3-Attachment Camera Mounting for Thermal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounting systems for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining the parallelism of optical centerlines in stereo cameras due to temperature changes and require secure attachment without deforming the camera housing or using special tools.
Innovation Solution
A 3-attachment feature arrangement is used to mount the camera housing to a windshield bracket, allowing for limited movement to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining camera alignment, comprising a forward pin and two rear pins that prevent excessive movement to ensure parallelism and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the camera housing is rigidly fixed to the motor vehicle, then the cameras remain stable without tipping or wobbling, but thermal expansion and contraction can alter the relative positions of the cameras and disrupt optical centerline parallelism
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The adjustment mechanism allows the camera housing to be repositioned in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining optical centerline parallelism. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to remain stable while accommodating dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus enables change in positional parameters of the camera housing relative to the motor vehicle. By providing adjustable mounting features that allow modification of mounting position and orientation, the system can compensate for thermal dimensional changes while maintaining the required optical alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting structures are used to secure the camera housing, then the cameras can be attached to the motor vehicle, but special tools may be required and the camera housing could be deformed, impairing optical centerline parallelism
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The adjustment mechanism allows the camera housing to be mounted and adjusted using the mounting apparatus itself without requiring external special tools. The system serves itself by providing integrated adjustment and securing capabilities that maintain optical precision while simplifying the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus acts as an intermediary between the camera housing and the motor vehicle. This intermediate mounting structure provides the necessary adjustment and securing functions without directly deforming the camera housing, thus preserving optical centerline parallelism while enabling easy installation without special tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera housing allows movement to accommodate thermal expansion, then optical centerline parallelism is maintained, but the cameras may tip or wobble during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus provides dynamic stability through its adjustment mechanism. It allows controlled movement during adjustment to accommodate thermal expansion while providing stable fixed positioning during operation. The mechanism transitions from a movable state during installation/adjustment to a stable fixed state during camera operation, resolving the contradiction between allowing movement and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus incorporates pre-adjustment capabilities that allow the camera housing to be positioned and secured in the optimal position before operation. This beforehand adjustment compensates for anticipated thermal expansion and contraction, cushioning against future dimensional changes while maintaining camera stability during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting a camera arrangement on a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus has a camera housing that includes a main body configured for holding the camera arrangement in a predetermined position. A 3-attachment feature arrangement is coupled to the main body for mounting the main body to the motor vehicle. The 3-attachment feature arrangement includes a first attachment feature having a first longitudinal centerline. A second attachment feature has a second longitudinal centerline. A third attachment feature has a third longitudinal centerline. The second and third longitudinal centerlines are aligned to define a common centerline and the first longitudinal centerline intersects the common centerline proximate a midpoint between the second attachment feature and the third attachment feature.