Camera Pod Folding Assembly for Collision Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera pod assemblies for vehicles are structurally deficient in stabilizing the camera pod during collisions, leading to potential damage due to their large dimensions and lack of effective force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional folding mechanism for the camera pod assembly, comprising an intermediate attachment with pivotable axes and coupling members, allows the assembly to fold upon impact, transferring forces to the vehicle base for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera pod assembly is made of considerable dimension to monitor required viewing zones, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the contact region at risk of damage in collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera pod assembly incorporates bidirectional folding mechanisms with pivot connections that enable the structure to dynamically change its configuration. Upon collision detection, the assembly can fold along first and second axes to reduce its contact region and absorb impact forces, while maintaining full viewing coverage during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera pod assembly is divided into multiple segments connected by pivot joints, allowing independent movement of different sections. This segmentation enables the structure to fold and deform during collision to reduce damage while maintaining the overall viewing coverage area
2Ease of manufacture
If the camera pod assembly structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the force distribution and stabilization capability during collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than complex rigid stabilization structures, the invention uses dynamic pivot connections that automatically distribute forces during collision. The bidirectional folding capability provides passive stabilization through controlled deformation, achieving collision protection with simpler manufacturing compared to active stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connections serve as intermediary elements between the camera pod segments and the mounting structure. These intermediaries facilitate force distribution and energy absorption during collision, providing stabilization without requiring complex rigid support structures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bidirectional folding mechanism is added to protect camera pod during collision, then the collision protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional folding mechanism uses passive dynamic elements (pivot connections) rather than active control systems. The structure naturally responds to collision forces by folding along predefined axes, providing collision protection without complex control mechanisms, sensors, or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The camera pod assembly protects itself through its own structural design. The bidirectional folding capability is inherent in the pivot-connected segments that automatically deform during collision to absorb impact forces, eliminating the need for separate protection systems or active intervention
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 bidirectional folding mechanism reduces damage to the camera pod system by distributing impact forces effectively, enhancing its stability and protection during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the camera arm is pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment at a first end to form a first axis wherein the camera arm includes a first receiving cavity to receive the first protruding member
Implementation Method 2
a base is pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment at a second end forms a second axis, wherein the base includes a second protruding member that is received by the second receiving cavity
Implementation Method 3
allows the assembly to fold upon impact, transferring forces to the vehicle base for enhanced stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a camera pod stabilization assembly (100), comprising: an intermediate attachment (504), wherein the intermediate attachment comprises a first end (501) and a second end (502); a camera arm (200), wherein the camera arm is pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment (504) at the first end (501) via a first pin (506) to form a first axis (606); and a base (500), wherein the base is pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment (504) at the second end (502) via a second pin (508) to form a second axis (608), characterized in that the camera arm (200) is pivotable about the first axis (606) from a first position to a second position between zero degrees and 90 degrees, and the camera arm (200) is pivotable about the second axis (608) from the first position to a third position between zero degrees and 90 degrees, wherein a support surface (802) extends from the base (500), a bracing member (800) extends from the first end (501) of the intermediate attachment (504), and the support surface (802) and the bracing member (800) cooperate and engage to assist in a transfer of forces from the camera arm (200) to the base (500) when the camera arm (200) is rotated about the first axis (606) from the first position to the second position.