Dual Flap Camera Module for Motor Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules for motor vehicles have a restricted view and potential obstruction of the license plate due to a single pivoting flap, which limits the field of vision and image capture when moving from a rest to an operating position.
Innovation Solution
The camera module features two separate flaps that completely cover the camera in the rest position and form a gap in the operating position, allowing unobstructed outside area capture, with the flaps being actuated by the camera's movement and optionally assisted by a spring element for automatic closure, eliminating the need for a kinematic connection and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flap is used to cover the camera, then the construction is simple, but the field of vision is restricted and the license plate may be covered
Solution Approach 1:
The single flap is divided into two separate flaps (first flap and second flap) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each flap to be positioned optimally to avoid obstructing the license plate or restricting the field of vision, while maintaining relatively simple construction
2Device complexity
If the flap is pivoted by a predetermined angle, then the construction is simple, but the outside area is only partially imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to be movable between different positions (closed position covering the camera and open position allowing full imaging). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt between protection mode and imaging mode, ensuring the entire outside area can be captured when needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flap covers the camera in rest position, then the camera is protected from dirt and theft, but the view is restricted when moving to operating position
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the covering structure into two separate flaps, the system can provide full coverage for protection when closed, while allowing progressive opening during movement to maintain visibility. The independent movement of each flap ensures unobstructed view during the transition to operating position
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
This design enhances user comfort and safety by providing an unobstructed view, protecting the camera from dirt and theft, and ensuring reliable image capture without restricting the field of vision, while simplifying the construction and reducing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flap to be assigned a spring element which holds the flap in the position in which the flap covers the camera
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a camera module (1) having a carrier element (3) for receiving a camera (4), preferably having a lens (5), for a motor vehicle, wherein the camera (4) is designed such that the camera can be moved by an actuator (7) between a first position, in particular a rest position, and a second position, in particular an operating position, wherein at least one first flap (8) and a second flap (9) are arranged on the camera module (1), which jointly completely conceal the camera (4) in the first position and are arranged at a distance from each other in the second position and form a gap (14), through which an outer region can be detected by means of the camera (4), in particular by the lens (5) of the camera (4).