In-Vehicle Camera Connector Layout for Dual-Cable Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional in-vehicle camera connectors are limited in their ability to accommodate product variations and complex uses due to their single-cable design, which restricts versatility and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The connector integrates a separate cable with the second case, allowing for eccentric placement of the plug and additional screw insertion holes to accommodate misalignment, enabling product variations and reducing the size of the camera device while maintaining electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cable is used for electrical connection, then the connector structure is simplified, but product variations and complex uses cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidproduct variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent cables (coaxial cable and separate cable) instead of using a single cable. This allows different cable types to be selected based on specific application requirements, enabling product variations while keeping each individual cable connection simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second case is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different types of cables (coaxial cable and separate cable) through integrated molding. This multi-functional design allows the same connector housing to support various cable configurations for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the plug is placed at the center of the second case, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the receptacle cannot be positioned near the end of the substrate for downsizing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural symmetryVSAvoidcamera size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is intentionally positioned eccentrically (asymmetrically) within the second case rather than at the center. This asymmetric placement allows the receptacle to be positioned near the end of the substrate, enabling downsizing of the camera while maintaining proper electrical connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second case is made larger to accommodate both cables, then cable integration is enabled, but the increase in case size propagates to the first case and overall device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable integrationVSAvoidcase size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second case utilizes its thickness dimension (z-direction) to integrate both the coaxial cable and separate cable through insert molding, rather than increasing the planar dimensions. This allows multiple cables to be accommodated within the same footprint, preventing size increase of the first case and overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12080969B2Electrical connector with a receptacle in a first case and a mating plug integrated with a second case

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 HOSIDEN CORP

AI summary

A connector includes a receptacle attached to a rear substrate accommodated in a front case, and a plug attached to one end of a coaxial cable, integrated with a rear case assembled to the front case, and fitted to the receptacle. A separate cable different from the coaxial cable integrated with the rear case together with the plug is integrated with the rear case.