Cabin Camera Headliner Mount With Hinged Retention Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems for autonomous vehicles lack versatility and ease of installation, as they do not accommodate variations in vehicle headliner thickness and require specialized tools for removal, which complicates maintenance and universal compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly featuring a headliner mount with hingably coupled retention members that move between stowed and deployed positions to securely attach to the vehicle headliner, allowing the camera housing to be easily installed and removed without visible retention members, and accommodating different headliner thicknesses using living hinges and standard automotive trim removal tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing camera mounting systems are used, then the camera can be mounted to the headliner, but specialized tools are required for removal and the system does not accommodate variations in headliner thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different headliner thicknesses. The retention members can flex and adjust their configuration based on the specific thickness encountered, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its physical parameters (retention member position and configuration) to accommodate variations in headliner thickness. By allowing the retention members to move between stowed and deployed positions, the mounting assembly can adjust to different thickness parameters without requiring specialized installation or removal tools.
2Reliability
If retention members are visible during installation, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the headliner is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members dynamically transition between visible and hidden states. During installation, they are in the deployed position to provide secure attachment. Once installed, they can be moved to the stowed position to become invisible, thus maintaining both reliability and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention members are extracted from the visible field when not in use. By designing them to be movable and stowable, the system separates the functional aspect (secure attachment when deployed) from the aesthetic aspect (clean appearance when stowed), effectively hiding the retention mechanism when it is not actively being installed or adjusted.
3Reliability
If the mounting system is designed for secure attachment, then the camera remains firmly positioned, but frequent removal for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retention members allow the mounting system to switch between a locked state (firm positioning during operation) and an unlocked state (easy removal for maintenance). The dynamic nature of the retention members enables them to provide strong holding force when deployed while allowing straightforward release when moved to the stowed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components with movable retention members that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to be released without affecting the entire mounting structure, facilitating easy removal of the camera for maintenance while maintaining firm positioning during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a universal mounting system for autonomous vehicle cameras, ensuring secure attachment to various headliners, facilitating frequent removal for maintenance, and eliminating the need for specialized tools, thus enhancing installation ease and compatibility across different vehicle models.
Implementation Method 1
accommodating different headliner thicknesses using living hinges
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for a cabin camera is provided. The mounting assembly includes a camera housing for the camera. The mounting assembly further includes a headliner mount removably coupled to the camera housing. The headliner mount includes a base and one or more retention members hingably coupled to the base. The one or more retention members are movable relative to the base to selectively secure the headliner mount to a headliner of a vehicle.