Vehicle Camera Housing With Integrated Rain Sensor Mounting
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle front cameras and environmental sensors, such as rain sensors, require a large space and narrow the driver's field of view when placed together on the windscreen, and existing integrated solutions lack efficient integration and maintenance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A camera device for vehicles that integrates an imaging module, printed circuit board, housing, environmental sensor, and a disk spring to securely attach the sensor to the window, allowing for improved measurement accuracy and simplified maintenance, with electronic connection to the circuit board for shared processing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the environmental sensor device is firmly fixed to the window using a rigid connection, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the repair and replacement of the sensor device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a rigid positioning component (holding the sensor firmly against the window for accurate measurements) and a releasable fastening component (allowing easy removal and replacement). This segmentation enables the sensor device to be firmly fixed for measurement purposes while remaining replaceable for maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera device and environmental sensor are integrated into a single unit, then the degree of integration and production simplicity are improved, but the complexity of the housing structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it accommodates both the camera device and environmental sensor, provides a recess for sensor mounting, incorporates a connecting member for electrical connection, and includes features for both firm fixation and easy replacement. This multi-functionality achieves high integration while managing structural complexity through design efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If separate devices are used for front camera and environmental sensor, then the field of view is maintained, but the space requirement and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device and environmental sensor are merged into a single integrated unit with a common housing. This combining reduces the component count and space requirement while the housing design (with recess and positioning features) ensures that the sensor is firmly fixed and does not obstruct the camera's field of view.
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
Enhances measurement accuracy of environmental sensors, simplifies production and maintenance, and reduces component count by integrating the environmental sensor with the camera device, while providing a single interface for vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a disk spring arranged between a bottom surface of the recess and the environmental sensor device, the disk spring being configured for pressing the environmental sensor device against the window
Data Source
AI summary
A camera device for a vehicle that includes an image module for providing image data of a surrounding of the vehicle, a printed circuit board with a processing unit for processing the image data from the imaging module, and a housing for attachment to a window of the vehicle, is disclosed. The housing accommodates the imaging module and the printed circuit board and comprises a recess. The camera device also includes an environmental sensor device arranged in the recess, a disk spring arranged between a bottom surface of the recess and the environmental sensor device, and a connecting member electronically connected to the environmental sensor device and the printed circuit board. The connecting member is guided through an interior hole of the disk spring and a hole of the bottom surface of the recess.