Camera Arm Planetary Gearing for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid camera arm arrangements for camera-based mirror substitute systems in motor vehicles lack adequate protection against external mechanical forces and impact loads, which can damage the cameras and associated modules, and do not provide optimal image coverage.
Innovation Solution
A camera arm with a pivoting mechanism using planetary gearing that allows the camera to move in a cycloid curve, enabling flexibility and robustness by allowing movement about multiple axes, incorporating additional structural elements and potentially multiple cameras or sensors for enhanced protection and image capture capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fastenings are used to mount cameras on vehicle bodies, then the cameras are securely fixed in position, but they become sensitive to damaging mechanical forces, impact loads, and shock loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fastenings with a pivoting mechanism that allows the camera arm to move dynamically. The planetary gearing enables the second structural element to pivot relative to the first, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic system that can absorb and adapt to external forces through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance.
2Ease of operation
If cameras are mounted directly on the vehicle body, then the installation is simple and compact, but the field of view is limited and inadequate for mirror substitute functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by extending the camera mounting from the vehicle body surface into the spatial dimension using a telescopic and pivoting arm mechanism. The camera arm can extend outward from the vehicle body and pivot to position the camera at optimal locations, thereby expanding the field of view while maintaining a compact stowed configuration during normal vehicle operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera arm is made rigid to maintain a fixed camera position for optimal image capture, then image quality is consistent, but the camera arm cannot absorb external forces and is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the beforehand cushioning principle by designing the pivoting mechanism with planetary gearing that can absorb and cushion external forces before they reach the camera. The mechanical flexibility built into the system acts as a protective element that preemptively handles impact and shock loads, preventing damage to the camera while maintaining image quality through controlled movement rather than rigid failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera arm of a camera-based mirror substitute system for a motor vehicle comprises a first structural element for connecting the camera arm to a motor vehicle and a second structural element which comprises at least one camera, the second structural element being pivotable in relation to the first structural element. In order to provide a fastening for cameras of camera monitor systems for mirror substitution in motor vehicles, said fastening offering improved protection against external damaging influences on the fastening and on all elements, devices and modules, in particular cameras, arranged thereon, and enabling an optimum image area of the camera, it is proposed that the second structural element and the first structural element are connected to one another by way of a pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism comprising a planetary gearing.