Conductive Ball Joint for Wire-Free Vehicle Camera Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle cameras lack the ability to move in multiple directions while maintaining an electrical connection without visible wires, limiting their versatility and application in monitoring various vehicle interiors and exteriors.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a ball joint with a conductive sphere and socket, where the sphere's surface is divided into insulated conductive portions for power transmission, allowing the camera to move freely in multiple directions while providing a secure electrical connection without visible wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint is provided to allow movement in multiple directions, then the camera's versatility and monitoring capability are improved, but providing an integrated electrical connection without visible wires becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint sphere is segmented into multiple conductive portions with different electrical potentials, allowing independent electrical contacts for power and signal transmission while maintaining mechanical rotational freedom. This segmentation enables the electrical connection to be integrated into the ball joint structure without restricting movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint is designed to serve dual functions: mechanical pivoting for multi-directional camera movement and electrical power/signal transmission. The conductive portions of the sphere and corresponding socket contacts enable the same mechanical joint to simultaneously provide both motion freedom and integrated electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If the sphere surface is formed from electrically conductive material for power supply, then wire-free electrical connection is achieved, but the movement freedom of the second part may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Only specific portions of the sphere surface are made conductive rather than the entire surface, allowing electrical contact at specific locations while leaving other areas non-conductive. This localized conductivity maintains movement freedom by reducing electrical friction and interference while still providing reliable power and signal transmission through the conductive zones.
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
Enables a compact, wire-free electrical connection that supports the camera's movement in multiple directions, enhancing its application in various monitoring scenarios such as rear seat, trunk, trailer, and intrusion monitoring with continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
At least a surface of the sphere of the ball joint is at least partially formed from an electrically conductive material such that the electronic circuit is supplied with the electrical power through the surface of the sphere
Data Source
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Figure 7a~7d
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic device (1) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising a first part (8) and a second part (9) pivotally arranged on the first part (8) through a ball joint (10) comprising a sphere (11) on the one hand and a socket (12) on the other hand, wherein the second part (9) comprises an electronic circuit for providing a functionality in the motor vehicle (3), wherein the first part (8) comprises an energy supply unit for supplying the electronic circuit with electrical power. At least a surface of the sphere (11) is at least partially formed from an electrically conductive material such that the electronic circuit is supplied with the electrical power through the surface of the sphere (11).