Camera Optics Carrier Mounting for Axial Force Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of camera systems in vehicle environments is challenging due to forces acting on the optics, causing unwanted focus adjustments, and existing systems lack flexibility for different housing applications.

Innovation Solution

A camera system design featuring a basic housing part with a contact area for the optics carrier, which is permanently fixed to prevent axial forces on the optics, ensuring a defined position and long-term reliability, along with a mounting part that acts on the optics carrier to maintain alignment without axial forces, and a sealing ring for secure optics placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera system is installed close to the environment in the housing, then the detection capability is improved, but axial forces act on the optics causing unwanted focus adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus alignmentVSAvoidaxial forces on optics
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure consisting of a mounting plate and mounting elements that mediate between the housing and the optics carrier. This intermediary structure transfers axial forces away from the optics, allowing the camera system to be installed close to the environment while preventing unwanted focus adjustment through proper force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is segmented into multiple components: a mounting plate, multiple mounting elements distributed across the plate, and a optics carrier with separate contact sections. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on the optics, preventing focus adjustment while maintaining installation proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the optics carrier is firmly fixed to prevent position changes, then long-term reliability is improved, but the system becomes less flexible for different housing applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term functional reliabilityVSAvoidhousing compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides a stable base for permanent fixation to ensure reliability, while also accommodating different housing configurations through its flexible mounting element arrangement. The universal design allows the same mounting structure to be adapted to various housing types and application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the optics carrier to be firmly fixed in the axial direction while maintaining flexibility in radial and rotational adjustments. This dynamic mounting approach enables reliable fixation without sacrificing adaptability to different housing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the optics carrier is permanently fixed in the housing, then position stability is improved, but installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is designed to allow preliminary positioning and alignment of the optics carrier before permanent fixation. The mounting elements enable initial placement and adjustment, after which the optics carrier can be permanently fixed to achieve both installation flexibility and position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for flexible camera system installation, prevents unwanted optics adjustments, ensures long-term reliability, and maintains a secure seal regardless of axial installation depth, ensuring optimal focus alignment and housing compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

the basic housing part is laser-transparent, at least in sections, and the optics carrier and/or the mounting part is fixed to the basic housing part by laser welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2054270B1Camera system, in particular for a system for sensing the surroundings of a motor vehicle, and installation method
Publication Date: 2012.12.26 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2054270B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a camera system, in particular for a system for sensing the surroundings of a motor vehicle, having an optics, having an optics carrier which carries the optics and aligns the optics with respect to a printed circuit board having an image pickup, wherein a basic housing part with a support region for supporting support sections of the optics carrier is provided, wherein the printed circuit board including optics carrier and optics is inserted in the axial direction into the basic housing part so far that the support sections bear against the support region and wherein the optics carrier is permanently fixed in the basic housing part. The invention furthermore relates to an installation method for installing a camera system.