Driver Monitoring Camera Mount With Poka-Yoke Z-Locators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driver monitoring systems require additional tools and excessive force for installation, and lack features to prevent incorrect installation, leading to potential collisions and faulty positioning.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a poka-yoke design featuring z-locators, fixation elements, and ribs/bumps that interact with the frame parts to ensure correct alignment and prevent reverse installation, allowing for tool-free and low-force mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the camera can be installed, but additional tools and excessive force are required
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly features self-aligning z-locators and fixation elements that automatically engage with the frame part during installation. The locators guide the camera into the correct position while the fixation elements snap into place without requiring external tools or excessive force, making the installation process self-service oriented.
Solution Approach 2:
The z-locators and fixation elements act as intermediary components between the camera assembly and the frame part. These intermediaries facilitate the connection by providing alignment features and engagement points that simplify the installation process and reduce the force needed for mounting.
2Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the camera can be installed, but incorrect installation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates asymmetric features including the arrangement of z-locators, fixation elements, and recesses that only align correctly when the camera is installed in the proper orientation. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect installation by making misalignment physically impossible, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes preliminary anti-action through the poka-yoke features that prevent incorrect installation before it can occur. The z-locators and fixation elements are positioned and dimensioned to automatically prevent misalignment, acting in advance to stop incorrect installation attempts.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the camera can be installed, but collisions with frame parts may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The z-locators and fixation elements perform preliminary alignment actions during the installation process. The locators guide the camera assembly into the correct position before the fixation elements engage, ensuring that no collisions with frame parts occur during installation while maintaining a simple installation procedure.
4Ease of operation
If minimal forces are used for installation, then installation is easier, but secure mounting cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are designed to nest into the recesses of the frame part, creating a secure interlocking connection. The z-locators nest into corresponding features on the frame, providing both alignment and secure mounting. This nesting mechanism ensures strong mounting with minimal installation force.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera assembly (10) for a driver monitoring system (1) has a bottom z-locator frame part (24) having formed at least two recesses (23) in a base (27) of the bottom z-locator frame part (24). To achieve a poka-yoke solution, at least two ribs (30) of the camera assembly (10) are received by the recesses (23) once the camera assembly (10) is attached to the bottom z-locator frame part (24) in a correct position. The first frame part (20) remains unchanged.