Driver Monitoring Camera Bridge Assembly for PCB Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver monitoring systems face challenges in assembly complexity due to wire connections between printed circuit boards and require numerous parts, making automatic assembly difficult.

Innovation Solution

A vision camera design with integrated electrical connectors in a bridge that allows for automatic assembly by eliminating screw connections and reducing the number of parts, featuring a housing with embedded and overmolded connectors that establish electrical contact during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire connections and screw connections are used between printed circuit boards, then reliable electrical connections are established, but assembly complexity increases and automatic assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (printed circuit boards, wire connections, and screw connections) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing itself serves as the mechanical support structure and simultaneously provides integrated electrical connectors, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and screw fastenings between multiple PCBs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, houses the optical components, and integrates the electrical connection system. The electrical connectors are built into the housing structure, allowing the housing to serve both as a structural element and as an electrical interconnection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate printed circuit boards with connectors are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the total number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidtotal number of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate printed circuit boards into a single integrated housing structure. Instead of having separate PCBs with individual connectors, the housing itself is designed as a single piece that incorporates all necessary electrical connection points and structural support, thereby reducing the total part count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across multiple components: mechanical support, electrical connection, and component mounting. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connectors and fasteners, reducing the overall number of parts required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4475523B1Vision camera for a driver monitoring system and method for assembling a vision camera
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 MAGNA ELECTRONICS SWEDEN AB
  • EP4475523B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4475523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4475523B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a vision camera (10) for a driver monitoring system (1) and a method for assembling a vision camera (10), a bridge (20) is provided having an opening (21) for a lens (4) and an illumination opening (22) on either side of the opening (21) for the lens (4). A housing (13) housing carries the lens (4). The bridge (20) carries a printed circuit board (11) with IR diodes (12) on either side of the opening (21) for the lens (4), and the bridge (20) is electrically connected to the printed circuit boards (11). In addition, the bridge (20) electrically connects a printed circuit board (16) for the camera (10).