Motor Vehicle Camera System with Transparent Closing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle camera systems cannot utilize the image capture unit in its standby position, limiting its functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
The camera system incorporates a partially transparent closing element that allows the image capture unit to capture outer regions through the closing element even when in the standby position, enabling continuous functionality as a rear-view camera, accident data recorder, or accident warning sensor by aligning the image capture unit to capture specific areas, such as blind spots, and allowing the image capture unit to be displaced between standby and operating positions for enhanced coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image capture unit is arranged in a closed mounting chamber in standby position, then the optical appearance of the motor vehicle is not disrupted, but the image capture unit cannot be used in the standby position
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is made transparent or translucent, allowing it to change its optical properties from opaque (when closed) to transparent (when open), enabling the image capture unit to capture images through the closing element even in the standby position while maintaining aesthetic appearance when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element serves dual functions: it acts as an aesthetic cover when closed and as a transparent window for image capture when the vehicle is in standby position, eliminating the need for separate structures
2Ease of manufacture
If the closing element is made opaque to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the optical appearance is preserved, but light cannot pass through to the image capture unit
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element uses transparent or translucent material that allows light transmission while maintaining aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between opacity for aesthetics and transparency for light transmission
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 constant availability and enhanced usability of the image capture unit, allowing it to capture previously inaccessible regions, such as areas below the vehicle bumper, while maintaining a sleek design by using a uni-directionally transparent closing element that does not disrupt the vehicle's optical appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the closing element is at least partially transparent, and the image capture unit is aligned in the standby position thereof in such a way that the image capture unit in the standby position thereof captures an outer region of the motor vehicle through the closing element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle camera system with an image capture unit and a drive device by means of which the image capture unit can be displaced from a standby position into at least one operating position, wherein the image capture unit is arranged in a mounting chamber of a motor vehicle and the mounting chamber has a movable closing element, wherein said closing element closes the mounting chamber if the image capture unit is in the standby position thereof, and opens the mounting chamber at least partially to the environment if the image capture unit is displaced into an operating position, wherein the closing element is at least partially transparent, and the image capture unit is aligned in the standby position thereof so that the image capture unit in the standby position thereof captures an outer region of the motor vehicle through the closing element.