Vehicle Camera Bracket with Elastic Lateral Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera brackets for vehicles lack a secure and precise mounting mechanism, often allowing for incorrect positioning of cameras, which can affect the functionality of sensors like high beam light assist, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection.
Innovation Solution
A camera bracket with lateral and perpendicular elastic elements that press the sensor case towards abutting portions, ensuring correct positioning and secure fastening through frictional engagement, preventing incorrect mounting and stabilizing the camera across multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple bracket structure is used for mounting the camera, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mounting precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional components: a mounting plate for vehicle attachment, a camera holder for positioning the camera, and elastic elements for applying mounting force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic elements are introduced to provide dynamic mounting force that automatically adjusts to ensure precise positioning. The elastic elements deform under compression to exert a mounting force on the camera holder, creating a self-adjusting mechanism that maintains positioning precision without complex active control
2Reliability
If a secure mounting mechanism with elastic elements is used, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements automatically generate mounting force through their elastic deformation when compressed between the mounting plate and the camera holder. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control systems to maintain reliable mounting, achieving high reliability through passive elastic force
3Manufacturing precision
If reference surfaces and bolts are used for precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional bolt-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with an elastic element-based system. The elastic elements provide continuous mounting force without requiring threading, tightening, or complex assembly procedures. This substitution maintains positioning precision through the elastic force while dramatically simplifying the mounting operation to a single insertion and compression action
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 simple and effective method for securely fastening the camera, ensuring correct positioning and stability, thereby enhancing the functionality of vehicle sensors and preventing incorrect placement, even on rough terrains.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket unit comprises one or more bracket socket portions, one or more bracket lateral elastic elements, and one or more bracket-abutting portions... The bracket elastic lateral elements then essentially press the sensor case towards the bracket-abutting portions
Implementation Method 2
The sensor case later frictionally engages with the bracket-abutting portion. In this manner, the sensor case is fastened onto the bracket unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The application provides a sensor module for a vehicle. The sensor module includes a sensor case (1) and a bracket unit (2). The sensor case includes one or more sensor case protrusions (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) being provided at a side of the sensor case. The bracket unit includes one or more bracket socket portions (2a, 2d), a bracket lateral elastic element (5), and one or more bracket-abutting portions (2b, 2c). The bracket socket portion is used for receiving the sensor case protrusion. The bracket socket portion and the bracket lateral elastic element are provided at a first side of the bracket unit. The bracket-abutting portions are provided at a second side of the bracket unit, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side. The sensor module provides a mounting position, wherein the bracket socket portion receives the sensor case protrusion, the bracket elastic lateral element presses the sensor case in a lateral direction that extends between the first side and the second side of the bracket unit, and the sensor case is frictionally engaged with the bracket-abutting portion.