WO2007018493A1

WO2007018493A1 - Antenna block with float mounted antenna circuit board

Info

Publication number: WO2007018493A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/026199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerriel K. Greene; Cameron Earl Smith; John Bingham; Jack Thiesen
Original assignee: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.; Societe De Technologie Michelin
Priority date: 2005-07-22
Filing date: 2005-07-22
Publication date: 2007-02-15
Also published as: TW200711220A

Abstract

An apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board is provided. The apparatus includes an antenna block that has at least one support column and a ledge or a support element located in the interior of the antenna block. An antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block and has the support column disposed therethrough. The antenna circuit board and the antenna block define an interior space. The antenna circuit board is supported by the ledge and/or the support element so that the antenna circuit board is float mounted within the antenna block. As such, stress on the antenna circuit board brought about by force imparted onto the antenna block is either eliminated or reduced due to the float mounting of the antenna circuit board.

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION

TITLE ANTENNA BLOCK WITH FLOAT MOUNTED ANTENNA CIRCUIT BOARD

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention provides an antenna block with a float mounted antenna circuit board for a drive-by interrogator that may be used for communicating with electronics located in a vehicle of a tire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electronic devices integrated with a tire can provide functions such as identification and tracking during manufacture, distribution, and use. These electronics can also provide for measurement of physical parameters such as pressure and temperature during use of the tire. Many systems utilize radio frequency communication between the tire and an external monitoring or interrogating device. A radio frequency communication link between the electronics in the tire and the external monitoring or interrogating device requires one or more antennas.

[0003] An example of an external monitoring or interrogating device is shown in Fig. 1 as a drive-by interrogator 10. Drive-by interrogator 10 includes a plurality of arrays 12 that are made of up several antenna blocks 14. Antenna blocks 14 each house an antenna circuit board that may receive and transmit information from and to electronic devices integrated in the tire of a vehicle. Arrays 12 define a pair of wheel paths 16, 18 through which the driver positions the tires of his or her vehicle in order to allow communication between the antenna circuit boards and the electronic devices in the tires. Information may be transmitted from the antenna circuit boards to a receiving unit 20 through either a hard-wired or wireless connection. [0004] It is sometimes the case that the tires of the vehicle will leave the wheel paths and run over the antenna blocks. Force on the antenna blocks will be transmitted to the antenna circuit boards contained within due to their rigid mounting inside of the antenna blocks. This force will create stress on the antenna circuit boards resulting in reduced performance or complete failure. Also, since the antenna circuit boards are completely surrounded by material when mounted inside of the antenna block the radio frequency range of the antenna circuit board is limited. An antenna block that provides improvements over these limitations is desirable.

THE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] The present invention provides an apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board to an antenna block. The arrangement presented reduces or eliminates stress on the antenna circuit board during times in which forces are imparted on the antenna block. The present arrangement is also effective in improving the radio frequency performance of the antenna circuit board in that the antenna circuit board is not completely surrounded by material on all sides when located in the antenna block.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board is provided. The apparatus includes an antenna block that'has at least one support column and a ledge located in the interior of the antenna block. The apparatus also includes an antenna circuit board that is located in the interior of the antenna block. The support column is disposed through the antenna circuit board, and the antenna circuit board and antenna block define an interior space. The antenna circuit board is supported by the ledge so that the antenna circuit board is float mounted within the antenna block. [0008] Another exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for isolating an antenna circuit board from a force. In this instance, the antenna block includes a plurality of support columns and a ledge located in the interior of the antenna block. The antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block and defines a plurality of openings. The support columns are disposed through the openings so that the support columns are free from contact with the antenna circuit board. The antenna circuit board and the antenna block define an interior space. The antenna circuit board is contiguous with and supported by the ledge so that the antenna circuit board remains free from rigid attachment to the ledge. The support columns and the openings are configured so that force imparted on the antenna block is transferred through the support columns without being transferred to the antenna circuit board.

[0009] Also provided for in accordance with the present invention is an apparatus for reducing or eliminating stress on an antenna circuit board. An antenna block with at least one support column and a support element located in the interior of the antenna block is included. An antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block and has the support column disposed therethrough. The antenna circuit board and the support column define an interior space. The antenna circuit board is support by the support element such that the antenna circuit board is partially restricted from moving, but not fully restricted from moving. The support element may be a ledge, a post, or any other type of member capable of supporting the antenna circuit board in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. [0010] hi certain exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may be configured so that the periphery of the antenna circuit board is contiguous with and is supported by the ledge. In other embodiments, the antenna circuit board may be located in the interior of the antenna block so as to divide the interior space into both an upper interior space and a lower interior space. The antenna circuit board and the antenna block define both the upper and lower interior spaces. The antenna circuit board is thus located between the upper and lower interior spaces so that the antenna circuit board has at least some free space adjacent both sides of the antenna circuit board.

[0011] hi accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the antenna block may include an outer shell that defines the top surface, side surfaces, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block. The antenna block also includes a structural insert that is located in a shell interior defined by the outer shell. The structural insert defines at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block. The interior space of the antenna block is defined by the outer shell, structural insert, and the antenna circuit board. The structural insert defines the ledge and the support column and the support column is contiguous with the outer shell.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may further include a non- conductive fastener that is disposed through a non-conductive fastener opening in the antenna circuit board. The non-conductive fastener is secured to the ledge of the antenna block and retains the antenna circuit board onto the ledge without rigidly attaching the antenna circuit board to the ledge.

[0013] hi a further exemplary embodiment, the antenna block may define a bore for use in mounting the antenna block to a road surface or other structure. A resilient bushing may be located in the bore in order to minimize stress on the antenna block. Further, a resilient pad may be included and may be contiguous with the bottom of the antenna block in order to further minimize stress on the antenna block when run over by a vehicle or subjected to temperature variations.

[0014] The present invention also provides for an apparatus for isolating an antenna circuit board from a force that includes an antenna block with both an outer shell and a structural insert. The outer shell defines the top surface, side surfaces, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block. The structural insert is located in a shell interior defined by the outer shell, and the structural insert defines a ledge and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block. A plurality of support columns are contiguous with both the outer shell and the structural insert. An antenna circuit board is also included and is located in the shell interior so as to define both an upper and lower interior space. The antenna circuit board defines a plurality of openings through which the support columns are disposed. The antenna circuit board and openings are configured so that flexing of the support columns by way of force application to the antenna block causes the antenna circuit board to remain isolated from contact with the support columns. Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the periphery of the antenna circuit board is contiguous with and supported by the ledge so that the antenna circuit board remains free from rigid attachment to the ledge. [0015] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a drive-by interrogator that may receive and transmit information from and to electronic devices integrated in the tires of a vehicle. [0017] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna block having a float mounted antenna circuit board in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0018] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional detailed view of a non-conductive fastener shown in Fig. 2.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2. [0020] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an antenna block that employs resilient bushings and a resilient pad in order to minimize stress concentrations.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an antenna block that employs an alternate configuration of support columns and non- conductive fasteners.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an antenna block in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0023] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an array of the antenna blocks shown in Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Illustrated in Fig. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board 28 to an antenna block 14. Antenna circuit board 28 and antenna block 14 are arranged so that forces imparted on antenna block 14, for instance those caused by a vehicle driving over antenna block 14 or forces resulting from temperature variations on antenna block 14, do not result in stress on antenna circuit board 28. Antenna circuit board 28 is not rigidly attached to antenna block 14, and these two components are arranged so that flexing of antenna block 14 caused by the application of forces thereon does not cause antenna block 14 to stress antenna circuit board 28. More specifically, forces are prevented from being transferred into antenna circuit board 28 to cause stress thereon. Additionally, antenna circuit board 28 and antenna block 14 are arranged so that the radio frequency performance of antenna circuit board 28 is not impaired. This beneficial feature is realized by providing an interior space 30 adjacent antenna circuit board 28 in the interior of antenna block 14. Completely surrounding antenna circuit board 28 with material on all sides would result in a lower dielectric constant and diminished radio frequency performance. In the present arrangement, at least some free space is present adjacent antenna circuit board to avoid this problem. [0025] Antenna block 14 may be made of an outer shell 32 and a structural insert 40. Outer shell 32 may be arranged in a variety of configurations and may be made of any suitable material, for instance a metal such as aluminum or a thermoplastic material having a hardness greater than 50 shore D durometer may be used. Structural insert 40 is located in the interior of outer shell 32 and may be made of the same or different material as outer shell 32. Structural insert 40 may be force fit into outer shell 32 or may be rigidly attached thereto through the use of mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesion, etc. Alternatively, structural insert 40 need not be rigidly attached to outer shell 32 but may instead be configured so that outer shell 32 and structural insert 40 may move relative to one another. [0026] Structural insert 40 includes a ledge 24 that supports antenna circuit board 28. Ledge 24 may support a single side or portion of antenna circuit board 28 or may extend around and support the entire periphery of antenna circuit board 28. Antenna circuit board 28 is not rigidly attached to ledge 24. As such, antenna circuit board 28 may move relative to ledge 24 and thus be float mounted within antenna block 14, in other words antenna circuit board 28 is not attached in a manner in which all movement is prevented but has instead partially restricted movement as opposed to fully restricted movement. Structural insert 40 is also provided with one or more support columns 22 that extend through corresponding openings 26 defined by antenna circuit board 28. Support columns 22 provide extra structural support to antenna block 14 in assuring antenna block 14 is capable of withstanding compressive and dynamic forces imparted thereon when run over by heavier vehicles such as fully loaded tractor trailer trucks. Although the support element is described as being a ledge, it is to be understood that other types of support elements may be employed. For instance, a post, pillar, or column may be used either in place of or in combination with the ledge in order to support the antenna circuit board 28.

[0027] Forces imparted onto the top surface 34 of outer shell 32 will be transferred through support columns 22 and into structural insert 40 without being transferred to antenna circuit board 28 (or transferred into antenna circuit board 28 but at a reduced rate or magnitude). A sufficient amount of force on outer shell 32 may cause one or more support columns 22 to flex. However, the plurality of openings 26 in antenna circuit board 28 are sized large enough so that support columns 22 may move back and forth within the openings 26 without contacting antenna circuit board 28 or imparting forces thereto. In this manner, forces transferred through support columns 22 may not be transferred into antenna circuit board 28 to cause a resulting stress on the antenna circuit board 28. Forces imparted on outer shell 32 may not be transferred to ledge 24 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, forces may not be transferred into antenna circuit board 28 through ledge 24 in the configuration shown resulting in stresses on antenna circuit board 28 to be either eliminated or reduced. [0028] Antenna circuit board 28 may be arranged so as to be free from contact with outer shell 32. Alternatively, antenna circuit board 28 may rest on ledge 24 and also contact outer shell 32. This type of configuration may allow for some force to be transferred to antenna circuit board 28 through outer shell 32, but the configuration will still reduce the amount of stress imparted onto antenna circuit board 28 through force application to antenna block 14. Additionally, although shown with a plurality of support columns 22, it is to be understood that in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention only a single support column 22 need be employed. Further, although shown as being a part of structural insert 40, it is to be understood that support column 22 may be a component separate from structural insert 40 in accordance with other embodiments.

[0029] Interior space 30 in antenna block 14 is divided by antenna circuit board 28 into both an upper interior space 42 and a lower interior space 44. Provision of space both above and below antenna circuit board 28 provides for improved radio frequency performance of antenna circuit board 28. In alternative embodiments, space may be provided on only one side of antenna circuit board 28. hi this instance, the other side of antenna circuit board 28 will be adjacent material making up antenna block 14. Although having a diminished radio frequency performance as compared to the configuration in which space is provided on both sides of antenna circuit board 28, this configuration will still allow for improved radio frequency performance as compared to configurations in which material is located adjacent both sides of antenna circuit board 28.

[0030] Structural insert 40 may be made of a non-conductive material in order to avoid electrical damage to antenna circuit board 28. Outer shell 32 may be made of a conductive material in certain embodiments since this component will not contact antenna circuit board 28. However, in other exemplary embodiments antenna circuit board 28 may contact outer shell 32. hi this case outer shell 32 maybe made, if desired, of a non-conductive material in order to avoid electrical damage to antenna circuit board 28.

[0031] An additional feature that may be provided is a non-conductive fastener 48 shown in greater detail in Fig. 3. Antenna circuit board 28 defines a non-conductive fastener opening 46 through which non-conductive fastener 48 is disposed. Non-conductive fastener 48 is rigidly attached to structural insert 40. Non-conductive fastener 48 does not rigidly attach antenna circuit board 28 to structural insert 40, but instead non-conductive fastener 48 acts to retain antenna circuit board 28 onto ledge 24 so that antenna circuit board 28 is not displaced therefrom. Non-conductive fastener opening 46 is sized large enough so that antenna circuit board 28 may move relative to non-conductive fastener 48. Additionally, the clearance provided by non-conductive fastener opening 46 allows for flexing of structural insert 40 such that movement of non-conductive fastener 48 will not contact antenna circuit board 28 and cause a resulting stress thereon.

[0032] Antenna block 14 may be provided with one or more bores 50 that allow for attachment of antenna block 14 to a base 60 as shown in Fig. 4. Base 60 may be the road surface, such as pavement or concrete, on which the vehicle travels. Alternatively, base 60 may be some other structure besides the road surface in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom surface 38 of antenna block 14 rests directly on base 60 and is attached thereon by a fastener 58 disposed through bore 50. Antenna block 14 may be attached to base 60 in any manner commonly known to those skilled in the art. For instance, adhesion may be used in order to attach antenna block 14 to base 60 in other embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of an arrangement between antenna block 14 and antenna circuit board 28. Here, a resilient bushing 52 is disposed in bore 50. Fastener 58 is disposed through resilient bushing 52 and attaches antenna block 14 to base 60. Resilient bushing 52 is made from a material that may be softer than or more flexible than the material making up antenna block 14. Forces imparted on antenna block 14 may create a stress concentration in or around fasteners 58 do to their rigid attachment to base 60. Flexible bushings 52 act to reduce this stress concentration by allowing fastener 58 and antenna block 14 to enjoy a degree of freedom of movement.

[0034] It is often the case that base 60 does not provide a completely smooth surface onto which antenna block 14 may rest. This is especially true when base 60 is pavement or concrete. Each of these types of road surfaces have surface irregularities that will cause stress concentrations on the bottom surface 38 of antenna block 14 when forces are imparted onto antenna block 14. In order to reduce or eliminate these stress concentrations on bottom surface 38, a resilient pad 54 may be provided between bottom surface 38 and base 60. Resilient pad 54 acts to reduce or eliminate stress concentrations by acting as a cushion to eliminate the surface irregularities.

[0035] In addition to reducing or eliminating stress concentrations brought about by vehicles running over antenna block 14, resilient bushings 52 and resilient pad 54 may be employed in order to reduce or eliminate other types of stress that may be imparted onto antenna block 14 through, for instance, temperature changes. Because antenna block 14 and base 60 are typically made of different materials, they may expand or contract at different rates when subjected to temperature changes. Antenna block 14 may be employed in environments in which the base 60 may be as cold as -40⁰F and as hot as 140⁰F. In these instances, resilient bushings 52 and resilient pad 54 act as a cushion to reduce or eliminate stress concentrations brought about by temperature changes to antenna block 14 and base 60. Resilient bushing 52 and resilient pad 54 may be made from any suitable resilient material. For instance, these two components may be made of hard rubber in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0036] An alternative exemplary embodiment of antenna block 14 is shown in Fig. 6. As shown, support columns 22 are not continuous across the entire length of antenna block 14. Further, non-conductive fasteners 48 may be provided in any number and located in any position with respect to antenna circuit board 28. In this instance, two of the non-conductive fasteners 48 are located proximate to an edge of an antenna circuit board 28 while two other non-conductive fasteners are located between a pair of support columns 22 and are spaced a distance from an edge of antenna circuit board 28. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, non-conductive fasteners 48 need not be present. As can be imagined, various configurations are possible and may be employed in order to float mount antenna circuit board 28 within antenna block 14. Antenna block 14 is provided with a plurality of cavities 56 into which mechanical fasteners (not shown) may be disposed in order to mount antenna block 14 to a surface.

[0037] Fig. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of antenna block 14. As with previously discussed exemplary embodiments, outer shell 32 surrounds structural insert 40 and makes up both the top surface 34 and side surfaces 36 of antenna block 14. Both structural insert 40 and outer shell 32 form bottom surface 38 of antenna block 14. Antenna circuit board 28 is float mounted within antenna block 14 such that antenna circuit board 28 is completely surrounded by antenna block 14. However, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments, antenna circuit board 28 may be float mounted to antenna block 14 yet not completely surrounded by antenna block 14.

[0038] A plurality of antenna blocks 14 may be arranged next to one another as shown for instance in Fig. 8 in order to form an array 12. hi certain embodiments, only a single antenna block 14 may include an antenna circuit board 28 that is float mounted within antenna block 14. hi other exemplary embodiments, all of the antenna blocks 14 in array 12 may have an antenna circuit board 28 float mounted therein, hi other exemplary embodiments any number of antenna blocks 14 may employ a float mounted antenna circuit board 28. [0039] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board as described herein, without the departing from the scope and spirit of the claims. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for float mounting an antenna circuit board, comprising: an antenna block having at least one support column and a ledge located in the interior of the antenna block; and an antenna circuit board located in the interior of the antenna block, the antenna circuit board having the support column disposed therethrough, the antenna circuit board and the antenna block defining an interior space, the antenna circuit board supported by the ledge such that the antenna circuit board is float mounted within the antenna block.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna block comprises: an outer shell defining the top surface and side surfaces of the antenna block and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the outer shell defines a shell interior; and a structural insert located in the shell interior and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the interior space is defined by the outer shell and the structural insert and the antenna circuit board, wherein the structural insert defines the ledge and the support column, and wherein the support column is contiguous with the outer shell.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the periphery of the antenna circuit board is contiguous with and is supported by the ledge.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block such that the interior space is divided into an upper interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and into a lower interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and wherein the antenna circuit board is located between the upper and lower interior spaces.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna circuit board defines a plurality of openings and wherein a plurality of support columns are disposed through the openings such that the antenna circuit board is isolated from contact with the support columns.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the openings are sized such that flexing of the support columns through force application to the antenna block causes the antenna circuit board to remain isolated from contact with the support columns.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna circuit board defines a non- conductive fastener opening, and further comprising a non-conductive fastener disposed through the non-conductive fastener opening in the antenna circuit board and secured to the ledge of the antenna block.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the non-conductive fastener and the non-conductive fastener opening are configured such that the antenna circuit board is isolated from receiving a force thereto during force application to the antenna block.

9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna block defines a bore, and further comprising a resilient bushing located in the bore.

10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7, further comprising a resilient pad contiguous with the bottom of the antenna block.

11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna circuit board is completely surrounded on all sides by the antenna block.

12. An apparatus for isolating an antenna circuit board from a force, comprising: an antenna block having a plurality of support columns and a ledge located in the interior of the antenna block; and an antenna circuit board located in the interior of the antenna block, the antenna circuit board defining a plurality of openings, the support columns disposed through the openings such that the support columns are free from contact with the antenna circuit board, the antenna circuit board and the antenna block defining an interior space, the antenna circuit board contiguous with the ledge and supported by the ledge such that the antenna circuit board remains free from rigid attachment to the ledge; wherein the support columns and the openings are configured such that force imparted on the antenna block is transferred through the support columns without being transferred to the antenna circuit board.

13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the antenna block comprises: an outer shell defining the top surface and side surfaces of the antenna block and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the outer shell defines a shell interior; and a structural insert located in the shell interior and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the interior space is defined by the outer shell and the structural insert and the antenna circuit board, wherein the structural insert defines the ledge and the support column, and wherein the support column is contiguous with the outer shell.

14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the periphery of the antenna circuit board is contiguous with and is supported by the ledge.

15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block such that the interior space is divided into an upper interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and into a lower interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and wherein the antenna circuit board is located between the upper and lower interior spaces.

16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the openings are sized such that flexing of the support columns through force application to the antenna block causes the antenna circuit board to remain isolated from contact with the support columns.

17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the antenna circuit board defines a non-conductive fastener opening, and further comprising a non-conductive fastener disposed through the non-conductive fastener opening in the antenna circuit board and secured to the ledge of the antenna block.

18. the apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein the non-conductive fastener retains the antenna circuit board onto the ledge without rigidly attaching the antenna circuit board to the ledge.

19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the antenna block defines a bore, and further comprising a resilient bushing located in the bore.

20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 19, further comprising a resilient pad contiguous with the bottom of the antenna block.

21. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the antenna circuit board is completely surrounded on all sides by the antenna block.

22. An apparatus for isolating an antenna circuit board from a force, comprising: an antenna block, comprising: an outer shell defining the top surface and side surfaces of the antenna block and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the outer shell defines a shell interior; a structural insert located in the shell interior and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the structural insert defines a ledge; and a plurality of support columns contiguous with both the outer shell and the structural insert; and an antenna circuit board located in the shell interior, wherein the antenna circuit board and the outer shell define an upper interior space, and wherein the antenna circuit board and the structural insert define a lower interior space, the antenna circuit board defining a plurality of openings; wherein the support columns are disposed through the openings in the antenna circuit board such that the support columns are free from contact with the antenna circuit board, the openings in the antenna circuit board and the antenna circuit board are configured such that flexing of the support columns though force application to the antenna block causes the antenna circuit board to remain isolated from contact with the support columns; wherein the periphery of the antenna circuit board is contiguous with the ledge and supported by the ledge such that the antenna circuit board remains free from rigid attachment to the ledge.

23. An apparatus for reducing or eliminating stress on an antenna circuit board, comprising: an antenna block having at least one support column and a support element located in the interior of the antenna block; and an antenna circuit board located in the interior of the antenna block, the antenna circuit board having the support column disposed therethrough, the antenna circuit board and the antenna block defining an interior space, the antenna circuit board being supported by the support element.

24. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the support element is a ledge.

25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the support element is a post.

26. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the antenna block comprises: an outer shell defining the top surface and side surfaces of the antenna block and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the outer shell defines a shell interior; and a structural insert located in the shell interior and defining at least a portion of the bottom surface of the antenna block, wherein the interior space is defined by the outer shell and the structural insert and the antenna circuit board, wherein the structural insert defines the ledge and the support column, and wherein the support column is contiguous with the outer shell.

27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the antenna circuit board is located in the interior of the antenna block such that the interior space is divided into an upper interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and into a lower interior space defined by the antenna circuit board and the antenna block, and wherein the antenna circuit board is located between the upper and lower interior spaces.

28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the antenna circuit board defines a plurality of openings and wherein a plurality of support columns are disposed through the openings such that the antenna circuit board is isolated from contact with the support columns.

29. The apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein the openings are sized such that flexing of the support columns through force application to the antenna block causes the antenna circuit board to remain isolated from contact with the support columns.

30. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the antenna circuit board defines a non-conductive fastener opening, and further comprising a non-conductive fastener disposed through the non-conductive fastener opening in the antenna circuit board and secured to the ledge of the antenna block.

31. The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein the non-conductive fastener and the non-conductive fastener opening are configured such that the antenna circuit board is isolated from receiving a force thereto during force application to the antenna block.