Vehicle Camera Mounting Beam for Vibration and Thermal Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera mounting systems for vehicles fail to effectively isolate cameras from vibrations and thermal changes, leading to image quality degradation and potential safety issues in autonomous driving applications due to their high cost and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounting structure featuring an elongated element with elastomeric center and end mounts that accommodate lateral expansion and contraction, combined with elastomeric vibration isolators and spherical bearings to maintain camera pointing angles and absorb vibrations, ensuring stability across varying temperatures and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid mounting structures are used to fix camera position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but vibration isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Elastomeric vibration isolators are introduced as intermediary elements between the rigid camera mounting beam and the vehicle body. These isolators serve as a mediator that transmits minimal vibration while maintaining precise camera positioning, resolving the contradiction between rigid structural stability and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system combines rigid materials (for structural stability and precision) with elastomeric materials (for vibration isolation). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve manufacturing precision through rigid components and vibration reduction through elastomeric components.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed rigid mounts are used to maintain camera pointing angles, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to thermal expansion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a completely rigid fixed structure to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. Slots in the end mounts enable the mounting beam to expand and contract thermally while maintaining precise camera pointing angles through the guiding action of the slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows physical parameters (length, position) to change in response to temperature variations. The elastomeric materials and slot mechanisms enable the structure to adapt its dimensions dynamically while maintaining functional precision through constrained movement paths.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex vibration isolation systems are implemented, then vibration reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolation is applied locally at critical mounting points rather than throughout the entire structure. Elastomeric isolators are strategically positioned at the center and end mounts where vibration transmission occurs, providing effective vibration reduction without requiring complex isolation systems throughout the entire mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into discrete functional segments: rigid mounting beam for structural support, elastomeric isolators for vibration reduction, and slot mechanisms for thermal accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
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
The solution significantly reduces camera vibrations by at least 10 dB, maintains camera position and pointing angles within 0.1 degrees, and accommodates thermal expansion, thereby enhancing image quality and safety in autonomous driving environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastomeric vibration isolators coupled to an attachment device and coupled to the camera mounting beam
Implementation Method 2
the first center mount comprises an elastomeric material, and wherein the one or more end mounts comprise an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 3
a spherical bearing coupled to the attachment device, wherein the spherical bearing is configured to accommodate misalignment of the attachment device
Implementation Method 4
one or more spring washers to generate a force holding the one or more elastomeric vibration isolators and spherical bearing in positions
Implementation Method 5
the one or more end mounts couple the elongated element of the camera mounting beam to the vehicle and accommodates lateral expansion or contraction of the elongated element
Implementation Method 6
the one or more end mounts can be structured for the elongated element to slide laterally in response to a difference in a coefficient of expansion between the vehicle and the elongated element
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a camera mounting apparatus for a vehicle that attaches the camera to the vehicle, isolates the camera from vibration at the mounting points, and accommodates thermal expansion and contraction of the vehicle and the mounting structure. The apparatus includes a camera mounting beam coupled to the camera, and one or more elastomeric vibration isolators coupled to an attachment device and coupled to the camera mounting beam. The apparatus also includes a spherical bearing coupled to the attachment device, wherein the spherical bearing is configured to accommodate misalignment of the attachment device, and one or more spring washers to generate a force holding the one or more elastomeric vibration isolators and spherical bearing in positions.