Dual Rear Camera System for Tailgate Position Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-mounted video cameras on vehicles with fold-down tailgates face optical axis misalignment issues when the tailgate transitions between raised and lowered configurations, disrupting the rear view provided by the camera system.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-camera system or a moveable camera with a field of view altering device, where one camera captures a suitable rear view in the raised configuration and another in the lowered configuration, or a single camera whose field of view is adjusted based on the tailgate position, ensuring continuous rear visibility during both configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rear video camera is mounted to the tailgate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the rear view deteriorates when the tailgate rotates between raised and lowered configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into multiple segments: a first rear video camera for capturing images when the tailgate is in the raised configuration, and a second rear video camera for capturing images when the tailgate is in the lowered configuration. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimally positioned for its specific configuration, maintaining measurement precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic camera selection system where the control unit automatically switches between the first and second rear video cameras based on the tailgate position. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the appropriate camera is active for each configuration, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and view accuracy
2Ease of manufacture
If a rear video camera is mounted on the tailgate assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different tailgate positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into multiple fixed-position cameras (first rear video camera and second rear video camera) rather than using a single adaptable camera. Each camera is manufactured and positioned for a specific tailgate configuration, simplifying manufacturing while achieving adaptability through the multi-camera architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal camera system that handles multiple functions: the first camera serves the raised configuration function, the second camera serves the lowered configuration function, and the control unit manages both functions. This multi-functionality approach achieves adaptability to different positions without requiring each individual camera to be mechanically adaptable
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body that has a cabin area and a cargo area including a truck bed assembly. A tailgate assembly is pivotally connected to the truck bed assembly at a location between a pair of tailgate posts, the tailgate assembly being moveable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. A vehicle video system includes a first rear video camera that captures a first field of view at least partially rearward of a rear bumper assembly of the vehicle body with the tailgate assembly in the raised configuration and a second rear video camera that captures a second field of view rearward of the tailgate assembly with the tailgate assembly in the lowered configuration.