Movable Light Source in Camera-Puddle Lamp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple modules into a side mirror for vehicles, such as camera and puddle lamp systems, poses challenges in minimizing occupied space while ensuring watertightness and reducing manufacturing costs, particularly in camera monitor systems where size reduction compromises the installation of necessary functions.
Innovation Solution
A camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus is designed with a shared lens module, an image sensor, and a puddle lamp module that includes a light source, spring, sliding bar, and solenoid, allowing the light source to move between areas to operate either as a puddle lamp or camera, optimizing space and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules (camera and puddle lamp) are integrated into the side mirror, then functionality is improved, but occupied space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera module and puddle lamp module into a single integrated apparatus mounted on the side mirror. The camera module includes a lens and image sensor, while the puddle lamp module includes a light source, spring, sliding bar, and solenoid. These modules share common mounting structures and control systems, reducing the total occupied space compared to separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a camera for surround view monitoring and a puddle lamp for illumination. The shared lens module and mounting structure provide universal support for both functions, optimizing space utilization while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are integrated into the side mirror, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to increased watertightness design considerations
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the camera and puddle lamp into a single integrated module, the patent reduces the number of separate watertight enclosures needed. The integrated design allows for a unified sealing approach rather than multiple separate seals, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs associated with watertightness design.
3Loss of energy
If the side mirror size is reduced for aerodynamics, then fuel economy is improved, but the space for installing function modules is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple function modules (camera and puddle lamp) into a single compact integrated apparatus that mounts on the side mirror. This merging reduces the total space required for installing these functions, enabling their inclusion even in aerodynamically optimized side mirrors with reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus utilizes vertical spacing between the lens module and image sensor to accommodate the puddle lamp module. By exploiting the third dimension (depth) rather than only horizontal space, the design fits multiple functions into a compact footprint suitable for aerodynamic side mirrors.
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
This solution minimizes occupied space, enhances watertightness, and reduces manufacturing costs by integrating the camera and puddle lamp functions, effectively addressing the size constraints and design complexities of camera monitor systems.
Implementation Method 1
a moving part of the solenoid is connected to the other side of the sliding bar
Implementation Method 2
the spring is formed to be operated to move the sliding bar when the solenoid is switched to a non-operational state so as to move the light source to the second area
Data Source
AI summary
a camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a lens module; an image sensor; and a puddle lamp module, the puddle lamp module includes a light source, a spring, a sliding bar, and a solenoid and is disposed in a second area outside the first area, the light source is formed to be movable to be located in the first area or the second area, the light source is fixed to one side of the sliding bar, a moving part of the solenoid is connected to the other side of the sliding bar, and the spring is formed to be operated to move the sliding bar when the solenoid is switched to a non-operational state so as to move the light source to the second area, the camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus operates as a puddle lamp when the light source moves to the first area, and the camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus operates as a camera when the light source moves to the second area.