim component.

7 . The electronic module system of claim 6 , wherein the upper fastener engages a collar configured to be disposed in the opening in the exterior trim component.

8 . The electronic module system of claim 7 , wherein the upper compartment is accessible via the lower compartment.

9 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electronic module comprises of at least one antenna.

10 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical circuitry comprises an electrical cable.

11 . The electronic module system of claim 1 , wherein the exterior trim component comprises a spoiler trim component.

12 . A vehicle comprising:

an exterior trim component having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces; and

an electronic module system comprising:

an upper container housing coupled to the upper surface of the exterior trim component to define an upper compartment;

at least one electronic module located in the upper compartment;

an upper seal for sealing the upper container housing relative to the upper surface of the exterior trim component;

a sealable collar disposed in the opening;

an upper fastener operatively engaging the collar to fasten the upper container housing to the upper surface of the exterior trim component;

a lower container housing coupled to the lower surface of the exterior trim component to define a lower compartment;

electrical circuitry located in the lower compartment; and

a lower seal engaging the lower container housing to the lower surface of the exterior trim component to seal the lower compartment.

13 . The vehicle of claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of lower fasteners fastening the lower container housing to the lower surface of the exterior trim component.

14 . The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of lower fasteners comprise a plurality of screws or bolts.

15 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the lower container housing is adhered or welded to the lower surface of the exterior trim component.

16 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the upper fastener extends through the collar in the opening in the exterior trim component.

17 . The vehicle of claim 16 , wherein the upper compartment is accessible via the lower compartment.

18 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the at least one electronic module comprises of at least one antenna.

19 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the electrical circuitry comprises an electrical cable.

20 . The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the exterior trim component comprises a spoiler trim component.