Self-Calibrating Camera Alignment Using Electroactive Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems in automotive vehicles face challenges in precision alignment and calibration due to material creep, warping, and mechanical stress, making future adjustments or recalibrations impossible, leading to suboptimal performance and increased replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera system incorporating an electroactive polymer that allows for relative movement between the sensor and lens, enabled by a controller that adjusts electrical energy to maintain or recalibrate the camera's alignment, using a substrate and housing with resilient members to facilitate adjustments in distance and tilt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the lens and sensor are cured in position using known techniques, then the alignment precision is achieved, but future adjustment or recalibration becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static cured alignment system with a dynamic electroactive polymer-based adjustment mechanism. The electroactive polymer allows the lens and sensor to be repositioned electrically, transforming the system from fixed to adjustable, thereby enabling both precise initial alignment and future recalibration without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical curing process with an electroactive polymer system. Instead of using mechanical fixtures and cure cycles to secure components, the invention uses electrically controllable polymer actuation to achieve and maintain alignment, replacing a permanent mechanical bond with a reversible electro-mechanical system.
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive specialized equipment is used for alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the camera system to perform its own calibration using the electroactive polymer mechanism. The system can automatically adjust the lens-sensor alignment electrically without requiring external specialized calibration equipment, making the calibration process intrinsic to the device rather than dependent on external complex machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state or parameters of the alignment system by using electroactive polymer that responds to electrical stimuli. This allows alignment to be achieved and adjusted through electrical parameter control rather than mechanical positioning, simplifying the equipment needed while maintaining precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera components are secured in fixed position, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for material creep and environmental changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by enabling the system to detect calibration drift caused by environmental factors and mechanically shock, then use the electroactive polymer to correct the misalignment. This closed-loop capability allows the camera to maintain reliability over time by actively compensating for disturbances rather than passively accepting degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating the electroactive polymer mechanism that can preemptively or reactively compensate for expected environmental variations and material creep. Rather than allowing calibration to fail, the system has built-in capability to counteract these effects, cushioning against their impact on performance.
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
Enables regular recalibration of camera systems during their service life, maintaining optimal performance and reducing replacement costs by allowing adjustments for changes caused by environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an electroactive polymer selectively causes relative movement between the sensor and the lens... a space occupied by the electroactive polymer changes responsive to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one resilient member associated with the substrate for allowing relative movement between the substrate and the reaction surface as the electroactive polymer reacts against the reaction surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An illustrative example camera device (20) includes a substrate (36) and a sensor (34) supported on the substrate (36). The sensor (34) is configured to gather image information. A lens (32) is situated near the sensor (34) and an electroactive polymer (40) selectively causes relative movement between the sensor (34) and the lens (32).