Low-Profile Camera Actuator With Double Detent Manual Override
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular vision systems face challenges in providing a compact and efficient mechanism for pivoting wing-mounted cameras between drive and park positions, requiring a solution that balances mechanical simplicity, reliability, and low profile design while enabling both motor-driven and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A powerfold actuator with a double detent design and internal biasing element, such as a wave spring, is used to pivot the wing-mounted camera between drive and park positions, featuring a self-contained, compact structure with a spur gear reduction for added strength and reduced wear, allowing for both motor-driven and manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional actuator design is used for pivoting the camera wing, then the mechanism can provide sufficient strength and reliability, but the profile height increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is positioned within the cavity of the output gear, and the middle detent element is also disposed within the output gear cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the biasing element and detent components to occupy the same spatial envelope as the gear itself, eliminating the need for additional external space and achieving a low profile actuator design while maintaining all necessary functional components
Solution Approach 2:
The detent elements are arranged axially along the pivot post base structure, utilizing the axial dimension rather than requiring additional radial or lateral space. The upper and lower detent interfaces are stacked vertically, allowing the mechanism to achieve its detent functionality within a compact height by exploiting the third dimension (axial direction) for component arrangement
2Length of moving object
If a compact actuator design is used, then the profile is reduced, but the mechanism may lack sufficient strength and wear resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring replaces traditional coil springs or other biasing mechanisms, providing the necessary elastic force while occupying minimal space. The spur gear reduction mechanism is integrated directly into the actuator housing, providing mechanical advantage and wear resistance without requiring separate external gear assemblies, thus maintaining strength while reducing overall profile
3Device complexity
If a simple detent design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both lift and turn action is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The output gear serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the spur gear reduction for mechanical advantage, houses the wave spring biasing element within its cavity, accommodates the middle detent element, and engages with both the upper and lower detent interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single component to enable both lift and turn actions without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
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 reliable, low-profile, and efficient mechanism for pivoting the camera wing, reducing stress on seals and improving longevity by allowing flexible gear train design and reduced motor 'click' noise, while enabling easy manual pivoting and automatic return to nominal positions.
Implementation Method 1
an internal or integrated biasing element (such as a wave spring) pressing upward on the middle detent element to engage the middle detent element with an upper detent surface
Implementation Method 2
featuring a self-contained, compact structure with a spur gear reduction for added strength and reduced wear
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular imaging system includes a camera device disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. The camera device includes a pivotable arm that accommodates a camera. The pivotable arm is pivotally mounted at a mounting base at the vehicle and is pivotable between at least a drive position and a folded position. An actuator includes a pivot post structure attached to the mounting base and an output gear disposed at the pivot post structure, the actuator operable to pivot the pivotable arm about the output gear. The actuator includes a primary detent that is engaged to maintain the pivotable arm at the drive position when the pivotable arm is pivoted to the drive position. The actuator includes a secondary detent that is disengaged when the pivotable arm is manually pivoted between the folded position and the drive position.