Vehicle Camera Module Assembly for Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules for vehicles require a large number of screws for assembly, making the installation process cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly, while also posing challenges in ensuring correct optical axis alignment due to screw accessibility and vehicle vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a camera unit with a transverse front contact surface and a support system that includes a cover and pressure means, allowing for easy assembly with only two screws, ensuring correct optical axis alignment through orthogonal screw placement and pressure mechanisms that secure the camera unit in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If four screws are used to fasten the housing parts in parallel direction to the optical axis, then the camera unit is securely retained, but the screws become difficult to reach and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the screw fastening direction from parallel to the optical axis (conventional approach) to transverse or inclined with respect to the optical axis (new approach). This dimensional change in fastening direction allows screws to be accessed from the top or side areas of the module rather than from the rear, significantly improving operator accessibility during assembly while maintaining secure retention of the camera unit
2Strength
If multiple screws are placed at the rear area of the camera module, then the housing parts are securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the screw fastening direction to be transverse or inclined with respect to the optical axis, the patent enables assembly from more accessible top or side positions rather than requiring rear access. This dimensional change streamlines the assembly process, reducing both time and cost while maintaining adequate fastening strength through the redesigned fastening geometry
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera unit is secured with multiple components, then stability is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves stable camera unit retention with reduced component complexity by changing the fastening direction to transverse or inclined with respect to the optical axis. This dimensional change allows for simpler fastening geometry that requires fewer screws and less complex positioning features, while the transverse fastening orientation inherently provides stable mechanical retention of the camera unit
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module attaches a camera to a motor vehicle. The camera module includes a camera unit having an optical axis, and a support configured for accommodating the camera. The support has a main positioning surface transverse to the optical axis, such as when the camera is mounted with the support, the front contact surface of the camera and the main positioning surface are in contact. A cover is attachable to the support to retain the camera pressed against the support in a direction parallel to the optical axis. First pressure means are provided in the cover or in the support, and as when the cover is fastened with the support, the pressure means press the camera unit against the support in a direction parallel to the optical axis (X) or perpendicular to the main positioning surface.