On-Vehicle Camera Holding Part Load Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching on-vehicle cameras to windshields do not adequately consider the load applied to the windshield, leading to potential displacement and reduced installation accuracy, especially on small vehicles where the windshield is lightweight and adhesion is incomplete during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The image capture device employs a holding mechanism with a support part and a pressing part that allows the image capture unit to pivot between a first state with a short part and a second state with a longer part, reducing the load on the windshield by minimizing the force applied during attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the on-vehicle camera is attached to the windshield in a state where adhesion is incomplete to improve production efficiency, then productivity increases, but the load on the windshield increases causing displacement and reduced installation accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding part employs a dynamic pressing mechanism with spring elements that apply gradual, controlled pressing force during camera attachment. This dynamic force application allows the camera to be securely fixed without exceeding the load-bearing capacity of the incompletely adhered windshield, enabling early attachment while maintaining installation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing force parameter is carefully controlled and limited to a specific range that does not exceed the windshield's load capacity during incomplete adhesion. By changing and optimizing the pressing force parameter, the system achieves both high productivity (early attachment) and high manufacturing precision (accurate installation)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a conventional biasing member is used to press the camera against the bracket, then the camera is secured to the bracket, but high load is applied to the windshield causing displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera securingVSAvoidload on windshield
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is segmented into two independent parts: the bracket that secures the camera to the windshield, and the holding part that secures the camera body. The biasing member is positioned in the holding part away from the windshield contact point, providing securing force without transmitting excessive load to the windshield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the camera and the bracket. It includes a pressing part with biasing members that apply securing force locally without directly transmitting high loads to the windshield, thus mediating between the need for secure attachment and the need to protect the windshield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration effectively reduces the load on the windshield during camera attachment, enhancing installation accuracy and production efficiency by distributing the force more evenly and securely.

Implementation Method 1

a pressing part which is provided facing the support part and which generates a pressing force in the direction of the support part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3611565B1Image capture device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP3611565B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3611565B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3611565B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image capture device which is capable of reducing the load exerted on window glass to which a bracket is adhered, when an on-vehicle camera is attached to the bracket. The present invention is characterized by being provided with: an image capture unit for capturing an image; and a holding part for holding the image capture unit. The present invention is further characterized in that: the image capture unit is provided with a part to be supported provided with a short part having a prescribed length, and a long part having a longer length than the short part; the holding part is provided with a support part which supports the part to be supported, and a pressing part which is provided facing the support part, and which generates a pressing force in the direction of the support part; and, when positioned between the support part and the pressing part, the part to be supported can be switched between a first state in which the short part is positioned in a direction linking the support part and the pressing part, and a second state in which the long part is positioned in the direction linking the support part and the pressing part, and receives a stronger pressing force than that in the first state from the pressing part.