Dual-Facing Vehicle Camera Enclosure for Harsh Outdoor Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras used in vehicular applications face restrictions due to the need for protection from outdoor elements like temperature fluctuations and inclement weather, limiting their operation to enclosed vehicle environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual-facing camera system with enclosures that form a cavity, allowing outdoor mounting on vehicles, featuring windows for data capture and a communication coupling for wireless data transmission to a remote server, while withstanding extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cameras are mounted outdoors on vehicles, then data capture capability is improved, but the camera is exposed to harmful environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into separate functional components: the camera module itself, the enclosure providing environmental protection, and the mounting structure. This segmentation allows the camera to remain protected while still performing outdoor data capture functions through strategically placed windows and openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary between the camera and the harsh outdoor environment. It provides physical protection against temperature extremes, rain, and other environmental factors while incorporating windows and ports that allow the camera to capture data and transmit signals without direct exposure to harmful elements.
2Reliability
If cameras are protected from outdoor elements, then reliability is improved, but the camera is restricted to enclosed vehicle environments
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides environmental protection, enables outdoor mounting through vehicle-compatible attachment mechanisms, maintains camera reliability, and allows data capture in diverse outdoor conditions. This multi-functionality makes the system adaptable to various vehicle types and outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed with different properties in different locations: transparent or translucent windows in areas requiring data capture, sealed sections for environmental protection, and mounting interfaces for vehicle attachment. This localized differentiation of properties allows the single enclosure to achieve both protection and environmental adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective enclosure is added around the camera, then environmental resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure utilizes thin-walled protective structures that provide environmental resistance without adding significant bulk or complexity. The design employs simple geometric forms and minimal segmentation, allowing the enclosure to protect the camera while maintaining ease of manufacture and installation on various vehicle platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a camera assembly and a communication coupling extending from the camera assembly is provided. The camera assembly can include a first enclosure having a first window and a second enclosure having a second window. The second enclosure can be opposite the first enclosure and couple with the first enclosure to form a cavity. The camera assembly can include a port disposed in one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure and a dual-facing camera disposed within the cavity. The dual facing camera can have a first camera facing a first direction and a second camera facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The first camera can align with the first window and the second camera can align with the second window when the dual-facing camera is disposed within the cavity. The communication coupling can couple with the dual-facing camera and extend through the port.