Vehicle Camera Carrier with Non-Circular Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carrier arrangements for camera units in vehicles occupy too much space and height, limiting the available compartment space and view for occupants, and increase the stack height during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A carrier arrangement with a U-shaped base plate and a support device featuring non-circular locking pins and flexible fastening units that attach close to the windshield, minimizing space usage and allowing for a more compact design, with the support device being secured using pins with a non-circular cross-section and a resilient central section for easy mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a carrier arrangement is designed with a frame and support device connected to the frame, then the camera unit can be reliably supported, but the space occupied in the vehicle compartment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport reliabilityVSAvoidspace occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate and support device are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate frame structures. The support device features an integrated mounting structure that directly attaches to the windshield via base plate, combining multiple functions (support, mounting, positioning) into one compact unit that reduces overall space occupancy while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is designed to nest closely against the windshield surface, with the base plate positioning the camera unit as close to the glass as possible. This nesting arrangement minimizes the protrusion into the vehicle compartment while ensuring stable support and reliable mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the carrier arrangement is positioned further from the windshield, then easier installation and access are achieved, but the available view height for occupants is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidview height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with localized adhesive mounting areas that provide secure attachment to the windshield without requiring extensive mounting space. The support device features a localized camera mounting interface that positions the camera unit close to the windshield while maintaining ease of installation through the integrated fastening arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If windshields with mounted carrier arrangements are stacked for transport, then storage efficiency improves, but the stack height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidstack height
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier arrangement is designed with a compact, low-profile structure that nests closely against the windshield surface. The base plate and support device are configured to minimize protrusion, allowing multiple windshields to be stacked with minimal clearance between them, thereby reducing overall stack height while improving storage efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 a highly compact carrier arrangement that reduces space occupancy in the vehicle compartment, increases the available view height for occupants, and minimizes the stack height of windshields during transportation, enabling more efficient storage.

Implementation Method 1

Each fastening unit (9a, 9b, 9c) comprises a central section (12) and two side sections (13, 14) on each side of the central section (12), said central section (12) being resilient and configured for flexing during mounting of a corresponding pin (8a, 8b, 8c)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3572287B1A carrier arrangement for mounting a camera unit on a vehicle, and a method for installing such a carrier arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 VEONEER SWEDEN AB
  • EP3572287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3572287B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3572287B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a carrier arrangement (3) for mounting a camera unit (7) on a vehicle (1), said carrier arrangement (3) comprising a base plate (4) configured to be attached to a windshield (2) of said vehicle (1) and a support device (5) for carrying said camera unit (7), said support device (5) and said base plate (4) comprising a fastening arrangement (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c) for attaching the support device (5) to the base plate (4). The fastening arrangement (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c) comprises a plurality of pins (8a, 8b, 8c) arranged on said support device (5) and configured for cooperating with corresponding fastening units (9a, 9b, 9c) arranged on said base plate (4), wherein at least one of said pins (8a, 8b, 8c) is shaped with a non-circular cross-section. The disclosure also relates to method for attaching a carrier arrangement (3) for a camera unit (7) on a vehicle (1).