Vehicle Camera Bracket with Spring Preload Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for motor vehicles face challenges in safe and accurate mounting, leading to potential misalignment and instability, which can affect the reliability of driver assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A camera device comprising a bracket element with guiding and locking spring elements that preload pins to securely fix the camera element in place, preventing rotation and ensuring correct mounting, with the bracket and case designed to eliminate incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the mounting process is simple, but the mounting reliability and positioning accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring elements that provide dynamic elastic force to continuously press the camera element against the bracket element, ensuring reliable contact and positioning while accommodating minor dimensional variations. This dynamic mechanism enhances mounting reliability without requiring overly complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically adjust to the camera element's position through elastic deformation, providing self-aligning and self-compensating functionality. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable mounting while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If the camera element is loosely mounted, then the mounting structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-loaded to exert a constant pressing force on the camera element before any misalignment occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the camera element is continuously pressed against the bracket element with sufficient force to maintain accurate positioning, preventing rotation and displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of spring elements to transform the fixing mechanism from a rigid, all-or-nothing connection to a flexible system with continuous contact force. By changing the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastic, the system achieves both simple structure and high positioning accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixing points are used, then the anti-rotation capability is improved, but the mounting time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent spring elements distributed at different positions on the bracket element. Each spring element independently presses the camera element at its location, collectively providing comprehensive anti-rotation stability. This segmentation allows for simple one-handed installation while maintaining high stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spring elements automatically self-adjust to the camera element's position through elastic deformation, providing self-aligning functionality at each contact point. This self-service mechanism ensures that all fixing points engage simultaneously during a single mounting motion, reducing mounting time while maintaining anti-rotation stability.
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 fast, reliable, and secure mounting method that ensures the camera element is always positioned correctly, enhancing the stability and accuracy of image data capture for driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
the spring elements have elastic spring sections which are configured to preload the respective pins against the respective rest sections
Data Source
Figure 1~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention concerns a camera device (1) and a method for mounting a camera system (1) for a vehicle, comprising a bracket element (2) and a camera element (3), wherein the bracket element (2) has a plurality of rest sections (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) which are configured to receive at least one respective guiding pin (6a, 6b) and at least one respective locking pin (14a, 14b) arranged on a case (10) of the camera element (3), wherein the bracket element (2) further comprises at least one guiding spring element (4a, 4b) and at least one locking spring element (15a, 15b), wherein the spring elements (4a, 4b, 15a, 15b) have respective elastic spring sections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) which are configured to preload the respective pins (6a, 6b, 14a, 14b) against the respective rest sections (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) during a mounting process of the camera device (1) in order to fix the position of the camera element (3) within the bracket element (2).