Vehicle Camera Arrangement with Self-Actuating Protective Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera arrangements for reverse parking are complex, prone to faults, and do not meet modern comfort and functionality requirements, as they often require additional drives for the protective flap and have limited functionality in visualizing the rear space.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple and cost-effective camera arrangement where the camera unit can assume a collision monitoring position with a closed protective flap for forward traffic observation, and an active position with angled lens for reverse parking, also serving as a predictive sensor, with a mechanism that dispenses with additional drives by using a control pin and spacer to open the protective flap, allowing illumination and keyless access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex displacement and pivoting mechanism is used to move the camera unit and open the protective flap, then the camera unit can be moved from retracted position to operating position, but the device complexity increases and the arrangement becomes susceptible to faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera unit movement function and the protective flap opening function into a single integrated mechanism. The camera unit, when moved from retracted to operating position, directly acts upon the protective flap to open it, eliminating the need for separate displacement and pivoting mechanisms. This merging reduces structural complexity and fault susceptibility while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging device and the actuating mechanism for opening the protective flap. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated actuating mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to move the camera unit from retracted to operating position.
2Ease of operation
If additional drives are added to the protective flap mechanism, then the protective flap can be opened for image acquisition, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective flap opens automatically through the movement of the camera unit itself, without requiring additional external drives or actuating mechanisms. The camera unit's displacement directly generates the force needed to open the protective flap, making the system self-sufficient and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera unit is positioned behind a closed protective flap, then the camera unit is protected from dirt and moisture, but the camera unit cannot capture images of the outside area
Solution Approach 1:
The protective flap is designed to be dynamic rather than static, transitioning between closed and open states based on operational requirements. When the camera unit moves to the operating position, the protective flap automatically opens to enable image capture, and closes when the camera unit retracts to provide protection. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between protection and functionality modes.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
In an arrangement (3) for a vehicle with a carrier housing (5) having a through-opening, a drive unit attached to the carrier housing (5), a camera unit movable between a rest position and an active position, a protective flap (6) movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein an actuating element (33) motion-coupled with the drive unit is provided which, when the vehicle is reversing and the camera unit is in the active position, forces the protective flap (6) into its open position, a solution is to be created which offers the user increased comfort and increases the value of the vehicle.This is achieved by the camera unit (8) assuming a collision monitoring position when the vehicle is moving forward, in which the protective flap (6) is in its closed position and in which the camera unit (8) is positioned at a monitoring opening formed in the protective flap (6) for filming the following or preceding traffic.