Motor Vehicle Camera Contact Element for EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cameras for motor vehicles face issues with electromagnetic interference shielding due to the connection method between the lens housing and backplate, which can lead to corrosion and reduced resistance to environmental influences.

Innovation Solution

A camera design featuring a lens housing with a conductive first area and an insulating second area, where the backplate is connected to the lens housing via a fixing element that is electrically connected to both areas, ensuring complete enclosure of electronic components and effective electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the second area of the lens housing is removed in the contact area with the backplate to allow electrical connection, then electrical connection between lens housing and backplate is achieved, but the lens housing becomes prone to corrosion and has reduced resistance to environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion resistance and environmental resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A contact element is introduced as an intermediary component between the lens housing and backplate. This contact element has a first contact area that contacts the first area of the lens housing and a second contact area that contacts the backplate, establishing electrical connection without removing the protective second area coating from the lens housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element is divided into distinct functional areas: a first contact area for contacting the lens housing and a second contact area for contacting the backplate. This segmentation allows the contact element to bridge the electrical connection between two conductive surfaces while maintaining the integrity of the lens housing coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lens housing and backplate are connected by a fixing element to provide electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is integrated with the fixing element (screw) such that the fixing element has an integrated contact element. This merging of functions allows the same component to both mechanically fasten the backplate to the lens housing and establish electrical connection, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical fastening of the backplate and electrical connection between the lens housing and backplate. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.

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 enhances electromagnetic compatibility and protects the camera from environmental influences while maintaining a stable and corrosion-resistant structure.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic components of the camera usually generate electromagnetic interferences in the operation, which may influence other components of the motor vehicle... In order to be able to provide sufficient shielding for the electromagnetic interferences, it is in particular provided that the lens housing and the backplate are connected to a ground terminal of the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the lens housing can have a first area formed of an electrically conducting material. Further, the lens housing can have a second area or a corresponding coating formed of an electrically insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3079347B1Camera for a motor vehicle with electrically conducting contact element, driver assistance system, motor vehicle as well as method
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 CONNAUGHT ELECTRONICS
  • EP3079347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3079347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3079347B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a camera (4) for a motor vehicle (1) including a lens housing (8) having an electrically conducting, first area (9) and an electrically insulating, second area (10), including an electrically conducting backplate (18) and including a fixing element (25), by means of which the backplate (18) and the lens housing (8) are connected such that the backplate (18) is in contact with the second area (10) of the lens housing (8), wherein the fixing element (25) is electrically connected to the first area (9) of the lens housing (8) and the camera (4) has an electrically conducting contact element (22), which is electrically connected to the fixing element (25) and the backplate (18).