Vehicle Camera Module Mounting with Precision Alignment and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment arrangements for vehicle camera modules face challenges in assembly complexity and precision, with separate metal springs requiring additional assembly steps and materials, and inadequate heat management leading to potential deformation due to thermal influences.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution incorporates parallel rips as heat sinks and 2-point-contact abutments with alignment pins and surface structures to facilitate precise alignment and attachment, allowing independent design of fixation and alignment, and utilizing integrated leaf springs for tensioning, while parallel rips enhance heat transfer and structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate metal springs are used for tensioning the camera module, then the camera module can be securely attached and vibrations are reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spring elements directly into the base plate structure, merging the tensioning function with the mounting structure. This eliminates the need for separate metal springs and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the vibration reduction and secure attachment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables mounting to the vehicle structure, and incorporates integrated spring elements for tensioning and vibration damping. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
2Strength
If separate metal springs made of different material are used, then high strength is achieved for tensioning, but high local loading occurs on the flanges and protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the tensioning force through the integrated spring elements that are part of the base plate structure, rather than concentrating force through separate metal springs. This distributes the local loading across a larger area of the flanges and protrusions, reducing stress concentrations.
3Measurement precision
If the camera module is fixed at the windshield, then it achieves proper positioning, but it is exposed to high heat from the sun which may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the integrated spring elements not only for tensioning but also as thermal management features. The spring structure provides thermal pathways that conduct heat away from the camera module, converting the thermal exposure problem into a heat dissipation opportunity.
4Measurement precision
If alignment pins and surface structures are used for precise alignment, then the camera module positioning is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alignment pins and surface structures directly into the base plate and camera module housing, merging the alignment function with the existing structural components. This eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms while achieving precise positioning.
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 arrangement achieves high precision in camera module attachment, reduces thermal deformation, and simplifies the assembly process by guiding components to their final positions, ensuring accurate orientation and heat dissipation, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and reliability of the camera module.
Implementation Method 1
at least two spring loaded protrusions each abutting at separate attachment flanges
Implementation Method 2
The parallel extending rips act as heat sinks to enable a heat transfer from the base plate or the camera module to the interior of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Attachment arrangement for a camera module (2) at a vehicle comprising -a base plate (1) which is attachable at a vehicle fixed structure, wherein -the camera module (2) comprises a housing (20) and at least one camera (3) arranged therein, wherein -the housing (20) is attached at the base plate (1) with at least two spring loaded protrusions (14, 15) each abutting at separated attachment flanges (4,5) characterized in that, -the base plate (1) or the housing (20) is provided with three alignment pins (6), which are distanced to the attachment flanges (4,5) and the protrusions (14, 15), and -the housing (20) or the base plate (1) is provided with three alignment surface structures (7), which are distanced to the protrusions (14, 15) and the attachment flanges (4,5), and - the housing (20) abuts with three pairs of one alignment surface structure (7) and one alignment pin (6) at the base plate (1) when the camera module (2) is mounted via the housing (20) at the base plate (1).