Motor Vehicle Camera Unit Slotted Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera units for motor vehicles have complex and cumbersome kinematic control systems for moving the camera and cover element, requiring significant space and multiple components, which complicates the design and increases the risk of camera damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with separate guide links for the camera and cover element, driven by a common drive unit, allowing for independent movement design that avoids collisions and minimizes space requirements, using a lever element and sliding elements for precise articulation within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex kinematic control system is used to move the camera and cover element, then the movement control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and more space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of the camera and cover element into a single kinematic system. The camera is connected to the cover element via a linkage mechanism such that when the cover element moves between closed and open positions, the camera automatically moves between retracted and extended positions. This merging of control functions eliminates the need for separate actuators and control systems for each component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element serves multiple functions: it protects the camera when closed and simultaneously acts as a linkage element that drives the camera movement when it transitions between positions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable coordinated movement of both elements.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for controlling camera and cover element movement, then the movement control is achieved, but the device requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera mounting structure into the cover element linkage system. The camera is mounted on a linkage arm that is part of the cover element's movement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and actuators. This merging significantly reduces the space required for the movement mechanism while maintaining reliable control through the mechanical linkage between cover element position and camera position.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera and cover element are moved by a common drive unit, then the space requirement is reduced, but the risk of collision between camera and cover element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is designed so that the camera begins its retraction movement before the cover element reaches the closed position. The mechanical linkage automatically initiates camera retraction as the cover element starts opening, ensuring the camera is already moving inward before the cover element could potentially collide with it. This preliminary action prevents collision while using a compact common drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the cover element move independently and then coordinating camera movement, the patent inverts the approach by having the cover element's movement directly drive the camera movement through linkage. The cover element becomes the active element that mechanically pulls or pushes the camera along its trajectory, ensuring synchronized movement that prevents collision while minimizing space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) having a camera unit (10) for capturing images of the exterior of a motor vehicle, having a camera (11) displaceably received in a housing (12) of the camera unit (10) between a retracted position and an image capturing position, and having a cover element (13) displaceable relative to the housing (12) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the motion of the camera (11) and the motion of the cover element (13) can be generated by a drive unit (14). According to the invention, at least one first slotted guide (15) is provided for guiding the motion of the camera (11) between the retracted position and the image capture position, and/or at least one second slotted guide (16) is provided for guiding the motion of the cover element (13) between the closed position and the open position so that a relative motion of the camera (11) relative to the cover element (13) is made possible.