Driver Monitoring Camera Carrier With Locking Infrared Emitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver monitoring systems face challenges in integrating camera devices with infrared radiators in a compact and modular manner within motor vehicles, making it difficult to ensure effective observation and illumination of the driver, especially in low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A compact driver monitoring system design where the camera unit and infrared emitter are integrated on a shared carrier element, allowing for easy electrical contact and modular installation, with the option for detachable infrared radiators and multiple locking devices for enhanced modularity and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the camera unit and infrared radiator are integrated on a shared carrier element, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the spatial arrangement and optical alignment precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidoptical alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the camera unit and infrared radiator onto a single carrier element, creating an integrated assembly that simplifies manufacturing and installation. The carrier element serves as a common mounting platform that holds both components in fixed spatial relationships, eliminating the need for separate mounting procedures and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the infrared radiator and camera unit. It provides a standardized interface for mounting both components and includes alignment features such as positioning pins or registration marks that ensure precise optical alignment between the infrared light source and camera sensor during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the infrared radiator is detachably locked on the carrier element, then the ease of repair and component replacement is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device provides a dynamic connection system that transitions between locked and unlocked states. When locked, the connection achieves high stability and reliability for normal operation. When unlocked, the infrared radiator can be easily removed for replacement or maintenance. The mechanism includes engagement features such as bayonet mounts, snap-fit connectors, or threaded fasteners that provide secure mechanical retention during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into separable components: the carrier element with locking mechanisms and the infrared radiator with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the infrared radiator to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the camera unit or other system components, facilitating easy maintenance and upgrades while maintaining connection reliability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking devices are provided on the carrier element, then the adaptability and modularity of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of locking devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking devices are designed with universal characteristics, using standardized mounting patterns and identical or similar locking mechanisms at multiple positions on the carrier element. This allows the same type of infrared radiator to be mounted in different configurations (single unit, dual units, different orientations) using the same locking device design, providing configuration flexibility without requiring multiple different locking mechanisms.

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

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

This design enables simple and cost-effective integration of the camera device into the motor vehicle, allowing for optimal illumination and observation of the driver, with easy replacement of components and flexibility in configuration based on application needs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one infrared radiator (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3180211B1Driver observation system in a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3180211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3180211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3180211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a driver observation system (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising at least one camera device (5), which has at least one camera unit (9) arranged on a support element (8) and has at least one infrared emitter (10). According to the invention, the support element (8) has at least one device (15) for locking the infrared emitter (10) on the support element (8).