Rearview Camera Housing with Integrated Conductive Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear view device display housings are cumbersome due to multiple components, requiring time-consuming assembly and precise alignment of lighting and reflection means, which is difficult due to manufacturing tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A compact housing design featuring a guide unit directly fixed to the housing body, processed via laser structuring, eliminates the need for a separate circuit board and allows for easier alignment of components, with a conductive section made from polyphthalamide and copper for efficient electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a separate circuit board is used to arrange lighting means and consumers, then electrical connections are established, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the circuit board functionality directly into the housing body by creating a conductive section within the housing that serves both structural and electrical connection purposes. This merging of the housing and circuit board functions eliminates the need for a separate circuit board component, thereby reducing the total number of components and simplifying assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If multiple separate components are arranged in the housing, then functional requirements are met, but the housing must be generously dimensioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidhousing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the housing body and circuit board into a single integrated structure where the conductive section of the housing serves dual purposes, the patent reduces the overall housing volume. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces for a distinct circuit board, allowing for a more compact housing configuration while maintaining all necessary electrical and structural functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If lighting means and reflection means are positioned separately, then component mounting is simplified, but exact alignment is difficult due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mountingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the lighting means directly into the housing body with the reflection means creates a fixed spatial relationship between these components. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting operations that would introduce alignment tolerances, as the lighting means is positioned precisely relative to the reflection means through the integrated housing structure itself, ensuring exact alignment while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies assembly, reduces component count, and facilitates easier alignment of components, while maintaining electrical functionality and sealing to prevent moisture and dirt ingress.

Implementation Method 1

which is introduced into the guide section by direct laser structuring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser structuring: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

with at least the areas treated by the laser allowing the copper to adhere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2738043B1Housing and display device
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 SMR PATENTS S A R L
  • EP2738043B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a housing (2) for a display device of a rearview camera of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one housing body (4) and at least one recess (6) forming a receiving area in the housing body (4), in which at least one reflective element of the display device can be arranged or is arranged. It is characterized by at least one conducting unit (10) through which electrical energy can be supplied to at least one consumer (12) of the display device and which can be fixed or is fixed directly to a conducting section (8) of the housing body (4).