Vehicle Camera Mounting Bar Using OEM Points

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera mounting systems for vehicles face issues with water intrusion and calibration challenges, particularly in aftermarket installations, due to the need for drilled holes and separate wire entry points, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential water ingress.

Innovation Solution

A camera mounting system utilizing preexisting vehicle mounting points with discrete plates and bars that secure cameras and a sun visor, eliminating the need for new holes and simplifying calibration through adjustable camera brackets and a centralized wire bundle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual small brackets are secured directly to each side of the vehicle to support each camera assembly, then camera mounting is achieved, but water intrusion risk increases due to drilled holes and separate wire entry points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater intrusion preventionVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple camera mounting brackets into a single integrated bar structure that spans across the vehicle. This single bar includes multiple attachment features for mounting multiple cameras simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate individual brackets on each side of the vehicle. The integrated design reduces the number of separate mounting operations and potential water intrusion points while maintaining the ability to support multiple camera assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single bar structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, provides multiple camera mounting locations, and creates a unified mounting system that can be installed through a single set of drilling operations. The bar includes attachment features that can accommodate various camera assemblies, making it a universal mounting solution for different camera configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If cameras are mounted with individual brackets requiring separate drilling, then camera positioning is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple camera mounting brackets into a single integrated bar structure that spans across the vehicle. This single bar includes multiple attachment features for mounting multiple cameras simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate individual brackets on each side of the vehicle. The integrated design reduces the number of separate mounting operations and potential water intrusion points while maintaining the ability to support multiple camera assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket system is designed with pre-configured attachment features and alignment elements that facilitate quick installation. The bar structure includes pre-positioned mounting points and alignment features that guide the installation process, allowing installers to quickly secure multiple cameras without complex alignment procedures or multiple separate mounting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple separate mounting points are drilled in the vehicle, then camera support is achieved, but water intrusion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatertight installationVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple camera mounting brackets into a single integrated bar structure that spans across the vehicle. This single bar includes multiple attachment features for mounting multiple cameras simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate individual brackets on each side of the vehicle. The integrated design reduces the number of separate mounting operations and potential water intrusion points while maintaining the ability to support multiple camera assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11338741B2Camera mirror vehicle mounting system

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 ORLACO PRODS

AI summary

A vehicle camera mounting system includes, among other things, a first bracket portion that has a first attachment feature that is configured to be secured to an exterior of a vehicle. The first bracket portion extends laterally from the first attachment feature to a second attachment feature. The first attachment feature is provided by a plate that has apertures that are configured to receive fasteners that secure the first bracket portion to the vehicle. The second attachment feature is configured to mount to the vehicle at a location remote from the plate. The system further includes a camera assembly that is secured to the second attachment feature.