Camera Mounting Bracket With Sliding Ramps and Flexible Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera mounting devices for vehicles lack easy assembly and disassembly, and often fail to effectively block the camera from vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A camera support bracket with a flat plate made of reinforced thermoplastic, featuring ramps for sliding and stop means to limit translation, along with flexible abutment tabs to block the camera, and three-dimensional external ribs to absorb play, ensuring secure mounting and easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a camera mounting device is designed to be secure and stable, then the camera is effectively blocked from vibrations, but the assembly and disassembly processes become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera stabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device incorporates a dynamic mechanism where the support element can transition between a first configuration (engaging with the camera to secure it) and a second configuration (releasing the camera for removal). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to provide both secure mounting and easy disassembly without requiring multiple components or complex tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a camera mounting device uses rigid fixing structures, then the camera is securely attached to the windshield, but the device cannot absorb vibrations and play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidvibrations and play
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support element changes its physical parameters (shape, orientation, engagement state) to adapt to different operational requirements. By transforming between configurations, it can provide rigid support when needed while also absorbing vibrations and play through its flexible, multi-position design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device combines rigid components (for structural strength and secure attachment) with flexible elements (the transformable support element that can absorb vibrations and play). This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve both strong attachment and vibration damping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If a camera mounting device is designed for easy removal, then the camera can be quickly detached, but the mounting structure becomes complex requiring additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera removal easeVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single support element's ability to dynamically transform between configurations provides the removal mechanism without requiring separate locking/unlocking components. The same element that secures the camera also enables its removal through configuration change, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for easy mounting and removal of the camera while effectively blocking vibrations, providing a secure and stable attachment to the windshield.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flexible abutment tab capable of blocking the camera in contact, once said camera is mounted on the plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said ramps comprise three-dimensional external ribs on their sliding surface, which makes it possible to absorb any play

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3774450B1Means for fixing a camera to the windscreen of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 RENAULT SA
  • EP3774450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3774450B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3774450B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a support (S) for attaching a camera to a motor vehicle windscreen comprising a planar plate (P) intended to be attached to the windscreen, the plate (P) being made from composite material comprising a reinforced thermoplastic, the plate (P) being characterised in that it comprises, on its face opposite its face suitable for being in contact with the windscreen: - ramps (Rsup, Rinf) suitable for allowing the camera to slide when it is being mounted, at least a portion of said ramps (Rsup, Rinf) being suitable for being in contact with the camera once mounted, - abutment means, including at least one abutment means associated with one of said ramps (Rsup, Rinf) in order to limit the translational movement of said camera and at least one other abutment means that is at least one flexible abutment tab (LF) capable of immobilising the camera in contact once mounted on the plate (P).