Vehicle Camera Retention System Using Metal Spring Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retention systems for camera mounting in vehicles are prone to rapid wear and require complex designs for secure attachment, often necessitating precise shape matching and leading to high costs for maintenance and potential windscreen replacement.
Innovation Solution
A retention system featuring a U-shaped spring clip with resilient retainer arms and rigid retention walls, allowing for stable mounting and easy removal of cylindrical components, utilizing metal materials for durability and adjustable spring force, and incorporating design features like inclined retainer arms and multiple contact zones for enhanced stability and vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clipping systems (snap fit systems) are used for camera mounting, then the camera can be easily removed for maintenance, but the system wears out rapidly after multiple uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to metal for the retention bracket, and changes the retention mechanism from elastic deformation (snap fit) to friction-based retention with adjustable spring force. This allows the system to withstand multiple installations while maintaining ease of removal through controlled spring pressure.
2Reliability
If a robust construction is used for camera mounting to ensure safety, then the mounting system is secure, but the design becomes complex and requires precise shape matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retention system into distinct functional components: a metal retention bracket providing structural support, a spring element providing retention force, and a retention arm with friction contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal retention bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the spring mechanism, creates friction contact for retention, and allows for easy release. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall design.
3Reliability
If U-shaped metal spring clip with arcuate retainer arms is used, then the system is robust against high temperature and humidity, but the retention force requires complex design of both spring clip and junction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention force generation function from the complex junction design and places it entirely in the spring element. The metal bracket becomes a passive structural component, while the spring alone provides the active retention force, simplifying the overall design while maintaining environmental resistance.
4Reliability
If precise shape matching is required between retainer arms and cylindrical component, then vibration is avoided, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from geometric shape matching to friction-based retention. The retention arm contacts the cylindrical component through friction along a substantial portion of its length, eliminating the need for precise shape matching while maintaining vibration resistance through the frictional engagement.
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 system provides a reliable, cost-effective, and durable solution for camera mounting, capable of withstanding multiple installations and crash tests, while minimizing vibration and facilitating easy component extraction, thus improving the reliability and longevity of the camera assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a generally U-shaped spring clip comprising a base and a pair of resilient retainer arms extending from the base
Implementation Method 2
The use of a metal spring clip is of advantage: it allows easily controlling the spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention consists in a retention system (18), on a mounting structure (6), for a generally cylindrical component (8) extending in a transversal axis (Y), the retention system comprising: a generally U-shaped spring clip (26) comprising a base (28) and a pair of resilient retainer arms (301, 301') extending from the base (28) along a longitudinal axis (Z) and defining an inlet passage (32) ; and a member (34) holding said U-shaped spring clip (26); the retainer arms (301, 301') are adapted to engage with an upper side (361) of the component (8) in front of the inlet passage (32), and said member comprises one or multiple rigid retention wall(s) (302, 302') extending inside the spring clip (26) and which are adapted to engage with a lower side (362) of the component at distance of the base (28), in working position.