Deployable Vehicle Camera Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles lack a deployable mechanism that allows for on-demand monitoring and retraction, which is essential for applications like driver monitoring and autonomous driving, and often obstruct the view or are prone to contamination when stowed.
Innovation Solution
A deployable camera system utilizing shape memory alloy elements and resilient members to reversibly transition between stowed and deployed positions, activated by thermal signals, allowing for selective deployment and retraction, and integration with a latch mechanism for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is permanently mounted in a fixed position, then monitoring coverage is continuous, but the camera obstructs the view and is prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic deployable mechanism that can move between stowed and deployed positions. The camera housing is coupled to a deployable mechanism including linkages and shape memory alloy elements that enable the camera to dynamically adjust its position, retracting when not in use and deploying when monitoring is needed, thus eliminating continuous obstruction and contamination exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is divided into separable components: the camera housing, the deployable mechanism, and the latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the camera to be independently deployed or stowed relative to the vehicle body, enabling it to be positioned optimally for monitoring while minimizing obstruction and contamination risks when retracted.
2Reliability
If the camera is deployed continuously, then monitoring is always available, but the obstruction and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera operates in periodic cycles, deploying only when monitoring is required and retracting when not in use. The deployable mechanism with shape memory alloy elements enables the camera to transition between deployed and stowed positions on demand, providing monitoring availability only during necessary periods while minimizing obstruction and contamination during retracted periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a deployable mechanism is added to the camera system, then obstruction and contamination are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical deployable mechanism with multiple moving parts, motors, and control systems is replaced with a shape memory alloy-based mechanism. The shape memory alloy elements directly couple to the camera housing and linkages, using thermal activation to drive deployment and retraction, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to reduce obstruction and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy elements are self-actuating through thermal activation, eliminating the need for complex external motors, actuators, or control systems. The material inherently converts thermal energy into mechanical motion to deploy and retract the camera, reducing device complexity while achieving the desired deployable functionality.
4Speed
If shape memory alloy elements are used for deployment, then actuation speed and reliability are improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy elements utilize phase transition parameter changes between martensite and austenite phases to achieve rapid deployment and retraction. By controlling the thermal activation parameters (temperature, heating rate), the system achieves fast actuation speeds while managing energy consumption through efficient thermal transfer and controlled phase transitions in the alloy material.
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 on-demand monitoring while minimizing obstruction and contamination risks, with quick actuation and reliable operation, suitable for various vehicle types including automotive and non-automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal to thereby transition the camera to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a first resilient member coupled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal.