Key having an air coil antenna and a method of construction
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsLoek D'Hont, Peter Mittertrainer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A key (10) is provided that includes a key body (12) having a forked end. The forked end comprises a first tine (14) and a second tine (16). A transponder (20) is disposed between the first tine (14) and the second tine (16). The transponder (20) is operable to generate signals. An air coil antenna (18) is coupled to the key body (12) proximate the forked end and is electrically coupled to the transponder (20). The air coil antenna (18) is operable to transmit signals generated by the transponder (20).
Claims10
A key, comprising:
- a key shank having a first end and an opposed second, forked end, the forked end comprising a first tine and a second tine, thereby reducing eddy currents;
- a transponder disposed between the first tine and the second tine, the transponder operable to generate signals;
- and
- an air coil antenna, disposed outside said transponder and attached to the key shank adjacent each of the tines and electrically coupled to the transponder, the air coil antenna operable to transmit signals generated by the transponder.
A method of constructing a key for use in a contactless key identification system, comprising the steps of:
- providing a key shank having a first end an opposed second, forked end, wherein the forked end comprises a first tine and a second tine;
- disposing a transponder between the first tine and the second tine, the transponder operable to generate signals;
- and
- providing an air coil antenna, disposed outside said transponder, and attaching said air coil antenna to the key shank adjacent each of the tines and electrically connecting the air coil antenna to the transponder, such that the antenna is operable to transmit signals generated by the transponder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.