In-Vehicle Camera Bracket With Leaf Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting in-vehicle cameras on vehicle window glass can result in precision deterioration due to the application of a large load before the adhesive between the glass and the vehicle body has fully hardened, leading to unstable installation during the vehicle assembly process.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle image capturing device with a bracket that is bonded to the window glass using an adhesive, allowing the camera to be mounted securely without applying excessive load, utilizing a three-point support system with shaft portions and a leaf spring mechanism to maintain alignment and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the in-vehicle camera is mounted on the window glass by pressing the glass with the camera, then the camera can be fixed to the window glass, but a large load is applied to the window glass which may break the positional relation between the window glass and the vehicle body portion when the adhesive is not completely hardened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into multiple support points (first support portion, second support portion, and third support portion) distributed across the bracket. This segmentation distributes the mounting load across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at a single point, reducing the risk of displacing the window glass from the vehicle body during the adhesive hardening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with specific local structural features including recessed portions that receive the camera and elastic bodies (leaf springs) that provide flexible support. These local quality enhancements allow the bracket to securely hold the camera while accommodating minor variations in glass positioning without applying excessive concentrated loads.
2Productivity
If the camera is mounted early in the assembly process before the adhesive hardens, then the vehicle assembly process becomes more efficient, but the positional relation between the window glass and vehicle body may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates elastic bodies (leaf springs) as cushioning elements that absorb and distribute mounting loads. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the adhesive bond between the window glass and vehicle body during the early mounting phase, allowing efficient assembly procedures while preventing precision deterioration through the compliant support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the camera and the window glass/vehicle body assembly. It provides a stable mounting platform that distributes loads and protects the adhesive bond, enabling early camera installation without compromising the structural integrity or positional precision of the glass-to-body connection.
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 precise and stable mounting of the in-vehicle camera on the window glass without compromising the positional relation between the glass and the vehicle body, ensuring efficient assembly and maintaining the camera's optical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a bracket (13) bonded to a window glass (12) of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a structure including at least one leaf spring (14) made of an elastic body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an in-vehicle image capturing device which can be mounted on window glass of a vehicle without involving deterioration in precision of installation. The in-vehicle imaging device is characterized by comprising an image capturing unit which captures an image, and a holding part which includes a shielding section for partially shielding the imaging unit and which holds the image capturing unit, wherein: the holding part is bonded to window glass in advance; the image capturing unit includes a supported section which is supported by the holding part; and the holding part includes a guiding section for guiding the supported section toward a first direction in which the image capturing unit approaches the shielding section, and a supporting section for supporting the supported section and for restricting movement, in the first direction, of the supported section that has been guided by the guiding section.