Support assembly

Abstract

A stent includes a layer of stent material and a porous foam attached to the layer of stent material for directing heat from a heating element toward a glass. A heating element is attached to the cell foam for raising the temperature of glass disposed on or above the heating element.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 350,459, 63 / 401,743, 63 / 425,777, and 63 / 425,871, filed on June 9, 2022, August 29, 2022, November 16, 2022, and November 16, 2022, respectively, and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 205,976, filed on June 5, 2023; the entire contents of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in their entirety and for all applicable purposes. Background Art

[0003] A vehicle camera mount assembly may include a camera and an assembly for mounting the camera and other electrical devices on a windshield of a vehicle so that the camera captures object(s) or scene(s) outside the windshield. Under some adverse weather conditions, the camera in a typical conventional camera mount assembly may not properly capture the object(s) or scene(s). What is needed is a camera mount assembly, system, and method that can address one or more of these disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0004] A brief summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure is provided below to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. Although some examples may be described as including certain aspects or features, all described examples may include any described features. Unless explicitly described, no aspect or feature is essential to achieving the technical effects or solutions discussed herein.

[0005] In one aspect, a support includes a support material layer and a cellular foam body attached to the support material layer for directing heat from a heating element toward glass. The heating element is attached to the cellular foam body for increasing the temperature of glass disposed on or above the heating element.

[0006] In another aspect, a support includes a support material layer including a plurality of openings for directing heat from a heating element toward glass. The heating element on the support material layer increases the temperature of glass disposed on or over the heating element.

[0007] In another aspect, a support includes: a support material layer; an adhesive layer attached to the support material layer; and a fiber material layer attached to the support material layer via the adhesive layer to reduce glare on the support material layer.

[0008] These and other aspects of the camera support assembly and / or circuit components discussed herein will be more fully understood after reading the detailed description below. Other aspects and features will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following description of specific examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although the following description may discuss various advantages and features relative to certain examples, embodiments, and drawings, all examples may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although this specification may discuss one or more examples as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with various other examples discussed herein. In a similar manner, although this specification may discuss certain examples as devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such examples of the teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of tools, devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a bracket assembly according to some embodiments;

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a bracket assembly attached to a windshield of a vehicle;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A An isometric view of the sensor assembly of the bracket;

[0012] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Shown along Figure 2 An example assembly process of a sensor assembly taken along plane I-I';

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a camera stand similar to Figure 1A A camera bracket in a bracket assembly;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the material layers of a camera bracket of a bracket assembly, the bracket assembly being similar to Figure 1A A bracket assembly;

[0015] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a camera stand and is used with Figure 1A and Figure 5 A schematic diagram of material layers of an example camera bracket associated with a bracket assembly;

[0016] Fig. 7A is with Figure 1A and Figure 5 A schematic diagram of material layers of a camera bracket associated with an example bracket assembly;

[0017] Figure 7B and Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A The bracket material arrangement of the camera bracket;

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a camera stand similar to Figure 1A A camera bracket in a bracket assembly;

[0019] 9A to 9D is a schematic diagram of the material layers of a camera bracket similar to Figure 1A and Figure 5 A camera bracket of the bracket assembly;

[0020] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the material layers of a camera bracket similar to Figure 1A and Figure 5 A camera bracket of the bracket assembly;

[0021] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a camera bracket with a local energy storage unit of a bracket assembly similar to Figure 1A A bracket assembly;

[0022] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a schematic diagram of the terminals of a bracket assembly similar to Figure 1A A bracket assembly;

[0023] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of the terminals of a bracket assembly similar to Figure 1A A bracket assembly;

[0024] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a partial enlarged view of a bracket assembly, which is similar to Figure 1A A bracket assembly; and

[0025] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the hinge in the bracket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used in this article are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "comprising" and "including" and their variations is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items and their equivalents. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to plus or minus 5% of the number preceding each term.

[0027] Figure 1A A stent assembly 100 is depicted, which includes a stent body 102 and a sensor assembly 104 configured to be connected to the stent body 102. Figure 2 3 and 4 illustrate the sensor assembly 104. The described embodiment of the sensor assembly 104 allows an electrical device (e.g., a sensor, a camera, or any other suitable device) to be efficiently mounted on and removed from the support body 102. Additionally, the support body 102 includes a camera support 106, which is described below in conjunction with FIGS. Fig.10 The disclosed embodiment of the camera support 106 includes a high efficiency heater for efficiently defrosting the glass and a high efficiency anti-glare material or arrangement thereof. The support assembly 100 may further include a combination of Fig.11 Additional electrical components are described to Figure 15. The additional electrical components may increase connectivity with other electrical components and / or reusability of at least a portion of the bracket assembly 100.

[0028] refer to Figure 1B The bracket assembly 100 is attached to the glass 108 (ie, the windshield) of the vehicle 110. The bracket assembly 100 is arranged on the glass 108 so that the camera ( Figure 1A or Figure 1B The view of the vehicle (not shown) is toward the glass 108 and forward toward the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. In this way, the bracket assembly 100 can operate as part of other functions such as a lane departure warning (LDW) system and / or an automatic emergency braking system. It should be understood that Figure 1B The use cases shown are merely examples. The bracket assembly 100 may be used in any other suitable place. For example, the bracket assembly 100 may be used in various applications, such as aircraft, security systems, and other uses.

[0029] refer to Figure 2, the sensor assembly 104 includes a connector 202, a sensor 204, and one or more fasteners 206, 208. In some scenarios, the sensor 204 attached to the bracket body 102 may need to be replaced or may need to be accessed and / or removed for a suitable reason (e.g., failure, better sensor, inoperable state, etc.). However, if the sensor 204 is permanently attached to the bracket body 102 (e.g., using glue, solder, etc.), it is difficult to remove or replace the sensor 204. In such a scenario, when the sensor 204 is replaced, the circuit 210 (e.g., printed circuit 210) connected to the sensor 204 may be damaged. Alternatively, the entire bracket body 102 may be damaged and need to be replaced. Figure 2 The sensor assembly 104 shown in FIG. 1 can address one or more of these drawbacks. For example, the sensor assembly 102 can have certain features that make the sensor 204 easily replaceable, make the sensor assembly 102 attachable to and detachable from the support body 102, and make the sensor assembly 102 securely fixed to the support body 102.

[0030] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An example process for assembling the sensor assembly 104 is depicted. Figure 3A, the connector 202 is configured to be connected to the bracket body 102. In some embodiments, the connector 202 includes a pivot shaft 302 to be received in a pivot shaft receiver 304 of the bracket body 102. In other examples, the pivot shaft 302 can have an oblong shape, a circular shape, or any other suitable shape to be received in the pivot shaft receiver 304 and to allow the connector 202 to rotate relative to the pivot shaft 302. In some examples, the pivot shaft 302 is urged to be received in the pivot shaft receiver 304. The pivot shaft receiver 304 includes a protrusion 306 on the bracket body 102 and an opening 308 for receiving the pivot shaft 302. In some examples, the opening 308 can have an oblong shape, wherein the pivot shaft 302 is an elongated body. Thus, the oblong shape of the opening 308 corresponds to the oblong shape of the pivot axis 302, so that when the pivot axis 302 is pushed in the opening 308 in a direction at right angles to the bracket body 102, the pivot axis 302 fits into the opening 308. However, it should be understood that the pivot axis 302 and the opening 308 can have any other suitable shape (e.g., circular, polygonal, etc.). In addition, it should be understood that the pivot axis 302 is pushed in the opening 308 in any suitable direction based on the direction of the opening 308. For example, the pivot axis 302 can be received in the opening 308 at a 45 degree angle, a 30 degree angle, or a 60 degree angle relative to the bracket body 102. In another example, when the connector 202 is received in the pivot axis receiver 304, the circuit 210 can be connected to the connector 202. For example, the circuit 210 can be a flexible circuit and received in the connector 202. In some examples, the connector 202 may include a suitable fastener to fasten the circuit 210 to the connector 202. In other examples, the circuit 210 may be attached to the protrusion 306 so that the connector 202 is electrically coupled to the circuit when the connector 202 is fastened to the bracket body 102. For example, the connector 202 may include electrical contacts on a surface of the connector (the surface is configured to contact the circuit 210 when the connector 202 is fastened to the bracket body 102). However, it should be understood that any suitable electrical connection between the circuit 210 and the connector 202 may be used. Further, it should be understood that the connector 202 may include an opening 308 instead of the pivot axis 302, and the pivot axis receiver 304 may include the pivot axis 302 instead of the opening 308. In other examples, the connector 202 may be a living hinge or an integral hinge connected to the bracket body 102. In an example, the connector 202 includes a flexible hinge connected to the bracket body 102 to be configured to receive the sensor 204.

[0031] refer to Figure 3B, the sensor 204 can be electrically coupled to the connector. In some examples, the sensor 204 can be preassembled with the sensor base 310 and with one or more fasteners 206, 208. In some examples, the one or more fasteners 206, 208 can fasten the sensor 204 to the sensor base 310. In some embodiments, the sensor base 310 can receive the connector 202 to be electrically coupled and can be fastened to the connector 202 using suitable fasteners. For example, the sensor base 310 can be pushed onto the connector 202 in the same direction as the connector 202 is pushed onto the pivot receiving member 304. Then, the connector 202 is received in the sensor base 310 to be connected to the sensor 204. Therefore, the sensor 204 can be electrically coupled to the circuit 210 using the connector 202 and / or the sensor base 310. It should be understood that the connector 202 can receive the sensor base 310 to connect the sensor 204 to the circuit 210. In some embodiments, the sensor 204 can be any suitable sensor (e.g., a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, an airflow sensor, a rain sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, etc.) for measuring physical properties and the environment around the sensor. In some examples, the sensor can be attached to or near the glass of the bracket assembly 100 (in conjunction with FIG. 1) and measure an area within the glass where the sensor 204 is arranged (e.g., the interior of the vehicle) or another area outside the glass where the sensor 204 is not arranged (e.g., the exterior of the vehicle). The sensor 202 and one or more fasteners 206, 208 - including or excluding the sensor base 310 - constitute FIG. 1 and Figure 2 The assembled sensor assembly 104 in.

[0032] refer to Figure 3C , the sensor assembly 104 can rotate relative to the pivot axis 302 of the sensor assembly 104. In some embodiments, the support body 102 includes a sensor receiving member 312 to receive the sensor assembly 104. In some embodiments, the connector 202 can be electrically coupled to the circuit 210 (e.g., by inserting the circuit 210 into the connector 202) before the sensor assembly 104 is in place on the support body 102. In other embodiments, the connector 202 may not be electrically coupled to the circuit 210 before the sensor assembly 104 is in place on the support body 102. In these embodiments, the circuit 104 is attached to the pivot axis receiving member 304, and the surface of the circuit 210 may include electrical contacts. When the sensor assembly 104 is fastened to the support body 102, the electrical contacts of the connector can contact the circuit 210. It should be understood that the sensor assembly 104 can be electrically coupled to the circuit 210 in any other suitable manner.

[0033] refer to Figure 3D , the sensor assembly 104 is positioned on the sensor receiving member 312 of the bracket body 102. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 104 includes a first fastener 206 for fastening the sensor 204 to the sensor base 310, and a second fastener 208 for fastening the sensor assembly 104 to the bracket body 102. For example, the first fastener 206 may include a nut having threads on the inside, and the sensor 204 may include a bolt having threads on the outside. Therefore, the first fastener 206 can fasten the sensor 206 by using the bolt of the sensor 204, which is positioned on the sensor base 310. In further embodiments, the second fastener can include a latch (e.g., a drop-down latch, a locking latch, or any other suitable latch). Although an exemplary fixing mechanism has been described herein, it is contemplated that any suitable fixing mechanism can be used to fix the sensor assembly 104 to the bracket body 102.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the sensor assembly 104 is fixed to the support body 102, the surface of the sensor assembly 104 can be in contact with the glass. Therefore, the sensor 204 can measure some physical properties related to the glass (e.g., external temperature, vibration, etc.). However, it should be understood that the sensor 204 is not limited to measuring physical properties related to the glass. For example, the sensor 204 can measure the temperature of the air, the humidity in the air, or any other suitable physical property in the surrounding environment of the sensor 204. Therefore, the pivoting movement and subsequent position change of the sensor assembly 104 enhances the user's ability to match the corresponding electrical / electronic device (electrical connection) and mechanically mount the device to the support system in its original position. In another example, the sensor 204 may include any suitable sensor used in an automotive driver assistance or autonomous system. For example, the sensor 204 may include a light detection and ranging (LiDar) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a radar sensor, or any other suitable sensor.

[0035] In some embodiments (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B), camera supports 400A, 400B are shown to include a heating element (e.g., a heating plane 402 or a heating edge 404). Camera supports 400A, 400B are similar to camera support 106 of FIG. 1. The heating element increases the temperature of the glass in contact with the heating element. In addition, the heating element can cause convection of air around a field of view 406 of a camera mounted on camera supports 400A, 400B. In some examples, the field of view 406 of the camera indicates an area between the glass and the camera mounted to camera supports 400A, 400B that can be captured by the camera. In this way, the heating element quickly or rapidly defrosts the glass around the camera field of view 406, thereby efficiently clearing the viewing area of ​​the camera. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a metal heater, a ceramic heater, a semiconductor heater, a film heater, a polyimide flexible heater, a silicone flexible heater, a polyester heater, a resistive heater, a positive thermal coefficient heater, a rigid heater, an infrared heater, a transparent heater, a combination of heaters, or any other suitable device to increase the temperature of the glass or air surrounding the field of view 406 in order to clean the glass (e.g., to clear frost or condensation on the inner or outer surface of the glass). Thus, the heating element provides conductive heat transfer via a portion of the heating element in contact with the glass, convective heat transfer via a portion of the heating element in contact with the air above the glare shield surface to enable defrosting of the glass, and / or radiative heat transfer from the heating element to the glass and frost on the glass.

[0036] refer to Figure 4A The heating element in the camera support 106A may include a heating plane 402. The heating plane 402 is attached to the support body 102 and surrounds the camera ( Figure 4A The heating plane 402 is at least 2 cm from the width 408 of the field of view 406. The heating plane 402 is configured to attach to the glass and transfer heat to the glass around the field of view 406 of the camera mounted on the camera bracket 400A.

[0037] refer to Figure 4B , the heating element in the camera support 400B may include a heating edge 404. The heating edge allows for the camera support 400B to be heated without additional space (e.g., Figure 4AIn some embodiments, the heating element in the camera support 400B includes a heating edge 404. The heating edge 404 is attached to the glare shield 410, the side wall 412 and / or the back support 416. In some embodiments, the width of the heating edge 404 from the field of view 406 to the contact with the glass is less than 5 mm. In other embodiments, the width of the heating edge 404 can be the shortest length of the heating edge 404 from the field of view 406 to the outside of the field of view 406. The camera support 400B can be attached to the glass at the heating edge 404 to transfer heat directly to the glass. In some examples, the heating edge 404 can be a strip that is attached to the periphery of the field of view 406 and to the edges of the glare shield 410, the side wall 412 and / or the back support 416 that are exposed to the glass.

[0038] refer to Figure 4B , the heating element may include a heating pad attached to a surface of the sidewall 412, the glare shield 410, and / or the back support 416. The surface of the sidewall 412, the glare shield 410, and / or the back support 416 is a surface that is exposed or not exposed to the field of view 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge of the heating pad (i.e., the heating edge 404 of the camera support 400B) is configured to contact the glass and transfer heat to the glass to defrost the glass and / or transfer heat to the glass indirectly via an open area between the glass and the surface of the sidewall 412 and / or the glare shield 410 or the field of view 406. In other examples, the heating pad may wrap around the edge of the glare shield 410, the sidewall 412, and / or the back support 416 that is exposed to the glass. The heating edge 404 may include a portion of the heating pad that wraps around the edge of the glare shield 410, the sidewall 412, and / or the back support 416, wherein the edge of the heating pad is configured to contact the glass. In other embodiments, the heating pad extends across the entire glare shield 410, across the sidewalls 412, and / or across the back support 416 to increase the air temperature of the field of view 406 to defrost the glass. Thus, the edge of the heating pad is utilized to reduce the space around the perimeter of the field of view 406 in contact with the glass and / or to increase the temperature of the air in the field of view 406. Although the space in contact with the glass by the heating element is greatly reduced, the performance (e.g., time) of defrosting the glass is not affected.

[0039] Return to reference Figure 4B , the camera support 400B may further include a glare shield 410 and a side wall 412 connected to the glare shield 410. The glare shield 410 and the side wall 412 define the field of view 406 ( Figure 4B414 to mount a camera to the camera support 400B. In other embodiments, the hole 414 may be disposed on the back support 416. The back support 416 may include more than one hole 414 to mount more than one camera to the camera support 400B. In other embodiments, the hole 414 may be disposed between the two side walls, such as Figure 4A As shown. In some examples, the glare shield 410 can have a substantially triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable shape to provide a sufficient field of view for the camera mounted on the camera bracket 400B. In other examples, the glare shield 410 can be flat or curved. In a further example, the glare shield 410 can include one or more shields (e.g., simple parallel surfaces or surfaces arranged in a specific manner so that light contacting the width of each shield is not reflected to the sensor lens). Therefore, incident light passing through the glass attached to the camera bracket 400B can be absorbed or diffused on one or more shields to prevent the light from being reflected into the lens of the camera. In some examples, the side wall 412 can have a substantially triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable shape. In other examples, the side wall 412 can be flat or curved.

[0040] refer to Figure 5 , showing the Figure 1A 106 is an exemplary embodiment of various material layers 500 in a bracket associated with a bracket assembly, which direct more heat toward the glass or air with less heat loss, such as passing the heat through the bracket and / or into the vehicle. In some embodiments, the bracket 106 includes a bracket material layer 502 and a cellular foam body 504, which is attached to the bracket material layer for directing heat from a heating element 506 toward the glass. In some examples, the bracket 106 can further include a heating element 506 adjacent to the cellular foam body 504. In some examples, the heating element 506 can be attached to the cellular foam body 504 for increasing the temperature of the glass 510 disposed on or above the heating element.

[0041] In some embodiments, the support material layer 502 of the support 106 can be made of a polymer material (e.g., a thermoplastic material). However, it should be understood that the support material layer 502 can be made of any other suitable material (e.g., a metallic material). In other embodiments, the support material layer 502 can be used in other components (e.g., in the support assembly 100 of FIG. 1 ).

[0042] In some embodiments, the heating element 506 may include a heating plane 402 (combined with Figure 4A ), heating edge 404 (combined Figure 4B), and / or heating pad 418 (in conjunction with FIG. 4C ). Heating element 506 may include a metal heater, a ceramic heater, a semiconductor heater, a film heater, a polyimide flexible heater, a silicone flexible heater, a polyester heater, or any other suitable heater to increase the temperature of air 508 (e.g., Figure 4B 406) or the temperature of the glass 510 to clean the glass 510 (e.g., to remove frost or condensation). In some examples, the glass is disposed above the heating element to heat the glass by transferring heat from the heating element to the glass via convection. For example, when the heating element 506 is above a glare shield or side wall of the bracket 106 (e.g., Figure 4B When the glare shield 410 or the side wall 412 is placed on the glass 510, the air 508 is placed between the glass 510 and the heating element 506 to increase Figure 4B The temperature of the air 508 and / or glass 510 surrounding the field of view 406 is determined. In other examples, the glass is disposed on a heating element to heat the glass by conduction. For example, when the heating element 506 is disposed on a side wall of the support 106 (e.g., Figure 4B When the heating element 506 is on the side wall 412 of the glass 510, the heating element 506 can be in contact with the glass 510 without air 508 between the heating element 506 and the glass 510.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cell foam 504 can be disposed between the heating element 506 and the support material layer 502 to direct heat to the air 508 and / or the glass 510 instead of to the support material layer 502. The cell foam 504 can have a predetermined thickness as an insulator to inhibit the absorption of heat from the heating element 506. In some examples, the cell foam 504 can be made of a rubber compound or any other suitable material. In some examples, the cell foam 504 can be at least one of a closed cell foam or an open cell foam. The closed cell foam includes a plurality of isolated pores. In some examples, the pores in the closed cell foam can include a gas (e.g., nitrogen) and can be completely surrounded by a solid material (e.g., rubber). Therefore, a closed cell structure including a gas in the pores of the closed cell foam can provide isolation to prevent the heat of the heating element 506 from being directed to the support material layer 502. However, the pores are too small to be observed by a person. The closed cell foam can be considered to have a uniform or solid surface. In another example, the cell foam 504 can be a closed cell foam having one or more cavities to produce an uneven surface. The cavities can be produced by removing material from the closed cell foam so that the surface of the closed cell foam is uneven. Therefore, the material used for the closed cell foam can be reduced by forming multiple cavities on and / or in the closed cell foam. In some embodiments, the cavities can include air as an insulator in or on the closed cell foam. In other embodiments, the cavities can be closed cavities completely surrounded by solid material or open cavities including openings exposed to air. Due to the cavities on the surface of the closed cell foam, the closed cell foam may be uneven. In another example, the cell foam 504 can be an open cell foam. The open cell foam includes a plurality of interconnected pores. The pores in the open cell foam are connected to each other. An open-cell foam filled with a gas (eg, air) may be an insulator that conducts heat from the heating element 506 to the air 508 and / or the glass 510 .

[0044] exist FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D In some of the embodiments shown, the heating element 506 can be attached directly to the support material layer 502 . FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D The material layer of the supports 600A to 600D (i.e., the support material layer 502), the heating element 506, the air 508, and / or the glass 510 are substantially similar to Figure 5 508, and glass 510. In some examples, the supports 600A to 600D may include a support material layer 502 including a plurality of openings for directing heat from the heating element 506 toward the glass 510. In other examples, the heating element 506 may be disposed on the support material layer 502 to increase the temperature of the glass 510 disposed on or above the heating element 506. Fig. 6A , the brackets 600A to 600D may further include an adhesive ( Fig. 6A 508 and / or the glass 510. In other embodiments, the adhesive may include a pressure sensitive adhesive, a tape, an epoxy adhesive, a polyolefin adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, or any other suitable thermally insulating adhesive. In other embodiments, the heating element 506 may be mounted on the glare shield 602 and the side wall 604 of the bracket 600A to 600D, which is similar to the glare shield and the side wall. Figure 4B The glare shield 410 and sidewalls 412 of the bracket 400B. Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment, the glare shield 602 and the sidewalls 604 are uniform without any apertures therein.

[0045] refer to FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D , an adhesive may be added between the heating element 506 and the support material layer 502 ( FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D 506 to attach the heating element 506 to the support material layer 502. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of openings in the support material layer 502 can include an aperture through the support material layer 502 and the heating element 506. In some examples, the plurality of apertures 606 formed by removing the support material layer 502 can be provided in both the glare shield 602 and the sidewall 604 of the support 600B (e.g., Figure 6B ), is disposed in the glare shield 602 of the bracket 600C but not in the side wall 604 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6C ), or set in the side wall 604 of the bracket 600D instead of being set in the glare protection cover 602 (as shown in Fig.6D ). In some embodiments, the orifice 604 is placed in the support material layer 502 so that air can flow through the orifice 606 in the glare shield 602 and / or the side wall 604. Therefore, the heating element 506 can be exposed to the air via the orifice in the glare shield 602 and / or the side wall 604. In other embodiments, the orifice 606 can be set in the glare shield 602 and / or the side wall 604. In some examples, any orifice 606 can have a cylindrical shape, a tapered polygonal prism, or any other suitable shape. The orifice 606 can also have the same shape or different shapes. In other examples, the number and position of the orifice 606 can be different depending on the area of ​​the glare shield 602 and / or the side wall 604 to transfer more or less heat to the air 508 and / or the glass 510 around the orifice 606.

[0046] refer to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C , the heating element 506 can be directly attached to the support material layer 502. In the material layer of the support 700A, Fig. 7A The support material layer 502, heating element 506, air 508 and glass 510 in the embodiment are substantially similar to Figure 5 508, and the support material layer 502, the heating element 506, the air 508, and the glass 510 in the support material layer 502. In some examples, the support material layer 502 may include a plurality of openings for directing heat from the heating element 506 toward the glass 510. In some examples, each opening may include a cavity on the surface of the support material layer 502. In other examples, the surface of the support material layer 502 may be disposed on the heating element 506. In some examples, the support material layer 502 may include a glare shield panel 702 and / or a sidewall attached to the glare shield panel 702. In some examples, a plurality of openings may be disposed on at least one of the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704. For example, the support material layer 502 may be removed from the glare shield panel 702 and / or the sidewall 704 to form a plurality of openings 706 on the glare shield panel 702 and / or the sidewall 704 to form a plurality of corresponding cavities. In some examples, the cavity does not pass through the support material layer 502 and / or the heating element 506. In some embodiments, the glare shield panel 702 and sidewall 704 of the bracket 700B, 700C are similar to Figure 4B The glare shield 410 and side walls 412 of the bracket 400B.

[0047] In some embodiments, the opening 706 is a space in the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704 where the support material layer 502 is partially removed from the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704. Thus, the opening 706 does not lead from one surface of the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704 to an opposite surface. In other embodiments, the support material layer 502 may further include a plurality of ribs on a surface of the support material layer 502. In some examples, the opening 706 may be formed by a plurality of ribs 708 (e.g., by placing the plurality of ribs 708 on the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704). In some examples, the plurality of ribs of the support material layer 502 may be attached to the heating element 506 such that the heating element 506 contacts only the surfaces of the plurality of ribs instead of contacting the surfaces of the glare shield panel 702 or the sidewall 704. It should be understood that any of the openings 706 formed by the ribs may be rectangular in shape or any other suitable shape. In further examples, the opening 706 may have a shape such as Figure 7B The grid shape shown, Figure 7C It should be understood that any opening 706 may be hexagonal, polygonal, or any other suitable shape.

[0048] refer to Figure 8 , another embodiment of the bracket 800 may include one or more shields 802 for glare mitigation. In some embodiments, the one or more shields 802 may extend across the bracket 800 from the first edge 804 to the second edge 806. The shield 802 may protrude outwardly from the glare shield 808 of the bracket 106C at a certain angle. The shield 802 may be integrally formed in the bracket 106C, for example, by a molding process. In the glare shield 808, a slit 810 is formed by the shield 802. The slit 810 is configured to allow air and light to pass through the glare shield 808. The addition of one or more shields 802 formed in the glare shield 808 can reduce light reflection from the glare shield 808. Additionally, the one or more shields 802 can allow for increased circulation of air within the glare shield 808 and in and out of the glare shield.

[0049] refer to 9A to 9D and Fig.10 The support 900A to 900D, 1000 may include a support material layer 502, an adhesive layer 906 attached to the support material layer 502, and a fiber material layer (e.g., the flocked fiber material 902 and Fig.10 The fiber material layer 902, 1002 may be attached to the support material layer 502 via the adhesive layer 906 to reduce glare on the support material layer 502. In some examples, the fiber material layer may include the flocked fiber material 902 of Figures 900A to 900D. In other examples, the fiber material layer may include Fig.10 Other non-flocking fiber materials 1002.

[0050] refer to 9A to 9D , the example material layers of brackets 900A to 900D can prevent stray light from entering a camera mounted on bracket 106. Brackets 900A to 900D are similar to Figure 1A In some embodiments, the flocking material layers 904A, 904B may include 9A to 9D The flocked fiber material 902 shown in FIG. 1 may be used for the glare shield and / or sidewalls (e.g., Figure 4B 400B) for glare mitigation. In some examples, the flocked fiber material 902 can be made of cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyamide, viscose, or any other suitable flocking material. Fig. 9A , the support 900A may include a support material layer 502, a heating element 506 and a flocking material layer 904A. In the material layer of the support 900A, Fig. 9A The support material layer 502 and the heating element 506 in FIG. 5 are substantially similar to Figure 5 906. In some examples, the heating element 506 can be disposed between the support material layer 502 and the adhesive layer 906. In other examples, the heating element 506 on the support material layer 502 can increase the temperature of the glass disposed on or above the heating element 506. In some embodiments, the flocking material layer 904A can include a flocking fiber material 902, a flocking adhesive 906, and a substrate 908. The flocking fiber material 902 can be attached to the substrate 908 via the flocking adhesive 906. The flocking material layer 904A can be attached to the heating element 506. In some embodiments, the flocking material layer 904A can be used for the glare shield 410 and / or the sidewall 412 ( Figure 4B ) to reduce glare in the bracket 106.

[0051] refer to Fig. 9B Another embodiment of the support 900B may include a support material layer 502 and a flocking material layer 904A. Fig. 9A The bracket 900A is different. Fig. 9B The support 106 in does not include the heating element 506. Therefore, the flocking material layer 904A is directly attached to the support material layer 502. In some embodiments, the flocking material layer 904A includes flocking fiber material 902, flocking adhesive 906, and substrate 908.

[0052] refer to Fig. 9C Another embodiment of the support 900C may include a support material layer 502, a heating element 506, and a flocking material layer 904B. Fig. 9C In the embodiment of the present invention, the flocking material layer 904B includes the flocking fiber material 902 and the flocking adhesive 906, without a substrate. Fig. 9C The flocking adhesive 906 of the flocking material layer 904B is directly attached to the heating element 506.

[0053] refer to Fig.9D Another embodiment of the support 900D may include a support material layer 502 and a flocking material layer 904B. Fig. 9C The bracket 106 in is different, Fig.9D The support 900D in FIG. 5 does not include the heating element 506. Therefore, the flocking material layer 904B is directly attached to the support material layer 502. In some embodiments, the flocking material layer 904A includes flocking fiber material 902 and flocking adhesive 906 without a backing 908. Therefore, Fig.9D The flocking adhesive 906 of the flocking material layer 904B in FIG. 5 is directly attached to the support material layer 502 .

[0054] refer to Fig.10 , except flocking material ( 9A to 9D In addition to flocking materials (such as glare mitigation materials), glare mitigation material 1002 can also prevent stray light from entering the camera on bracket 106. In some embodiments, the example material layers for bracket 1000 can be used for a glare shield and / or sidewalls of bracket 1000 (e.g., Figure 4B The bracket 1000 may include a bracket material layer 502, a heating element 506, an adhesive layer, and / or a glare mitigation material 1002. In the material layer of the bracket 106, Fig.10 The support material layer 502 and the heating element 506 in FIG. 5 are substantially similar to Figure 5 1000 and the support material layer 502 and the heating element 506. In some examples, the fiber material layer may include a glare reduction material 1002. The fiber material layer may include a coating layer (e.g., paint, ink, etc.) on the support material layer 502 to reduce glare. In other examples, the fiber material layer may include at least one of the following: a felt fiber material, a non-woven material, a microfiber material, a cloth fiber material, or any other suitable material to reduce stray light entering a camera mounted on the support 106. In some examples, the glare reduction material 1002 may be attached to the heating element 506, which is attached to the support material layer 502. In other examples, the glare reduction material 1002 may be attached directly to the support material layer 502 without using a heating element 506 between the glare reduction material 1002 and the support material layer 502. In further embodiments, the glare reduction material 1002 may be applied to the surface of the glare shield and / or sidewall of the support 1000.

[0055] refer to Fig.11 , the support heating system 1100 operates the heating element 1102 of the camera support 1004 at an optimized power level to achieve rapid defrosting and / or minimum overall power consumption regardless of the power supply current limitation. In some embodiments, the camera support 1004 is similar to Figure 1ACamera bracket 106 in. Although some advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) heaters can defrost the windshield of the vehicle, the time for the ADAS heater to heat and clear the field of view of the sensor is directly affected by the heating power of the system, which is limited by the electrical power available to the heater. In most ADAS heating systems, the available current is limited due to the wiring system capacity or standard automotive DC (e.g., 12v to 13.5v). This supply current limitation results in limited energy availability (especially in the case of vehicles with battery electric powertrains). However, the defrost system uses an energy conversion process from electrical energy to thermal energy, and the thermal energy is transferred to the frost / transferred to the frost via conduction, infrared radiation, or convection. Since the melting heat of the frost (the energy required to convert a substance from a solid state to a liquid state) is a constant, which is sometimes greater than the wiring system capacity, the power of the ADAS defrost system is limited and may not have the optimal power level to effectively transfer thermal energy to the frost. The bracket heating system 1100 can address one or more of these shortcomings.

[0056] The support heating system 1100 includes a heating element 1102 on or in the camera support 1104, a local energy storage unit 1106, and a local integrated controller 1108. In some embodiments, the camera support 1104 includes the heating element 1102, the glare shield 1110, and / or the sidewall 1112. In some embodiments, the glare shield 1110 and the sidewall 1112 of the camera support 1104 are substantially similar to Figure 4B The heating element 1102 is attached to the glare shield 1110 and / or the side wall 1112 of the camera support 400B in FIG. Fig.11 The heating element 1102, glare shield 1110 and sidewall 1112 in FIG. 1 are substantially similar to Figure 4B The heating elements 402, 404, the glare shield 1110 and the sidewall 1112. The heating element 1102 is electrically connected to the local energy storage unit 1106 and controlled by the local integrated controller 1108.

[0057] In some embodiments, a local energy storage unit 1106 using an integrated controller 1108 can collect energy via a limited current power connection 1114 (e.g., +12.5v DC) during vehicle operation or vehicle charging. In other embodiments, the integrated controller 1108 can operate the heating element 1102 (e.g., based on environmental conditions, local sensor inputs, and / or signals received via network communication 1116). The local energy storage unit 1106 can provide power directly to the heating element 1102. Therefore, the heating element 1102 does not have to be limited by limited wiring capacity to support the maximum current level or predefined DC provided by the main energy storage unit 1114. The local energy storage unit 1106 can provide increased power to the heating element 1102 to reduce defrost time or provide reduced power to the heating element 1102. Therefore, the local energy storage unit 1106 using the integrated controller 1108 can use the collected energy (using predefined DC) to provide adaptable and optimized power to the heating element 1102. In some embodiments, the local energy storage unit 1106 can be any type of battery (e.g., FiFePo, NiMH, etc.) or any type of capacitor, supercapacitor, capacitor / battery hybrid, or any other suitable device for storing energy.

[0058] In further embodiments, the integrated controller 1108 can calculate an optimal power level and control the power level to be provided from the local energy storage unit 1106 to the heating element 1102. For example, the integrated controller 1108 can calculate the optimal power level based on any suitable parameters (e.g., outside temperature, inside temperature, thickness of glass to be defrosted, type of glass, time, location, etc.). In some examples, the integrated controller 1108 can include suitable network communications (e.g., local interconnect network (LIN) communications, controller area network (CAN) communications, etc.) to send and receive information (outside temperature, inside temperature, battery charge state, energy consumed, etc.) from other vehicle systems. The integrated controller 1108 can further receive external control signals from other vehicle systems and / or configure cooperative control with other vehicle systems.

[0059] In other embodiments, the rack heating system 1100 may further include a photovoltaic element ( Fig.11 ). Thus, at least a portion of the thermal energy generated for defrosting the glass may be stored in the local energy storage unit 1106 for use for a suitable purpose.

[0060] refer to Fig. 12A, terminal 1200A is configured to connect and disconnect the heating element 1202 of the camera support 1204 from the electrical component. In some embodiments, the camera support 1204 and the heating element 1202 are similar to Figure 1A The camera bracket 106 and Figure 4A To the heating elements 402, 404, 418 in FIG. 4C. In some embodiments, the terminal 1200A includes a connector 1206 and a socket 1208. The connector 1206 is configured to connect to the heating element 1202. For example, the heating element 1202 includes a flexible substrate and has a conductive trace. In some embodiments, the connector 1206 of the terminal 1200A can be attached to the flexible substrate to provide current from a power source to the conductive trace of the heating element 1202). To facilitate the connection of the connector 1206 to the flexible substrate, the connector 1206 can include a flat conductive sheet having one or more holes 1210. For example, the one or more holes 1210 can be fastened to one or more conductive protrusions (the one or more conductive protrusions are connected to the conductive traces of the heating element 1202). The connector 1206 can be made of any suitable (one or more) conductive material (e.g., aluminum, steel, iron, gold, silver, etc.). The connector 1206 is connected to the socket 1208 to receive current and / or electrical signals from the socket 1208 or to provide current and / or electrical signals to the socket. The socket 1208 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical component (e.g., one or more of a wire, a wiring harness, etc.) and disconnected from the electrical component (e.g., removable). Therefore, the electrical conductor can be fastened to the terminal 1200A and can be removed from the terminal 1200A at the same time. For example, the socket 1208 can receive a wiring harness connecting multiple wires to provide current from the multiple wires to the heating element 1202. In other embodiments, the socket 1208 can use a suitable locking mechanism (such as a snap, a lock, a locking foot, etc.) to securely fix the electrical conductor to the socket 1208 and enable the electrical conductor to be disconnected from the socket 1208. In other embodiments, the connector 1206 can be connected to the electrical component to receive current from a power source, and the socket 1208 can be connected to the heating element 1202 to provide current to the conductive traces of the heating element 1202. It should be understood that the terminal 1200A is not limited to connection to the heating element 1202. For example, the terminal 1200A using the socket 1208 can be electrically connected to or disconnected from any suitable electrical component.

[0061] refer to Fig. 12B, the terminal 1200B can be configured to permanently connect the heating element 1202 in the camera support 1204 to the electrical component. In some embodiments, the terminal 1200B includes a base 1212 and one or more prongs 1214 (e.g., sharp protrusions) connected to the base 1212. The one or more prongs 1214 can pierce the flexible base of the heating element 1202 so that the base 1212 or the one or more prongs 1214 contact the conductive traces of the heating element 1202. After the piercing operation is completed, the one or more prongs 1214 can be folded to fix the base 1212 or the one or more prongs 1214 to the conductive traces of the heating element 1202. In some embodiments, the base 1212 of the terminal 1200B is placed on one surface of the heating element 1202, and the folded one or more prongs 1214 are placed on the opposite surface of the heating element 1202 to fasten the terminal 1200B to the heating element 1202. In other embodiments, one or more tines 1214 are folded toward the base 1212 or toward the outside of the base 1212. In other embodiments, the terminal 1200B can be made of any suitable conductive material (e.g., aluminum, steel, iron, gold, silver, etc.). In other embodiments, the terminal 1200B is attached to one or more wires 1216 to carry current from a power source. In some other embodiments, the terminal 1200B can also be used to connect to an electrical component (e.g., a power source). It should be understood that the terminal 1200B is not limited to being connected to the heating element 1202. For example, the terminal 1200B can electrically connect two or more conductive traces on any suitable circuit carrier (e.g., a flexible substrate).

[0062] refer to Fig.13 , the terminal 1300 can be configured to connect the flexible substrate 1302 (eg, Figure 1A The terminal 1300 can be electrically connected to an electrical component 1304 (e.g., a power source) without the use of wires. In some embodiments, the terminal 1300 includes a connecting end 1306, an intermediate section 1308, and a crimping end 1310. The connecting end 1306 can be received by the housing 206 or receive a housing that is connected to the electrical component 1304. The intermediate section 1308 can provide the necessary mechanical integrity to prevent damage to the terminal 1300 in the absence of a wire between the connecting end 1306 and the crimping end 1310. Therefore, the intermediate section 1308 can prevent fatigue and fracture of the connection between the connecting end 1306 and the crimping end 1310. The crimping end 1310 includes one or more prongs 1314 to secure the terminal 1300 to the flexible substrate 1302. In some embodiments, the crimping end 1302 is substantially similar to Fig. 12BIn some embodiments, the connecting end 1306, the intermediate section 1308, and the crimping end 1310 are conductive and formed as a single integral component. In other embodiments, the connecting end 1306, the intermediate section 1308, and the crimping end 1310 are separate components to be assembled together. The terminal 1300 is used in a similar Figure 1A However, it should be understood that the terminal 1300 is not limited to the bracket assembly. The terminal 1300 can be used for any electrical connection.

[0063] In some examples, an electrical connector can electrically connect two or more conductive traces on a flexible substrate (e.g., a heating element of a camera support). In some embodiments, the electrical connector has a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or any suitable shape. The electrical connector is made of a conductive material and can be positioned on two or more overlapping conductive traces. Then, a force is applied toward the conductive traces in one direction. In some embodiments, a fixture can be disposed below the conductive traces to form a bottom side of the electrical connector so that the conductive traces and the electrical connector are electrically and mechanically fastened together as a whole. In other embodiments, the electrical connector can be used to form a circuit between two flexible substrates by pushing the two flexible substrates by an electrical connector on one flexible substrate and a fixture on another flexible substrate.

[0064] refer to Fig.14 , another embodiment of a bracket assembly 1400 is shown, which has a bracket body 1402 with leads 1404 applied to or formed on the bracket body 1502. The bracket assembly 1400 is substantially similar to the bracket assembly 100 (see FIG. 1) except for the components discussed herein. The leads 1404 of the bracket assembly 1400 form a circuit 1406 on the bracket body 1402 for establishing an electrical connection between an electrical device (e.g., a rain sensor, a camera, a heating element, etc.). In other embodiments, the leads 1404 are connected to a heating element to control the heating element (e.g., in a camera bracket 1408).

[0065] refer to Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , shows an embodiment with a hinge 1502. In some examples, the hinge 1502 can be provided on the bracket assembly 100, such as Fig.15A15 . However, hinge 1502 can be used in any other component or device. In some examples, device 1504 can be inserted onto or into hinge 1502. In some examples, hinge 1502 can include an electrical connection and the hinge is electrically connected to a circuit in or on support body 102 when device 1504 is inserted onto or into hinge 1502. In some examples, the circuit can be a flexible circuit or any suitable circuit on or in support body 102. In some examples, hinge 1502 connected to device 1504 can move device 1504 based on joint 1506 of hinge 1504. In some examples, hinge 1502 can include: a first member 1508, which is configured to be connected to device 1504; a second member (not shown in FIG. 15 ), which is configured to be connected to support body 102; and a joint 1506, which connects first member 1508 and second member so that the first member and second member can rotate relative to each other around joint 1506. In other examples, the second member can be part of the support body 102. Thus, the device can be easily inserted into the hinge 1502 at a certain angle relative to the surface of the support body 102. For example, the device can be inserted at a 45-degree angle, a 30-degree angle, a 60-degree angle, or any suitable angle relative to the support body 102. In other examples, after the device is inserted onto or into the hinge 1504, the device 1504 can be moved toward the surface of the support body 102 to be fixed to the support body 102. In some examples, the user can push the device 1504 toward the support body 102 until the fastener (e.g., a retaining clip) between the support body 102 and the device 1504 engages.

[0066] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in the text and / or the accompanying drawings or apparent from the text and / or the accompanying drawings. All of these different combinations constitute a variety of different alternative aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although the present invention has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations to the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication is individually incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A bracket, comprising: Scaffold material layer; as well as a cellular foam body attached to the support material layer for directing heat from the heating element toward the glass, Wherein, the heating element is attached to the cell foam body for increasing the temperature of glass disposed on or above the heating element.

2. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein: The cell foam includes at least one of a closed cell foam or an open cell foam.

3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein: The closed-cell foam comprises a plurality of isolated pores, and Wherein, the open-cell foam comprises a plurality of pores connected to each other.

4. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein: The closed-cell foam includes one or more cavities to form a non-uniform surface.

5. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein: The cellular foam is made of a rubber compound.

6. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein: The glass is disposed above the heating element, The glass is heated by transferring heat from the heating element to the glass by convection.

7. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein: The glass is disposed on the heating element to heat the glass by conduction.

8. A bracket, comprising: a layer of support material comprising a plurality of openings for directing heat from the heating element towards the glass, The heating element is arranged on the support material layer to increase the temperature of the glass arranged on or above the heating element.

9. The stent of claim 8, further comprising: An adhesive layer is attached between the heating element and the support material layer for directing heat from the heating element toward the glass.

10. The bracket according to claim 8, wherein: Each opening of the plurality of openings comprises an aperture through the layer of support material and the heating element.

11. The bracket according to claim 8, wherein: Each opening of the plurality of openings includes a cavity on a surface of the scaffolding material layer that is disposed on the heating element.

12. The bracket according to claim 11, wherein: The scaffold material layer further comprises a plurality of ribs on a surface of the scaffold material layer, wherein the plurality of openings are formed by the plurality of ribs, and Wherein, the plurality of ribs of the support material layer are attached to the heating element.

13. The bracket according to claim 12, wherein: The plurality of openings formed by the plurality of ribs have a grid shape, and Wherein, each of the plurality of openings has a polygonal shape.

14. The bracket according to claim 8, wherein: The support material layer includes a glare shield panel and a side wall attached to the glare shield panel, and Wherein, the plurality of openings are disposed on at least one of the glare protection cover panel or the side wall.

15. A bracket, comprising: Scaffold material layer; an adhesive layer attached to the scaffold material layer; as well as A fiber material layer is attached to the support material layer via the adhesive layer for reducing glare on the support material layer.

16. The stent of claim 15, further comprising: A coating layer for reducing glare is provided on the support material layer.

17. The stent of claim 15, further comprising: A heating element is disposed between the scaffold material layer and the adhesive layer.

18. The bracket according to claim 17, wherein: The heating element on the support material layer is configured to increase the temperature of the glass disposed on or over the heating element.

19. The stent according to claim 15, wherein: The layer of fibrous material comprises flocked fibrous material.

20. The stent of claim 19, wherein: The fiber material layer includes at least one of a felt fiber material, a micro fiber material, or a cloth fiber material.

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