Camera Module Housing Integrated Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera module attachment methods for motor vehicles are costly and time-consuming due to the need for threaded sections, which increases production time and expenses.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a one-piece camera housing featuring integrated fastening sections and a retaining ring, made from plastic or metal, that allows for secure attachment to the vehicle without the need for additional threading, using film hinges and self-locking mechanisms to ensure reliable positioning and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded sections are provided for attaching the camera module, then the camera module can be securely fastened to the motor vehicle, but the tool for producing the exterior mirror housing becomes expensive and production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section is integrated directly into the camera housing as a one-piece structure, merging the housing and fastening elements into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate threaded sections and complex assembly steps, thereby reducing production time while maintaining secure fastening capability through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threading operation is extracted from the production process by designing the fastening section with pre-formed threading capability that does not require tap production. The fastening sections are designed to be directly attachable without requiring the tool to produce threads, thereby eliminating the costly and time-consuming threading step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If threaded sections are provided for attaching the camera module, then the camera module can be securely fastened to the motor vehicle, but manufacturing costs increase due to expensive tools and additional production steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section is integrated directly into the camera housing as a one-piece structure, merging the housing and fastening elements into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate threaded sections and complex assembly steps, thereby reducing production time while maintaining secure fastening capability through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threading operation is extracted from the production process by designing the fastening section with pre-formed threading capability that does not require tap production. The fastening sections are designed to be directly attachable without requiring the tool to produce threads, thereby eliminating the costly and time-consuming threading step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the camera housing is made as a one-piece structure with integrated fastening sections, then manufacturing and assembly time are reduced, but the complexity of the housing design increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidhousing design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The one-piece camera housing is divided into functional segments: the main housing body and integrated fastening sections. The fastening sections are designed as distinct functional elements within the one-piece structure, allowing for modular design thinking that simplifies the overall complexity while maintaining the integration benefits for reduced assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3371651B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 MAGNA MIRRORS HLDG
  • EP3371651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3371651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a camera module (1) for securing to a motor vehicle, comprising a camera housing (2) and a camera (3) arranged in the camera housing (2), wherein the camera housing (2) comprises at least one first securing section (6a, 6b), and said first securing section (6a, 6b) has, in at least some sections, an internal thread that is provided to secure the camera module (1) onto said motor vehicle.