Vehicle Camera Assembly Z-Axis Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems face challenges in achieving a universal camera design that allows for flexible adjustment and secure mounting of camera components, particularly in varying vehicle applications, where the alignment of optical and electrical connections is critical for effective image capture and object detection.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly process that allows for z-axis adjustment of PCBs and lens holders within a cage structure, using a flexible connection between imager and connector PCBs, with adhesive application to secure components relative to the housing, ensuring parallel alignment of optical and electrical axes for enhanced fit and functionality across different vehicle applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal camera design is implemented to accommodate varying vehicle applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to the need for flexible adjustment of optical and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the PCB and lens holder to be positioned and adjusted along the z-axis during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the same camera design to adapt to different vehicle applications while maintaining precise optical-electrical alignment through adjustable rather than fixed component positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cage structure as an intermediary component between the housing and the internal components (PCB and lens holder). This cage provides a standardized mounting interface that facilitates both adaptability across vehicle applications and precise alignment through its structured support and positioning features
2Ease of operation
If components are allowed to float and move along the z-axis for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms and cage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera assembly into distinct functional modules: the housing, the cage structure, the lens holder, and the PCB. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned along the z-axis, simplifying the adjustment process while the standardized cage interface prevents excessive complexity by providing a common mounting framework
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 solution enables a versatile camera assembly that maintains precise alignment and secure mounting, enhancing the fit and functionality of vehicle vision systems across various applications, facilitating effective image capture and object detection for driver assistance.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive is applied and cured to retain the components relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A camera assembly process for assembling a camera for a vehicle vision system includes aligning and affixing an imager PCB at a lens holder so as to align an imager with a lens. A connector PCB is electrically connected to the imager PCB. The lens holder, the connector PCB and the imager PCB are inserted into a housing portion, and a cage retains the connector PCB at the housing portion. A connector assembly is disposed at a rear portion of the housing, and electrically conductive terminals of the connector assembly electrically conductively connect to electrically conductive terminals of the connector PCB at a rear opening at the rear portion of the housing. The lens holder and the connector assembly are movable along a longitudinal axis of the camera assembly relative to the housing portion and adhesively retained thereat.